The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT) and Venture for Canada (VFC) Launch Guide to Support Indigenous Leadership in Tech
TORONTO, ONT. / December 5, 2024 — The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT), in partnership with Venture for Canada (VFC), proudly presents the Guide to Championing Indigenous Inclusion and Leadership in Tech and Innovation. This work is in support of CIIT’s mandate to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples in Tech and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples and our communities in regions across Canada.
As an Indigenous owned and led organization, CIIT places enormous value on the programming, research, and cultivation of a national collaborative ecosystem. Developed largely through CIIT’s deep understanding and integration of Indigenous wisdom, this resource provides key foundations to Truth & Reconciliation, Indigenous inclusion/cultural awareness, decoloniality and best practices to workplace transformation and skills development programs.
“The guide is designed to meet you where you are now in your learning, reflection and action Recognition journey. A deep-learning supportive resource, the Guide invites you to be truthful and open to transformative change in the ways that your organization recruits and supports talent, enables leadership, engages community partners, conducts business, and contributes to the innovation system.” Tanya Chung-Tiam Fook, PhD.
Authored by Tanya Chung-Tiam Fook PhD, the Guide, in partnership with Venture for Canada and has been developed from Indigenous perspectives and lived experiences for startups and small businesses in the tech and innovation sectors. mission to support workforce transformation practices and Indigenous Inclusion.
“Venture for Canada is honoured to partner with CIIT on this launch. Economic reconciliation is integral to advancing the self-determination of Indigenous peoples and aligns with our vision of building a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada. The Guide is a powerful resource for small businesses and innovation leaders, providing actionable insights to embed truth and reconciliation principles in their workplaces and foster Indigenous inclusion across the entrepreneurial landscape.”
– Scott Stirrett, Founder & CEO of Venture for Canada
A core pillar of CIIT’s mission has consistently been research & advocacy, particularly in our work to foster Indigenous Inclusion within workforce transformation initiatives. A significant component of this journey has focused on the employer side of transformation.
“Built to support and enhance existing skills development and training programs, the Guide aims to foster Indigenous Inclusion initiatives for young professionals. A significant component of this journey has focused on the employer side of transformation."
– Rhode Thomas, Executive Director, CIIT.
Looking ahead to 2025, our next phase will include securing additional funding to transform the guide into a series of workshops and/or course modules to expand impact and accessibility. This project is generously funded by our lead partners JPMorganChase and Venture for Canada. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to JPMorganChase.
To learn more about this project, our work and funding opportunities, contact CIIT today!
About the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology
CIIT was created in response to the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in the technology and innovation sectors in Canada. Our Mission is to provide programming that provides excellence in technology training, increases Indigenous representation in the tech industry in Canada, and promotes problem-solving using technology with an Indigenous lens.
Link: Guide to Championing Indigenous Inclusion and Leadership in Tech and Innovation.
Graphic: Front cover artwork of the Guide – credit: Anishinaabe Onyota’a:aka Artist, Tsista Kennedy, Hot Dog Water Art.
Connect with CIIT
Website: https://ciit.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ciittoronto
About CIIT
The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT) is a non-profit dedicated to empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders in Canada’s technology and innovation sectors. We aim to create a sustainable and inclusive digital society that celebrates Indigenous peoples’ diversity and unique perspectives. Our primary objective is to respond to the demand by both Indigenous Peoples and industry-driven and culturally appropriate learning, skills training, and employment readiness competencies and networks that can drive positive transformation in Indigenous communities and the Canadian innovation economy
About Venture for Canada
Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindset in young Canadians. To be entrepreneurial is to act upon opportunities to create value for others. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and startups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers.
Connect with Venture for Canada:
Website: https://ventureforcanada.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/venture-for-canada/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venture4canada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Venture4Canada
Podcast: https://perspectives.ventureforcanada.ca/podcast
Centre for Indigenous Innovation & Technology Media Contact:
Jennifer Basso – Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth
Email: jen@ciit.io
Venture for Canada Media Contact:
Jennie Wedd – Manager, Marketing & Partnerships
Email: jennie@ventureforcanada.ca
