Richard Froese
South Peace News

Two prominent speakers headline the Small Business Gala on Oct. 21 as the High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates Small Business Week. Oct. 15-21.

The gala at Edmo Peyre Hall at the rodeo grounds features the theme “Denim and Lace”.

“We will celebrate small business in High Prairie and the surrounding region,” says president Jennifer Zatko.

Guest speakers will be fashion model Linsay Willier, of Sucker Creek First Nation, and Chief Clarence Louie, of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

“We selected them because they have business success stories and they are very effective motivational speakers,” Zatko says.

“They will both bring great messages.”

Willier is a Canadian fashion model and was the runner-up on Canada’s Next Top Model in 2009, states her biographical information on Wikipedia.

After the competition, Willier appeared in a feature article in New Tribe Magazine in February 2010.

She was discovered at West Edmonton Mall by a Western Canada Fashion Week Designer.

Clarence Louie

Willier has walked in Western Canada Fashion Week and been featured in the Edmonton Journal.

The fashion designers were in awe of her exotic beauty and determination.

Louie is a renowned Canadian First Nations leader and businessman and was first elected chief in 1985, states his biographical information on Wikipedia.

He started the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation in 1988. Through the corporation’s efforts, the previously impoverished band started or acquired nine businesses, including tourism, construction, and recreation companies.

The band now employs 700 people including non-First Nations.

A high-profile business started by the OIBDC during Louie’s tenure is Nk’Mip Cellars, the first aboriginal-owned winery in North America.

Doors for the Gala open at 5 p.m. when cocktails will also be served, followed by dinner, guest speakers and awards.

Tickets are available from members of the chamber executive or at the chamber of commerce office in the Town of High Prairie civic building.

Linsay Willier