Our Story
A word from our founder
Votre achat aide à amplifier les voix et les marques autochtones et nous aide à prendre une position plus forte dans l'économie et à développer des communautés plus saines. De plus, pour chaque nouvel abonnement pour enfants vendu cette année, nous faisons don d'un nouveau livre pour enfants à un programme national d'alphabétisation d'été pour les jeunes Autochtones. (Plus d'informations à venir !)
Mon héritage mixte et mes racines autochtones m'ont inculqué une passion pour trouver des moyens intéressants d'engager, d'inspirer et de motiver ceux qui m'entourent. Raven Reads est né d'un désir d'éduquer les autres sur l'impact dévastateur des pensionnats sur les peuples autochtones au Canada.
Les pensionnats étaient en place au Canada depuis plus d'un siècle, avec le la dernière a fermé ses portes en 1996. Plus de 150 000 enfants ont fréquenté ces écoles et beaucoup ne sont jamais revenus. Souvent sous-financées et surpeuplées, ces écoles ont été utilisées comme outil d'assimilation. Des milliers d'étudiants ont subi des abus physiques et sexuels - tous souffraient de solitude et du désir d'être à la maison avec leur famille. Des cultures, des langues et des modes de vie entiers ont été anéantis et l'impact infligé par ces écoles continue de se faire sentir à ce jour.
Rapport final du Comité vérité et réconciliation (publié en 2015) jeté les bases d'un moyen de trouver un terrain d'entente pour aller de l'avant pour les peuples autochtones et non autochtones.
Comme beaucoup d'entre nous, je me demande souvent ce que signifie la réconciliation et ce que rôle puis-je jouer là-dedans ? Je sais que la réconciliation signifie différentes choses pour différentes personnes. Pour beaucoup, il s'agit d'établir et de maintenir une relation de respect mutuel entre les peuples autochtones et non autochtones de ce pays. Pour que cela se produise, il doit y avoir une prise de conscience de notre passé collectif ainsi que des actions qui changeront les comportements.
Nous n'en sommes pas encore là. La relation entre les peuples autochtones et non autochtones n'est pas une relation de respect mutuel.
Mais je crois que nous pouvons y arriver.
Maarsii. Miigwetch.
A call for action
In 2015, shortly after the TRC released its final report, Raven Reads founder Nicole McLaren started a book club. The book club was a gathering place to not only share incredible books but to open a dialogue as well. To bring this experience to a wider audience, Raven Reads was born.
It has been designed as a safe space for you to learn about other cultures, about history and to discover beautifully crafted products made by Indigenous entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Our Team
Indigenous and women owned
We are a team composed of tenacious Indigenous and non-Indigenous female leaders who strive to see Raven Reads reach it maximum potential and offer our customers authentic and quality products that we can be proud of.
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Nicole
CEO / Founder
Nicole McLaren is a mother, wife and an entrepreneur at heart. Nicole’s steady search for opportunities combined with her enterprising, Indigenous roots led her to launch Raven Reads in 2017. Nicole is also the Founder and Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Business Network, an expanding non-profit network that provides support for other Indigenous women looking to start or grow their own business.
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Susan
President
Susan started her career working in Toronto working for a large forestry corporation. Since moving to BC she has worked primarily for First Nations communities and organizations.
She grew up mainly in BC and Ontario and has raised two amazing sons. Her wonderful
husband comes from Simpcw First Nation (Chu Chua) and his mother is from Cooks
Ferry First Nation near Spences Bridge. Her spare time is spent camping with
her husband and dog and seeing as much of the world as possible.
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Kirsten
COO
Kirsten is a adventurous, dog lover who loves to cook. She studied project management and has a passion for finding ways to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. She has a knack for developing and implementing efficient processes that really work for people. She has dedicated her career to the e-commerce and fulfillment industry, with more than 8 years experience. She is the Operations Specialist for Raven Reads, ensuring the day to day order flow is smooth.
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Colleen
Marketing Director
Colleen is our marketing professional with over ten years’
experience in marketing and advertising in First Nations gaming and client services. Colleen’s roots are from Sakitawak also known as Ile-a-La Crosse in northern Saskatchewan. Colleen is also a member of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 10 Territory. Colleen currently resides in the border city of Lloydminster, SK with her husband.
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Victoria
Senior Ops. Coordinator
Victoria grew up in Merritt, BC and currently still resides on the West Coast of Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys playing in her garden and listening to live music. Victoria is the Senior Operations Coordinator for Raven Reads and brings knowledge in corporate administrative systems and people management. Her career background includes experience in human resources, administration, and various levels of customer service. Victoria is from the Nłeʔkepmxc nation and is a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band.
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Jessica
Community Manager
Jessica grew up in Swift Current, SK and currently lives in Langham, SK outside of Saskatoon. Her husband is from James Smith Cree Nation and they have 3 children. Jessica is a social media manager for Raven Reads and helps with other aspects of the business where needed such as research for business expansion projects. Jessica operates her own virtual management business and has a full-time business in personal finance.
