Mona Royal

In 2001, Mona Royal and her partner had dreams of opening a gas station and gift-shop style trading post, and in 2002, M&R Gas and Boy Chief Trading Post came into existence. In Mona’s home community of Siksika Nation, Alberta, Boy Chief Trading Post provides a space for Indigenous peoples anywhere from Edmonton to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to show off their crafts and artwork. Prior to opening her business, Mona worked with the Siksika Nation and the Siksika Board of Education, where she wore many hats, working in finance, Human Resources, and transportation. Boy Chief Trading Post is named in honour of Mona’s great-grandfather, a Blackfoot warrior, respected leader, medicine man, and businessman.