About
The Indigenous Innovation Initiative aims to remedy resource gaps and assist in building capacity for Indigenous innovators, launching Indigenous innovations, and transitioning innovations to scale for the benefit of all Canadians.
At the request of Indigenous leaders, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative is hosted at Grand Challenges Canada. Grand Challenges Canada is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, Grand Challenges Canada brings ten years of experience in supporting over 1250 innovations in more than 105 countries. The innovations that have been supported are saving and improving lives around the world, and are often lead by innovators or ‘change-makers’ who have been personally impacted by the challenges they are working to solve. The bold ideas Grand Challenges Canada supports integrate science and technology, social and business innovation.
To ensure we can meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, our initiative is deeply rooted in Indigenous values and wisdoms and built on a foundation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. To do this right we draw on the guidance of our Indigenous Innovation Council, made up of remarkable Indigenous leaders, Elders, and knowledge keepers with a strong commitment to community engagement and co-creation.
Our Indigenous Innovation Council members are:
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Wendy Phillips, Elder, Queen’s University
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Nadine St-Louis, Les Productions Feux Sacrés / Sacred Fire Productions
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Diane Roussin, Winnipeg Boldness Project (Chair)
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Karri-Lynn Paul, Coady Institute (Vice-Chair)
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Killulark Arngna’naaq, MakeWay
- Nathalie Pambrun, Canadian Association of Midwives
We believe Indigenous innovators will use their knowledge and determination to solve the challenges in areas such as mental health, housing, economic development, climate action, and youth employment in their communities.