ReSkilled Life owner, Natalie Pepin, uses fundraisers to teach others about her Indigenous culture
Treaty 6, Métis Region 4, (Edmonton, Alberta) October 20, 2022 – Natalie Pepin, a member of the Métis Nation and owner of ReSkilled Life, a company that teaches traditional skills to people of all backgrounds, is asking for public support to join in on a “House-A-Thon" after the devastating loss of her ancestral home this past spring. Along with each milestone of the $60,000 online fundraiser, Pepin is offering a variety of traditional Indigenous virtual classes to show her appreciation, and in return help others connect with culture through learning. The fundraiser is a unique opportunity for people to help a family, support an Indigenous business and learn some traditional skills in the process.
Back in March, Pepin and her four kids watched flames engulf their home and nearly all of their belongings. Pepin is a Harvard grad who is used to living off the grid in a way that is as close to traditional as possible, but her new family house will still need power, water, and sewer lines, all of which cost money. This is where the idea of a House-A-Thon came in.
“When I was little, I remember money being raised for community initiatives with people sitting on phones, and as pledges came in, and a specific target was reached, a band would play, or someone would come on and share something beautiful.” explains Pepin, “I thought that sharing traditional art classes, resources and stories could be a beautiful way for me to give back to those that are willing to help and provide a taste of what Reskilled Life aims to provide”
Pepin’s business, Reskilled Life, offers a variety of Indigenous workshops and courses geared towards living a simple lifestyle in harmony with the land. The business began as a way for Pepin to share her skills in tanning hides, making moccasins, soapmaking, knitting and much more. As an entrepreneur and a member of Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA), Pepin focuses her attention on giving back by helping people reconnect with culture and place. Pepin is an inspiring example of ITA’s female members who are working towards reconciliation efforts by educating travellers and locals alike on Indigenous culture and practices. Pepin runs her business from home, and losing the space has hurt her ability to teach and earn a living.
Pepin needs to raise $60,000 for her build and to date has raised just over $46,000. To incentivize donations, Pepin has made an extensive list of what she will share back as various milestones are hit, including Indigenous traditional food cooking videos, recipes, Indigenous art classes, printable calendars and more.
Pepin is also documenting her journey on YouTube for everyone to follow along.
You can view and donate to Pepin’s GoFundMe Page here, and learn more about traditional Métis life skills and art via ReSkilled Life’s website linked here
About Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Driven by the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Strategy 2020-2024, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) encourages and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism that showcases the unique and immersive experiences offered by its members throughout Alberta. This strategy is industry-driven, industry-lead and directed by Indigenous People. Through a unified industry voice, Indigenous Tourism Alberta focuses on creating and nurturing partnerships between associations, organizations, governments and industry leaders from across Alberta to support the stability and growth of Indigenous tourism. Further to this, ITA’s goal is to create a resilient Indigenous tourism industry that can weather future economic instability while also enhancing economic viability and further supporting Indigenous people throughout the province by sharing stories, culture and experiences with a global audience.
