A Winnipeg-based garment manufacturer with a century-old history is embarking on a new journey following its acquisition by a Manitoba First Nation. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation revealed its purchase of Freed & Freed International Ltd. on Friday, envisioning economic opportunities, job creation, and skills development for First Nations individuals.
Chief Gordon BlueSky expressed the tribe’s focus on seizing procurement opportunities at various government levels. The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed by both parties. Workers at Freed & Freed’s manufacturing plant in Winnipeg are actively producing jackets for Canadian Armed Forces members.
The company’s past work, including garments for the RCMP and Canada Post, was on display, reflecting their contributions to events like the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and the Hudson Bay Company’s Stripes outerwear line. BlueSky highlighted the potential for expanding manufacturing ventures, emphasizing the importance of First Nations involvement in the industry.
Marissa Freed, the president of Freed & Freed and a fourth-generation owner, sees the acquisition as a growth opportunity. She emphasized the significance of maintaining Canadian production amid dwindling capacities post-COVID. Freed expressed optimism about the transition, viewing it as the start of a fresh legacy for the company.
BlueSky underscored the pride in potentially labeling products as “made in Treaty 1,” symbolizing community progress over the past century. He envisions a future where their efforts today pave the way for generational success. The purchase signifies a significant milestone for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, setting a course for enhanced Indigenous participation in the garment sector.