548 Trading Co. brings Indigenous craft and commerce to Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new storefront has opened in downtown Fort St. John, powered by the economic heartbeat of Doig River First Nation (DRFN).

The 548 Trading Co., located in the heart of the downtown core, is focused on giving consumers a unique, uplifting, and rewarding experience and invigorating the retail life in the downtown area.

According to DRFN Band Manager Shona Nelson, the discussions about starting the store began nine months ago, when the former artist market occupying the space needed some business development support.

“It was struggling,” said Nelson of the market. “I mentioned taking on this project to the Chief and Council.  There was some infrastructure and good things here.”

“It fits in nicely with our overall strategic plans and presence in the territory.  Chief Trevor [Makadahay] was excited to have an urban trading post. The Nation is very entrepreneurial. We’ve had artisans and crafters for a long time.”

According to Small Business BC’s website, the province has 2,000 Indigenous-led small businesses. 

DRFN plans to host entrepreneurship programs out of the storefront, including allowing First Nations residents access to business loans and building out a business plan.

“Doig members are very relational.  Those relationships matter,” said Nelson. “That’s what they’ll do here.”

Jodie Surerus, the store’s manager, assisted in putting the pieces together. With a background in business, she was the perfect individual to further the store’s development, according to Nelson. 

Further assistance came from MNP and Julie Ziebart’s team, who she says provided “big support.”

The front space features products ranging from health care and soap to Indigenous-crafted fine jewelry.  From moosehide to moccasins, other products also include Indigenous brand coffee.

“People who have come in have loved it,” explains Surerus. “The touch, the feels, the smells. It’s all in your senses.  Very rarely do people who come visit don’t walk out with something at this point.”

In the centre of the store is a long table where potential customers can gather for workshops, such as an introduction to beadwork.

“If you wanted to bring in your group for some team building, they could work with an elder to do some crafting,” said Nelson. “There’s a lot of opportunities to build bridges and educate and inform people and create that broader, more inclusive community.”

To the edge of the customer floor, there is a welcoming space where individuals can sit around, gather, and learn about Dane-zaa culture from visiting elders.

Further back are more office spaces for meetings and a food-safe industrial kitchen for all to use. 

“Supporting buy-local-eat-local is part of our initiative,” said Nelson.  “We’re trying to support all entrepreneurs. With whatever assets they have.”

Surerus confirmed to energeticcity.ca that a virtual component of the store, allowing customers to order online, will eventually be operational in the coming months.

Now open, the store’s formal grand opening will occur on September 27th, a few days before the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

“I feel like this is a caterpillar that has turned into a butterfly,” said Nelson. “When you think about the whole process and the challenges, and now it’s happened.”

“Sometimes you find the right people at the right time, and it comes together.”

548 Trading Co. is located at 10055 100th Avenue in Fort St. John. 

More details about the store are available through the 548 Trading Co. Facebook page.