Gear with a social conscience brings recognition for young entrepreneur

The concept of Neechie Gear really began years ago when Kendal Netmaker-Weenie was in elementary school.

A friend noticed that Netmaker-Weenie had a lot of talent when it came to sports, but wasn’t involved in any organized team sports.

 “He asked me, ‘Why aren’t you playing on these teams?’ and I told him...we don’t even have a vehicle, I can’t get to these practices, and we don’t have money for registration,” said Netmaker-Weenie.

The next day, his friend returned and told him that after telling his parents about Netmaker-Weenie, they wanted to pay his registration fees and promised to drive him back home to his reserve after practices.

“By the time we were in Grade 6, they gave us their old used vehicle,” recalled Netmaker-Weenie. “That was our stepping stone to get me into sports and my sisters into sports.”

Netmaker-Weenie said the generosity shown years ago means he can make a difference in the lives of youth today who want to play sports but can’t afford to join a team.

“I truly believe because of that one friend that helped us, that enabled me to get to where I am today.”

Where Netmaker-Weenie is today is heading up Neechie Gear, a clothing brand with a social conscience that is getting a lot of attention.

Most recently, Neechie Gear was nominated for two ABEX Awards, which are presented by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Although Neechie Gear didn’t win in either the Aboriginal Partnership or Community Involvement categories, Netmaker-Weenie said being nominated and mentioned to a crowd of 2,000 people is a “big boost.”

Prior to that, Neechie Gear won the 2011 CANDO Economic Developer of the Year Award- Aboriginal Private Sector Business Award, and Netmaker-Weenie was one of 30 Canadian youth entrepreneurs chosen from 200 to attend the G20 Youth Entrepreneur Summit in Nice, France.

“All these opportunities are coming because of our commitment to help youth and sports,” said Netmaker-Weenie. He said running a business with a social conscience sets Neechie Gear apart from other clothing companies.

“That’s what’s taken us places and been our competitive edge against competitors, bringing in customers because they believe in what we’re doing.”

Neechie Gear sold nearly $4,000 worth of clothing at the FSIN/SIGA pow wow in November. Netmaker-Weenie said the company continues to expand its inventory by experimenting with ladies yoga pants, youth t-shirts and baby onesies.

His next step is to get that inventory into stores.

Netmaker-Weenie is also working on pulling together two volleyball teams – what Neechie Gear is all about. He hopes to have one boys and one girls team, and said depending on who comes to tryouts, the teams will be under 16 or under 18.