Entrepreneurship and Northern Indigenous Histories
Kate
MikeGoal
The "Entrepreneurship and Northern Indigenous Histories" discussion activity aims to explore the innovative and entrepreneurial mindset of Northern Indigenous people and Northern people in general. Participants will engage in a conversation to recognize and appreciate the entrepreneurial practices of Northern Indigenous communities, both in the past and the present.
Attachments
Materials
Instructions
Start the discussion by asking “Northern Indigenous peoples are among the most innovative and entrepreneurial people in the world. Why do you think that is?
Ensure learners understand the terms innovative and entrepreneurial before moving to the next step.
Give learners a few minutes to sit with the question and consider their own thoughts. Encourage them to write down or make note of any ideas/thoughts/questions they have.
Invite learners to share their thoughts.
Share the following: For centuries, Northern Indigenous people survived and thrived in some of the most unique conditions on the planet using whatever resources they had available. They have used their creativity and ingenuity to create tools and technologies that have allowed them to perform the tasks they need to not only survive, but to thrive.
Highlight some of the long-standing traditions of innovation and entrepreneurship among Northern Indigenous communities. You can highlight examples from the resources in Appendix A:
Emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating these contributions.
- Facilitate a guided discussion by posing open-ended questions that encourage participants to share their knowledge, insights, and perspectives on the entrepreneurial spirit of Northern Indigenous peoples.
Examples of questions include:
What examples of entrepreneurship and innovation from Northern Indigenous communities can you think of?
How might the cold climate and geographic location of Northern Indigenous communities have led to certain innovations?
How have Northern Indigenous people used their environment and resources in innovative ways?
What are some of your favourite examples of current day Northern/ Indigenous entrepreneurship? What has the impact been of these innovations?
Impact can be small scale - on individuals, or larger scale (the world) and anywhere in between.
What about Northern entrepreneurship and innovation as a whole?
What are some of the challenges that Northern and Indigenous entrepreneurs face in their communities? What challenges have you faced?
What types of opportunities are there for Northern and Indigenous entrepreneurs?
Encourage participants to engage in active listening and respectful dialogue. Create a safe space where diverse viewpoints and experiences can be shared.
During the discussion, provide additional context and information as needed, highlighting specific examples of successful Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, or initiatives. Incorporate stories of resilience, adaptation, and community-building.
Summarize the key points and takeaways from the discussion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting Northern Indigenous entrepreneurship and its contribution to local economies and cultural preservation.
Background
Preparation
Familiarize yourself with the history and contemporary examples of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Research and compile relevant stories, case studies, or articles highlighting Northern Indigenous entrepreneurial initiatives.
Technology Considerations
In-person implementation: No specific technology considerations.
Virtual implementation: Ensure access to a video conferencing platform or discussion forum for participants to engage in the conversation.
Additional Context
Encourage participants to engage in active listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and promoting a deeper understanding of Northern Indigenous cultures and experiences.
Tips for Localization
The term Northern Indigenous can be replaced with other terms that might better reflect the context of certain groups, including Inuit, Yukon First Nations or other specific First Nations, Metis or Indigenous groups that may be reflective of the participants in the classroom (i.e. Dene people, Cree people, etc…)
Customize the discussion prompts and examples to reflect the specific Northern Indigenous communities and histories relevant to the participants.
Invite guest speakers or community members from Northern Indigenous backgrounds to share their experiences and insights on entrepreneurship.
Appendix A: Northern Examples of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
General: 20 Canadian Innovations You Should Know About
Yukon:
10-year-old entrepreneur in Yukon raises $210 for local food bank
Champagne/Aishihik First Nation Entrepreneur Wants to Change Waste Management Systems
Unorthodox curates collections of one-of-a-kind, wearable-art and fashion created by Indigenous artists who are inspired by their traditional design cultures, stories and processes.
Nunavut:
The creation of igloos, which are snow houses that can keep people warm even in Arctic conditions.
The use of dog sleds as transportation has been a crucial means of travel for centuries.
The practice of hunting and fishing for sustenance and trade.
The production of carvings and other artwork made from materials like soapstone, bone, and ivory.
The story of Tanya Tagaq, an Inuk throat singer who has gained international acclaim for her innovative approach to traditional Inuit music.
The success of the Iqaluit-based company Arctic Fresh, which produces locally-grown produce in a greenhouse despite Nunavut's harsh climate.
The efforts of young entrepreneurs like Nyla Innuksuk, who founded the production company Mixtape VR and is using virtual reality technology to tell stories that celebrate Inuit culture.
Kitikmeot Heritage Society uses the proceeds of its coffee sales to fund their language and cultural programs.
NWT:
Gonezu Energy Inc, an Indigenous owned energy consulting company in Fort Providence.
Entreprenorth focuses on empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across the North.
Northern Loco develops innovative solutions to the challenges facing northern communities.
SSi Energy designs solutions that reduce costs and improve efficiency & reliability of heat & power systems
Fireweed Supply Co. was founded by a group of northern women who saw a need for more collaboration between artists and small business owners.
The Innovate Centre for Arts, Crafts and Technology merges traditional arts and crafts with new modern technologies and production techniques to create economic opportunities for artists and other creative individuals in the Western Arctic.
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