By Jalene Moman, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
3-minute read
At the heart of Dreamcatcher Promotions’ journey is a story of perseverance, partnership, and family-run values.
Founded by Michelle Cameron in 2011, Dreamcatcher Promotions has grown from a single embroidery machine into Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned promotional products company. Now, they’ve created products for Microsoft, Canadian Tire, and The North West Company, helping improve brand visibility through custom merchandise such as apparel, bags, office supplies, and even cookies.
But reaching that success came with challenges.
We sat down with Marcus Langlois, Vice President of Dreamcatcher Promotions, to discuss how a Winnipeg-based business built a national customer base, the partnerships they’ve checked off their bucket list, and his message to our business community.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC): Can you share any challenges the company has faced and walk us through how you overcame them?
Marcus Langlois (ML): As I’ve been working alongside Michelle Cameron, the owner, I’ve been able to see and hear about the struggle she went through in those first five years. One of the challenges we faced early on, like many other companies, and especially as an Indigenous-owned company, was being given that chance when you first start out.
When you’re a startup Indigenous-owned company, First Nations-owned company, you want to give the best impression possible, and that’s absolutely what Michelle was giving. But then, the challenge became getting the same opportunities as non-Indigenous companies. Michelle overcame those challenges by showing up day after day, phone call after phone call, email after email. She had to go above and beyond to inspire people to see she had something they should join in on, and eventually they did.
Now that we’ve made it over those first initial bumps, Michelle Cameron and Dreamcatcher Promotions have really excelled.
WCC: Reflecting on your partnerships, which organizations have significantly influenced Dreamcatcher Promotions to get where you are today?
ML: Number one is The North West Company. They gave us an opportunity and helped us get our brand into 80 northern stores across the country. That not only made a difference for us here but also had a huge impact on small First Nations-owned businesses, giving them inspiration to do this one day. I have nothing but amazing things to say about The North West Company; they’re doing amazing things across the country.
Another big one for us is True North Sports + Entertainment, AKA the Winnipeg Jets. They gave us an opportunity to help with their goals and vision within the company, and it has had a huge impact on me as a staff member and on Michelle Cameron as well. I’ve always heard her say, “One day, we’re going to print for the Winnipeg Jets,” and here we are now!
WCC: After reaching those partnership goals, are there any other goals you’re excited about?
ML: Our goal within the company is always to create more jobs. I think that should be the goal for many companies in Winnipeg and across Manitoba: creating more jobs and opportunities for individuals to provide for their families.
We want to continue to hire our own, and really hire anybody, so we can give everybody the opportunity to work in an environment where they’re comfortable, they feel safe, and they feel welcomed. Michelle Cameron has implemented these values into the company, and that’s why we have those long-lasting staff members. There’s a family-like feeling here.
WCC: If you could share one message with the Winnipeg business community, what would it be?
ML: Join a group that will help your company grow. One thing that has made a huge difference in our company is joining the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Why I’d recommend The Chamber is because you’re going to have a network, a community that’s going to be able to get your business name out there. They’ve also helped us reach people and companies that we never knew about. It’s so important!
