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Roots Of Change

Roots Of Change

Written by: Story Studio Network
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 Roots of Change: Indigenous Innovation Reshaping Industry and Reconciliation is a series that spotlights how Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs and change makers are transforming Canada’s high tech sector. These aren’t stories about barriers. They are stories about breakthroughs.

Through in-depth conversations with powerhouse guests, we explore how traditional knowledge and community values are driving meaningful innovation. From AI to aerospace, procurement to other high tech sectors, these stories show that inclusive, future forward industries are taking root. And that investing in Indigenous led innovation is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic one.

The future of tech is diverse, community driven and rooted in reconciliation. This series doesn’t dwell on barriers, it identifies them. And then it moves past that to talk about what works, what hasn’t, and what other solutions may be out there. What partnerships and pathways exist, and what ones are emerging.

Whether you're a policymaker, investor, educator, or ally, Roots of Change offers a blueprint for building sustainable, inclusive systems that recognize Indigenous leadership as central to Canada’s innovation ecosystem. These aren’t just conversations — they’re calls to reimagine who leads, how we build, and what the future can look like when it’s rooted in equity and respect.

For more information on the force behind Roots of Change, visit Niipaawi Strategies at www.niipaawi.ca

Roots of Change: Indigenous Innovation Reshaping Industry and Reconciliation is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.comStory Studio Network Careers Economics Personal Success Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Building Capacity and Opportunity for Indigenous Businesses in Procurement

    Building Capacity and Opportunity for Indigenous Businesses in Procurement
    Jun 17 2025
    In this final episode of the series, we dive deep into the intersection of Indigenous business and government procurement.

    Moderator Dave Trafford and guests Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Tanya Pasha, President and CEO of Air Creebec, and Jacob Taylor, PHD, Executive Director of the National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Council, talk about building capacity, creating equitable partnerships and the evolving role of Indigenous entrepreneurship. They also explore how mentorship and social capital are essential to advancing Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in the procurement sector.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. The next generation will be the driving force behind transforming the procurement landscape. Mentorship and visible role models are crucial in empowering young people to lead change.
    2. Indigenous procurement should be treated distinctly from general supplier diversity initiatives due to his unique connection to constitutional rights and reconciliation.
    3. It’s about building capacity within Indigenous communities. Creating opportunities for high level executive roles and decision making in Indigenous businesses is essential. It’s not just about employment, it’s about fostering leadership that embodies Indigenous values and sustainability.

    For more information, visit Niipaawi Strategies online: www.Niipaawi.ca
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    23 mins
  • Indigenous Businesses Navigating Procurement

    Indigenous Businesses Navigating Procurement
    Jun 17 2025
    There are complexities around Indigenous businesses and procurement.

    In this episode of Roots of Change: Indigenous Innovation Reshaping Industry and Reconciliation, moderator Dave Trafford and guests Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Tanya Pasha, President and CEO of Air Creebec, and Jacob Taylor, PHD, Executive Director of the National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Council, delve into those complexities. Their discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous owned businesses as they navigate government contracts, with a focus on the 5% Indigenous procurement target. As well, they talk about the biases Indigenous businesses face, the importance of certification and the growing need for inclusivity and clear communication in the procurement process.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. There is a need for policies that build capacity within Indigenous businesses and communities without creating additional barriers. That ensures that they have the skills and support to thrive in government procurement systems.
    2. Indigenous businesses often face biases, with some organizations not being perceived as “top tier”. Overcoming these misconceptions requires strong partnerships and consistent performance.
    3. Government and corporate procurement: while the 5% procurement target for Indigenous businesses is a step forward, government processes still lag behind the private sector, requiring future improvements and better measurement.

    For more information, visit Niipaawi Strategies online: www.Niipaawi.ca
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    25 mins
  • The Role of AI in Indigenous Innovation and Culture

    The Role of AI in Indigenous Innovation and Culture
    Jun 17 2025
    This episode of Roots of Change: Indigenous Innovation Reshaping Industry and Reconciliation is a continuation of the conversation from episode 5, delving into the complexities of integrating AI with Indigenous cultures.

    Our guests Lynnsey Chartrand, Head of Indigenous Initiatives at Mila, Brian Ritchie, Founder of Kama.ai and Jordy Thibert, Director of Indigenous Affairs at I.T Partners Inc., emphasise the importance of preserving cultural values while navigating tech advances, particularly AI. There are both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous communities when it comes to AI. This episode explores the potential for AI to preserve and share Indigenous knowledge. As well as the delicate balance required around data sovereignty and the leadership role that Indigenous people can play in the shaping of AI’s future.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. There are challenges and opportunities for growth. Challenges like limited infrastructure and skills training. But there is a growing push to support grassroots initiatives and provide the necessary resources to help these projects thrive in the AI space.
    2. AI can help bridge economic gaps for Indigenous businesses by improving operational efficiency and scalability.
    3. Indigenous communities have a unique opportunity to shape AI development from the grown up, contributing Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives to create more inclusive and responsible technologies.

    For more information, visit Niipaawi Strategies online: www.Niipaawi.ca
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    28 mins
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