The Client Services Economic Development staff work to increase and promote economic development opportunities and outcomes and showcase Tłı̨chǫ traditional knowledge and culture through arts and craftsmanship, Tłı̨chǫ Arts launched its new online store on March 31, 2023. To further support economic development, Client Services has invested in a point of sale (POS) system for Tłı̨chǫ Arts staff to connect to the online store via mobile devices and conduct in-store and offsite purchases as well as manage shipping, tracking, and inventory levels. This technology improves the use of business tools that make the products remotely at tradeshows and other arts and sales.
The First Annual Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale and Showcase was held at the Tree of Peace in Yellowknife in the fall of 2022. The one-day event connected Holiday Season buyers in Yellowknife with Tłı̨chǫ artisans who had products to sell. Several artists went home with additional orders, and the Tłı̨chǫ Arts Online Store was cross-promoted, creating further awareness for this sales channel to potential buyers.
Sewing workshops aimed at growing the skills needed to support the traditional economy are also helpful. They support artists by helping them learn how to price their products to ensure cost recovery, compensation for their time, and competitive positioning. In addition, artists learn about different sales methods, such as direct sales to customers versus commissioned sales through retail outlets, and they also know how to calculate net revenue for themselves.
The Economic Development division establishes training and internship programs for Tłı̨chǫ citizens in partnership with external stakeholders where budgets permit.
Additional economic development activities that generate internal and external interest and benefits are staff training and training secondments.
If you have questions or would like additional information about programs or services relating to Economic Development, please contact Client Services at: [email protected]
