Indigenous Innovation
DEFINition
Indigenous innovations are a unique type of social innovation continually informed by the application of Indigenous knowledge to promote the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge and practices, as guided by the wisdom of the ancestors. Definition from the University of Waterloo.
Resources
Indigenous Innovation Summit Report
Report on the Indigenous Innovation Summit held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2015.
An Invitation to Explore Indigenous Innovation
By Kris Archie & Jessica Bolduc. “Indigenous traditions are key to building the relationships, reciprocity, and reconciliation that Canada needs for a strong future.”
Building Trust Before Truth
How Non-Indigenous Canadians Become Allies.
The Critical Role of Traditional Knowledge in Social Innovation
By Melissa Herman. “To build a brighter future for Canada, we need to learn from Indigenous communities and develop a new language of mutual understanding.”
Reparations and Reconciliation
Embracing Indigenous Social Innovation and Changing the Rules of Philanthropy by Melanie Goodchild.
Jeff Ward on Indigenous Innovation - TedX
Gikendaasowin Storytelling
Alberta Examples
Edmonton Shift Lab
Learnings from Weaving together Indigenous and Western Social Innovation Processes.
Canada Bridges
Canada Bridges focuses on Indigenous Youth engagement through a variety of programs and support.
Naheyawin
An organization discovering and implementing Indigenous-based solutions in Alberta.
Outside Alberta examples
The Turtle Island Institute
A Start-up Indigenous social innovation “think and do tank” supported by the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation and Resilience (WISIR).
Winnipeg Boldness project
using social innovation tools to research and develop ideas, in order to improve outcomes for young children in the Point Douglas community area in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning
delivers Indigenous centred arts, culture, language and educational programming in an innovative land-based environment.
The 4 R’s Youth movement
A youth-driven initiative that was launched to change the country by changing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people.
Aki Innovations Group
takes business tools and works to “indigenize them” – developing new approaches to old issues
Skwachays Lodge
Skwachays Lodge houses two social enterprises. One is a gallery that showcases Indigenous artistic and cultural work. The second is 18 boutique hotel units for socially responsible travelers that were each uniquely designed by an Indigenous artist.