Campfire Discussion

Pawâcikêwikamik: The Innovation Collective, means “a lodge supporting those who dream,” in the Plains Cree language. We provide support for Indigenous entrepreneurs such as mentorship, financial resources, business development, and access to technology and infrastructure. These initiatives equip Indigenous entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their visions into reality.

In 2024, we proudly graduated our first cohort from the Greg Yuel Fellowship Program to help Indigenous entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Fellows participated in monthly masterclasses led by industry experts. This pilot program yielded tremendous success and our funder committed to supporting two more cohorts.

Our MakerLodge represents our Indigenous spin on a makerspace, designed to blend culture with technology while providing a safe environment for Indigenous learners. We have engaged over 2,700 Indigenous students and entrepreneurs. We hosted 26 Indigenous STEAM camps across 16 communities utilizing technology from the MakerLodge, reaching 323 Indigenous youth. Our Mobile MakerLodge has delivered 21 technology kits with programming across Saskatchewan.

We were able to provide over 300 hours of student employment opportunities utilizing the technology within the MakerLodge. Students supported external contracts which raised funds for reconciliation initiatives.

Our vision included developing a roadmap for Indigenous Innovation that serves as a framework for collaboration among Indigenous communities, industries, governments, and partners. Inspired by the Tobacco Teaching shared by Elder Kathy Wapepah, we aligned the stages of planting and cultivating Tobacco with the values guiding our project.

Our ecosystem amplifies Indigenous voices through our team recruitment and partnerships, while also welcoming non-Indigenous allies to enhance representation and safety for Indigenous learners. Meaningful discussions with partners about our engagement strategies can advance the true spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.

By incorporating success stories and engaging in dialogue with our funders and partners about Indigenous Innovation and entrepreneurship, we developed a more meaningful framework for measuring success, leading to the creation of the 7 Grandfather Teachings Framework.

With proven success, we remain committed to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of the SIIT learning community and the broader Saskatchewan Indigenous ecosystem.