How INDIGENOUS entrepreneurship IS empowerING communities, preservING cultural heritage, and promotING economic growth IN NORTH AMERICA.

Imagine a world where technology and entrepreneurship unlock the potential of over one million Indigenous technologists, leading to self-governance, sovereignty, and self-determination. This article will explore the role of digital innovation in empowering Indigenous communities and showcase a few exciting examples of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Indigenous communities have long been underrepresented in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship. Addressing this disparity is so much more than a matter of social justice, it is an incredible opportunity to unlock the unique perspectives, knowledge, and potential of Indigenous peoples. By empowering Indigenous communities through digital innovation and entrepreneurship, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

In my home on native land in Canada, Indigenous Peoples make up 4.9% of the population, yet they represent only 1.2% of individuals with a post-secondary STEM credential. This gap highlights the untapped potential of over one million Indigenous technologists who can contribute to the realms of self-governance, sovereignty, and self-determination.

But why should we care about diversity in the technology sector and beyond? A study published in Harvard Business Review found that companies with diverse leadership are more likely to innovate and experience market growth. In fact, employees at these companies are 45% more likely to report that their firm's market share grew over the previous year and 70% more likely to report that the firm captured a new market. By fostering diversity and inclusion, we can create more dynamic, innovative, and successful organizations.

In light of these benefits, we've gathered five examples of Indigenous entrepreneurship that showcase the power of digital innovation and its impact on Indigenous communities:

OneFeather

OneFeather is a platform dedicated to providing Indigenous banking solutions, online status card renewals, and digital voting services for Indigenous communities in Canada. The platform aims to connect users with dedicated Indigenous banking services, offering payment solutions, money transfers, and rewards. OneFeather has an app available for download, making it easy for members to access these services.

OneFeather has been praised for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, allowing Indigenous communities to conduct important voting events more efficiently and at a lower cost. The platform is designed to streamline the voting process and make it more accessible to community members.

First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)

The First Nations Technology Council is an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that focuses on ensuring Indigenous peoples have the tools, education, and support to thrive in the digital age. They are mandated by Indigenous peoples in British Columbia to advance digital and connected technologies, working towards digital equity for Indigenous communities.

FNTC serves all 204 First Nations across BC, providing digital skills training to Indigenous learners and ensuring First Nations play an active role in leading and shaping the technology sector. The organization operates at the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty and the ever-evolving technology and innovation industry. They aim to ensure every Indigenous person, community, and Nation have access to technology and can effectively use it to succeed. By offering guidance and examining internal structures, policies, and processes, FNTC also helps organizations optimize their inclusion of Indigenous people.

Virtual Gurus

Virtual Gurus is a talent marketplace that leverages proprietary technology to match organizations with highly skilled Canadian and American virtual assistants. Bobbie Racette, CEO of Virtual Gurus, is recognized as the first Indigenous woman to close a Series A funding round for a technology startup. She has become a force in the Canadian startup community, acting as a mentor for eCommerce North and serving on the Board of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation.

Virtual Gurus is committed to diversity and inclusivity, with a talent pool that includes First Nation, Métis, Inuit peoples, as well as other underrepresented communities and saw 129% revenue growth between 2021 and 2022. The success of Virtual Gurus showcase the progress being made by Indigenous leaders in the technology sector, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain within their communities, such as limited education resources and access to basic necessities on reserves.

iComply Investor Services

My own startup, iComply, has grown to be a leader in financial technology, regulatory compliance, and digital innovation. We invented the technology that powers blockchain-based security tokens, digital identities, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies. Our work is powered by our mission to instill trust in every transaction for one billion people. We do this by providing technology solutions that enable trust, accountability, security, and privacy. We are recognized global experts in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and edge computing.

Our position as technology pioneer has been recognized with multiple US software patents, and today our technology is the #1 security token solution adopted globally. We also contributed to the first smart contracts for NFTs (non-fungible tokens) with Axiom Zen, who created CryptoKitties, and we are now working with multiple organizations, including Microsoft, Oracle, MIT, the CIO Strategy Council, DIACC, and the EU digital ID project, to bring a revolutionary new approach to digital identity to market.

Animikii

Animikii is an Indigenous-owned and operated technology company that specializes in building digital tools for Indigenous organizations, helping them to leverage technology for the betterment of their communities. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Ward, a member of the Métis Nation, Animikii has become a leading provider of custom software solutions, web design, and digital strategy services for Indigenous organizations across North America.

One of Animikii's standout projects is the development of the Indigenous Reporting Tool, a web-based application that streamlines the reporting process for Indigenous organizations making claims against their historical lands and resources. The tool simplifies data collection, analysis, and reporting, ultimately saving time and resources for these organizations. Animikii's work demonstrates the power of digital innovation to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

The handful of examples I provided in this article illustrate how significant of an impact that digital innovation and Indigenous entrepreneurship can have on our lives, our communities, and our world. From preserving cultural heritage to promoting economic growth, it's crucial that we continue to support and amplify the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs and technologists to ensure that their unique perspectives and knowledge are recognized and valued within the technology sector.

Regardless of your background, education, or past experiences, I encourage you to explore your own dreams and understand that you have the power to become a leader in your own community. Whether through technology or another channel, embrace the challenge of stepping out and making a difference. By doing so, you will not only empower yourself, but also those around you, creating a more inclusive and diverse world of possibilities for everyone.