Meet Derek Nicholas

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derek Nicholas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Derek, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity is rooted from those elders who took their time and energy to teach me what I know. Without them I would be unable to do the work I do, so for that I do my best to emulate their generosity. Furthermore, I am a big believer that you reap what you sow. Therefore, if I sow good things like generosity, that good will find its way back into my life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Wiisinig LLC we are focused on revitalizing indigenous food systems amongst tribal communities. To achieve this goal I facilitate culturally focused workshops and create educational resources. Through this land based education you truly get to see the spark of life jump into people. By these means individuals begin to discover their talents, passions, interests, and ultimately finding their purpose in life–for me this is the most exciting

Recently, Wiisinig LLC just published a new book called Through Food We Know Ourselves. Through Food We Know Ourselves is a restorative cookbook and cultural journey that explores the deep connection between food and identity for the Anishinaabeg people. Recipes within this book are inspired by legends, oral histories, and creative exploration — filled with indigenous knowledge and cultural insights. To learn more about our work follow us on social media @wiisinigllc or visit our website, www.wiisinigllc.com

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in Wiisinig LLC’s journey are community-centered leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Wiisinig LLC is rooted in listening to and uplifting the communities we serve. Understanding local needs and building genuine relationships has shaped our decisions, projects, and partnerships. Therefore it is extremely important to take time to understand the “why” behind your work. Spend time in the community, listen deeply, and build trust before taking action — authentic connection is the most powerful driver of sustainable impact

As a growing business, we’ve learned that flexibility is essential and learning how to adapt. When working on the land its required to observe changes within the environment and follow the Earth’s timeline. Also keeping up with the constant changes in policy is needed to ensure guidelines are being met and such. The ability to pivot while staying true to our mission has allowed us to keep moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear.

Every stage of growth has required new knowledge — from navigating business operations to expanding technical expertise. We’ve embraced learning as a lifelong process. I always recommend others to invest in your own development. Seek mentors, take courses, be a participant, and stay curious.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest hurdle I face is access to land. Land is often the challenge that prevents indigenous peoples the ability practice and exercise their culture. Currently, I am trying to resolve this issue by fundraising efforts. By fundraising I aim to acquire a large piece of land that would be utilized to build a cultural camp, a dream of mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wiisinigllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiisinigllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiisinigLLC/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaG8B7i6yV5-7p6vU3oA2JA