Indigenous Knowledge is Essential to Innovation

In this episode, the conversation with our guests on creating space for Indigenous innovation in tech continues.  Our guests dive deeper into the systemic barriers as well as the growing momentum around Indigenous innovation. 

From reshaping STEM education and funding access to blending ancestral knowledge with cutting edge science, this episode spotlights what it truly means to build inclusive, future forward industries.  Our moderator Dave Trafford and our guests, Josh Nilson of Maskwa Investments, Zaffia Laplante, CEO of Hempergy, Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, and Katrina Reimer, 3rd year undergraduate engineering student at Queens University bring incredible insights into this topic. And they show us that investing in Indigenous led businesses and ideas creates a powerful impact for communities as well as Canada’s economic and environmental future.  

Key Takeaways:  

1.  Access to early STEM education is vital.  Limited science resources in Indigenous communities impedes youth entry into STEM.  Early investment is key to closing that gap.
2. Indigenous entrepreneurs face persistent challenges accessing funding and skilled labour.  These are major hurdles, especially in rural and remote areas.  
3. Traditional knowledge drives modern innovation.  Indigenous ecological wisdom is increasingly being validated by science, offering sustainable solutions in biotech, climate tech and other industries and spaces.  

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