Decontie Clean:
A Journey Rooted in Algonquin Anishinaabe Values
"Our vision is to build Decontie Clean as a business grounded in Indigenous values, creating opportunities that uplift communities and individuals to follow their dreams." — Gavin Decontie, Founder and CEO
Gavin Decontie's journey began in Kitigan Zibi First Nation, Quebec, where he grew up as the eldest of nine siblings. The inception of Decontie Clean can be traced back to a transformative family experience. Gavin's mother struggled with environmental sensitivities and severe allergic reactions due to dust accumulation on their cherished family couch. Gavin's deep commitment to family, community, and Indigenous values ignited his determination.
In 2014, he turned inspiration into reality, founding Decontie Clean, a venture dedicated to addressing health concerns through meticulous upholstery cleaning. Over a decade, Decontie Clean became a vital pillar of support within the Kitigan Zibi community, while Gavin himself served as the volunteer coach of the Kitigan Zibi High School Track Team.
In 2023, Gavin strategically relocated Decontie Clean to Gatineau and the National Capital Region, expanding its services to a diverse clientele, including commercial and government partners. His unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for young Indigenous professionals led him to join the ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub Incubator, backed by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, for support and access to valuable procurement and business development opportunities.
Gavin envisions Decontie Clean as more than an upholstery cleaning service. It embodies the transformative power of Indigenous entrepreneurship, uplifting communities and individuals to pursue their aspirations. As Decontie Clean extends its presence in the National Capital Region, it also grows its impact as the sponsor of the Kitigan Zibi High School Track Team. Gavin's vision for the future is clear: to build Decontie Clean as a business deeply rooted in Indigenous values, creating opportunities that resonate for generations to come.
Our Values & Commitments
Decontie Clean is committed to advancing reconciliation, creating opportunities for Indigenous youth, and building a thriving business that cares for its employees and the environment.
Truth & Reconciliation
Economic reconciliation is paramount in bridging the divide between Canada and First Nations, and the principles of Business and Reconciliation 92, along with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, light our path. At Decontie Clean, we don't just adhere to these principles; we embody them. When corporate partners collaborate with us, they are not only accessing top-tier services but also actively endorsing and participating in a vital act of reconciliation. We challenge businesses to see beyond transactions. Embrace the principles, recognize the significance of supporting Indigenous-led ventures, and understand that by partnering with Decontie Clean, you're championing an inclusive economic future. Join us in this transformative journey; let's rewrite history together.
Decontie Clean Emblem
Representing our Values and Aspirations
The emblem for Decontie Clean, deeply rooted in Indigenous Algonquin Anishinaabe culture, carries profound meaning that reflects our company's values and aspirations. At its core is the eagle feather, a sacred symbol representing our respect for the natural world and the spiritual connection between realms—a reminder of the wisdom passed down through generations.
The emblem combines the eagle feather with a leaf, signifying growth, renewal, and the evergreen vitality of our Indigenous communities. This embodies our commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, respecting the land and its resources.
The seven rays emanating as the feather leaf represent our teams, families, and communities on a shared path. Each ray signifies us moving upward and forward, symbolizing our collective effort and commitment to building Decontie Clean as a tool for reclamation to create a legacy for the next seven generations.
The soothing dark blue colour embodies deep wisdom and harmony within our traditions, reminding us of our connection to the cosmos, but also the blue guiding light within. It represents peace, health, safety, harmony and balance.
The emblem is adorned with a circle, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life, the cyclical nature of existence, and the enduring spirit of our communities. It pays homage to the wisdom of our ancestors and our responsibility to guide future generations.
The four colours and quadrants of the circle correspond to the four cardinal directions and align with the Indigenous medicine wheel, emphasizing the need for balance in all aspects of life—mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. This commitment ensures that we grow and build Decontie Clean in a good way, maintaining harmony within ourselves and our community.
Vibrant yellow accents infuse the emblem with positivity, representing the vitality our Indigenous youth bring to our company and communities and how they keep us motivated to be brave, resilient and positive— always leading by example.
This emblem is inspired by the ribbon shirt passed down by our founder's grandfather and serves as a profound connection to our heritage and the values that form the bedrock of Decontie Clean.
