Improving all lives through Indigenous innovation

Our Creation Story

Indigenous Peoples have always been innovative. The very story of our survival demonstrates our ingenuity and resilience. In 2015, there was a re-awakening to Indigenous innovation. First Nation, Inuit and Métis leaders and community members set out a plan to support Indigenous Peoples with a dedicated program to spark a new generation of Indigenous innovators in Canada.

Supported by these Indigenous leaders, Grand Challenges Canada, and the McConnell Foundation, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative was born. The purpose of the Initiative is to support and grow innovative First Nation, Inuit and Métis businesses and social enterprises from across Canada’s urban, rural, remote and Northern communities. 

At the request of Indigenous leaders, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative is hosted at Grand Challenges Canada. To ensure we can meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, our initiative is deeply rooted in Indigenous values, wisdoms, and built on a foundation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. We draw on the guidance of our Indigenous Innovation Council, made up of remarkable leaders, Elders, and knowledge keepers with a strong commitment to community engagement and co-creation.

Inclusion

Self-determination

Sustainability

Creativity

Our Approach

The Indigenous Innovation Initiative was designed to address the gendered and racialized barriers to economic participation. This includes:

  1. Access to capital: In partnership with donors, philanthropists and impact investors, we address the resource gaps and investment needs of innovators

  2. Building capacity: Together with a network of collaborative partners, we support innovators with the Knowledges, skills and tools they need to succeed

  3. Cultivating networks: As they are ready, we connect innovators to a meaningful ecosystem of relationships and opportunities that increase their social capital

  4. Driving interest: Successes are celebrated as we share innovators’ stories of hope, possibility and impact, which model and inspire the next generation of Indigenous innovation

Through values of inclusion, self-determination, sustainability and creativity, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative enables First Nation, Inuit and Métis innovators and communities to identify and solve their own challenges, transform lives and drive inclusive growth and health through Indigenous innovation. 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. 

Learn more about us, including the model we use to create spaces where Indigenous innovation thrives.