Improving all life through Indigenous innovation
The Indigenous Innovation Initiative (I3) aims to empower First Nation, Inuit and Métis innovators and communities to identify and solve their own challenges, transform lives and drive inclusive growth, wellbeing and cultural revitalization through innovation. Hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, I3’s vision is to improve all life through Indigenous innovation.
Indigenous-led solutions
We support innovative and scalable Indigenous-led ideas for impact, investing in communities to solve complex health, social and economic challenges. Indigenous innovation is a new idea, program, product or service, or the clever modification of a current program, product or service, that is either designed, developed or invented, in whole or in part, by or for Indigenous Peoples and their communities.
Our work is deeply rooted in Indigenous values, principles, and ways of knowing and being. These elements inform our policies, procedures, and how we collect and use Indigenous Knowledges and data for meaningful impact.
The Indigenous Innovation Initiative was designed to address gendered and racialized barriers to economic participation through four key pillars:
Access to capital:
In partnership with donors, philanthropists and impact investors, we address the resource gaps and investment needs of innovators
Building capacity:
Together with a network of collaborative partners, we support innovators with the Knowledges, skills and tools they need to succeed
Cultivating networks:
As they are ready, we connect innovators to a meaningful ecosystem of relationships and opportunities that increase their social capital
Driving interest:
We celebrate successes and share innovators’ stories of hope, possibility, and impact to inspire the next generation
Innovation in action
ImmersiveLink7
I3’s first Transition to Scale innovation is ORIGIN’s ImmersiveLink7 platform blends Indigenous cultural values with cutting-edge virtual reality technology. The IL7 ethics series empowers communities by delivering training that fosters both personal growth and professional success, with a focus on the 7 Sacred Teachings to promote inclusive learning and create lasting impact.
The Sage Initiative
The Sage Initiative, founded by Indigenous youth leader Sage Lacerte, is Canada’s first and only Indigenous womxn’s impact investing collective. The initiative empowers Indigenous womxn to invest in Indigenous social purpose businesses, entrepreneurs, and trusts across the country through a curriculum that employs a trauma-informed and bicultural lens. Participants develop healthier relationships with money while generating wealth and prosperity to help restore economic balance in Indigenous communities.
“The Sage Initiative has allowed me to think much further into my future with more intention and critical thinking. I’ve adopted an intergenerational mindset when it comes to money.” — Sage Initiative participant
Our impact
From coast to coast to coast, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative has:
Deployed over $4.7 million CAD
in funding to Indigenous innovators
Reached more than 40 communities
across Turtle Island
Created employment opportunities
for Indigenous peoples
Supported the revitalization
of cultural knowledge and practices
Nurtured economic empowerment and data sovereignty initiatives
Governance
To ensure we meet the needs of Indigenous innovators and communities, our initiative is guided by the Indigenous Innovation Council, comprised of remarkable First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. Their commitment to community engagement, co-creation, and expertise in innovation, impact investing, and entrepreneurship is integral to our success.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, the Indigenous Innovation Council has determined that the Initiative will prioritize self-determination. We are excited to embark on this new journey and remain committed to facilitating community-led innovation in Indigenous economies from coast to coast to coast, supporting innovations that uplift communities and reaffirm the self-governance and self-determination of Indigenous economies.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in supporting Indigenous innovation across Turtle Island. Whether you’re an innovator seeking support, a potential partner, or someone interested in learning more about our work, we welcome your connection.
Contact us at info@indigenousinnovate.org
