Indigenous Entrepreneur Pioneers Support for Next Generation of Canadian Business Owners

Patrice Mousseau, founder and CEO of Satya Organic, is expanding her efforts to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada, building on the success of her skincare brand and aiming to foster economic empowerment within Indigenous communities.

Mousseau launched Satya Organic in 2014 from her home kitchen, initially seeking a natural solution for her daughter’s eczema. The brand, now a certified B Corporation known for its plant-based formulas, quickly gained popularity and is currently sold in over 1,000 Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada, as well as in the U.S. and Hong Kong. This widespread retail presence marks a significant milestone, as Satya Organic was the first Indigenous-owned company stocked by the major retailer.

Beyond scaling her own business, Mousseau now serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Flint Hub, an Indigenous-focused business incubator at the University of Waterloo’s United College. There, she mentors young Indigenous founders, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. “Sometimes you’re just moving so quickly, trying to do so much,” she explains. “Very often it’s just me asking the right questions so they come to their own conclusions.” One mentee, Winter Dawn Lipscombe, founder of the Miskwaabiimizh Collective, credits Mousseau with reframing her approach to risk, stating, “Patrice said, ‘What risk would you take if your kin held the safety net?’ That completely reframed how I was looking at my business.” Access to capital and culturally relevant support are often significant hurdles for Indigenous entrepreneurs, as highlighted by organizations like the Canadian Community Economic Development Network.

Mousseau believes that increased Indigenous entrepreneurship will lead to greater economic independence and community empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of considering community impact, environmental sustainability, and ethical treatment of people when building a business – values deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures. Today, October 16, 2025, Mousseau stated her goal is to see a “snowball” effect as more Indigenous individuals are inspired to create their own ventures.

Mousseau encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “just get started,” while Flint Hub continues to expand its resources and mentorship programs to support the growing number of Indigenous-led businesses across Canada.