Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd. - Assisting First Nation communities to improve the lives of their children and members one heartbeat at a time.
Introduction
Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd. is a Vancouver-based company that is committed to enhancing the well-being of First Nation communities, one heartbeat at a time. Founded in 2015 after the retirement of managing director Wayne Drury, who had a successful 15-year tenure as an administrator and CEO of corporate development for the second largest First Nation in British Columbia. Since its inception, Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd. has been dedicated to delivering tailored and respectful services to First Nation communities, focusing on areas such as administration, social and health development, education, housing and asset management, as well as school and recreation services.
Recent Success
Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd., in collaboration with the Aklavik in the Northwest Territories, has achieved a significant milestone by securing funding to acquire a 24-passenger school bus for the local students. This new bus service, fully funded and set to commence in September 2024, will alleviate the difficulties faced by school students who previously had to navigate extreme temperatures and potential dangers while walking to school in this isolated community. The initiative aims to enhance safety and convenience for the students, mitigating risks such as wildlife-human conflicts along the way.
Funding Focusing on Youth
Before the successful initiative in Aklavik, Yo Soy Enterprise had already made significant strides in securing busing services for four other communities, including the acquisition of two buses for Inuvik. Wayne Drury emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, "Busing in First Nation communities has been lacking. In the past two years, we have addressed this gap in four communities and are now expanding to our fifth." Drury highlighted the critical role of busing in improving winter attendance and fostering better educational outcomes.
Moreover, beyond school busing initiatives, Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd. has demonstrated remarkable success in collaborating with communities to secure funding for essential needs through programs like Jordan's Principle and efforts addressing Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Over the past four years, more than $50 million has been secured to implement various community programs focusing on mental health, education, recreation, and culture, and addressing food and heating insecurity. Drury emphasized, "Our objective is to secure funding and provide managerial support to empower communities based on their preferences, with local First Nation community teams at the core of service delivery."
Housing a Priority
Ensuring adequate housing in First Nation communities remains a critical priority, especially considering the challenges faced in northern regions and beyond. Drury emphasized the importance of bridging the capacity gap to deliver housing that is not only safe and environmentally sustainable, but also tailored to meet the specific needs of each community while offering protection from extreme temperatures. He highlighted the inefficacy of housing designs catered to the "lower 60" population, stressing that such solutions do not offer the necessary safety and security that northern communities and residents rightfully deserve.
Moreover, Drury expressed the organization's concerted efforts in collaborating closely with Canadian suppliers to address design flaws, enhance quality standards, improve fire safety measures, and streamline logistics and construction processes. In conclusion, Drury stated, "Our objective at Yo Soy Enterprise is to empower First Nation communities with housing solutions that rival the best opportunities available anywhere in Canada."
Conclusion
Throughout history, First Nation communities have endured numerous injustices stemming from colonization, residential schools, the '60s Scoop, and ongoing systemic disparities. Drury acknowledged this troubled past, affirming, "While we cannot alter history, we have the power to shape a brighter future for today's and future generations." At Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd., our mission centers on offering assistance where it is sought and where we can make a meaningful difference in collaboration with First Nation communities. Drury underscored, "We engage with communities to the extent they desire, bringing forth our experience, expertise, integrity, and respectful service."
Should a First Nation community wish to explore potential collaborations with Yo Soy Enterprise Ltd., we welcome inquiries via email at wdrury1959@gmail.com. Rest assured; all communications are handled with the utmost confidentiality. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in conversations about how our capabilities can be leveraged to effectively support your community's needs.
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