Indigenous entrepreneur from Alberta makes his dream come true

An Indigenous entrepreneur who’s dream to open up a store within the city has come true inside Kingsway Mall.

Windspeaker Radio Network spoke with Clinton Desjarlais, owner of the Store ‘Up the River’ about it’s humble beginnings that started from the Pow Wow Trails, to owning a store inside the Mall.

Clinton Desjarlais, Owner of ‘Up the River’ Store in Kingsway Mall (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Desjarlais says that his idea for the store was to be a place to uplift other Indigenous artisans he knows from across Alberta that are able to showcase their hand-made work and are able to sell within his store and kiosk inside Kingsway Mall.

Some clothing merchandise inside ‘Up the River’ (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Desjarlais said some of his vendors are from communities like Frog Lake and Yellowknife

Handmade beadwork within ‘Up the River’ (Photo Credits -Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

‘Up the River’ can be found on the 2nd floor by Hudson’s Bay, along with their stand up kiosk in front of Footlocker.