Roots Of Change

Building Capacity and Opportunity for Indigenous Businesses in Procurement

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 [http://www.niipaawi.ca]

Indigenous Businesses Navigating Procurement

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 [http://www.niipaawi.ca]

The Role of AI in Indigenous Innovation and Culture

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 [http://www.niipaawi.ca]

Indigenous Intelligence. The Future of AI and Leading with Culture, Ethics and Innovation

How are Indigenous perspectives part of the rapidly growing artificial intelligence space, as well as other emerging technologies?  In this episode of Roots of Change:  Indigenous Innovation Reshaping Industry and Reconciliation, moderator Dave Trafford is joined by expert 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.                 Together, they discuss how Indigenous knowledge, ethics and youth leadership are not just essential to AI development, they are critical to ensuring equitable digital futures.  They also discuss the role of AI in economic development, cultural preservation and reconciliation.  From developing ethical AI models rooted in the Seven Grandfather teachings to creating inclusive career pathways for Indigenous youth, these leaders are setting a powerful foundation for what’s next.   Key Takeaways:  1. Radical inclusion is urgent.  Lindsay Chartrand highlights that if Indigenous communities don’t define their role in the AI ecosystem, others will.  And it’s currently trained on mainstream data sets that often exclude Indigenous languages, world view and knowledge systems.   2. There is no single Indigenous perspective.  And efforts to create one using AI risks whitewashing the diversity of Nations and teachings.   3. Youth are the future leaders of AI.  Jordy Thibert  emphasizes the importance of demystifying AI for indigenous youth and ensuring they are equipped to lead ethically and relationally in a digital world.   For more information, visit Niipaawi Strategies online: www.Niipaawi.ca [http://www.niipaawi.ca]

Fostering an Ecosystem of Innovation in Aerospace and Aviation

This episode continues the conversation with Indigenous leaders in the aviation and manufacturing sector, who are embedding traditional values into cutting edge industries.  Moderator Erin Trafford speaks with guests Jo-Anne Tabobandung, Dean of Aviation at First Nations Technical Institute, Thawennontie Thomas, co-founder and President at LaFlesche, and Leo Hurtubise, co-founder and VP Business Development at LaFlesche.  They reflect on the cultural, educational and economic infrastructure needed to grow a thriving Indigenous workforce. One that is rooted in community and built for generations to come.   Key Takeaways:   1. Cultural values drive business strategy.  Leo Hurtubise shares how embracing Anishinaabe values has helped LaFlesche grow in harmony with community needs and shift focus from profit to long term sustainability and collective benefit.  2. Aviation as a connector.  Jo-Anne Tabobandung explains how training Indigenous pilots has ripple effects far beyond individual careers.  It empowers families, nations and future generations, especially in remote northern communities.   3. Workforce is key.   Thawennontie Thomas highlights the importance of local economic commissions and partnerships that subsidize training and job placements, making career transitions and up-skilling accessible for Indigenous workers.   For more information, visit Niipaawi Strategies online: www.Niipaawi.ca [http://www.niipaawi.ca]