Welcoming a fresh start for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative
A letter from the Board of Directors
Transition
With the changing of the seasons this month, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative (I3) is also entering a period of transformation. As of March 31, I3 will conclude its incubation period with Grand Challenges Canada and begin the next chapter of its journey to self-determination as an independent Indigenous-led organization.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation to Grand Challenges Canada for its partnership and stewardship during this formative period. The incubation phase provided the space to experiment, build relationships, and begin shaping a national platform dedicated to supporting Indigenous innovation.
This transition represents an important milestone in the evolution of the Initiative. Moving forward as an independent organization allows I3 to deepen its commitment to Indigenous leadership and to continue developing an innovation ecosystem grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, community priorities, and self-determination.
Most importantly, we extend our gratitude to the staff, innovators, Elders, partners, and community members who have been part of the I3 journey. Your ideas, patience, and trust have helped nurture a growing network where Indigenous creativity, ingenuity, and leadership can thrive.
Impact
Since its early development, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative has worked to create space for Indigenous women, two-spirit, LGBT++ innovators to bring forward ideas and solutions rooted in community knowledge, lived experience, and cultural strength.
Through collaborative processes, national conversations, and partnerships across sectors, I3 has helped highlight the transformative potential of Indigenous-led innovation. The Initiative has contributed to strengthening connections between innovators, community, researchers, and institutions working to address complex social and economic challenges facing Indigenous communities.
As one innovator reflected: “This program is unlike anything else I’ve seen. It’s about more than money; it’s about relationships, ceremony, and walking alongside Indigenous Peoples, respecting Indigenous cultural diversity on Turtle Island.”— I3 Innovator, Round 1.
Experiences like these demonstrate that Indigenous innovation is not only about new technologies or programs. It is also about revitalizing Indigenous ways of knowing, strengthening community resilience, and advancing solutions grounded in culture, land, relationships, and collective responsibility.
Another collaborator shared: “The Indigenous Innovation Initiative helped connect and uplift Indigenous social innovators, whether entrepreneurs or community developers, in a way that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It led to long-term, meaningful relationships that empowered me and opened growth avenues I never thought existed.”—External expert.
These reflections highlight the deeper impact of the Initiative: building a community of innovators connected through shared purpose and mutual support.
The learning gathered during this incubation period will continue to guide the Initiative as it evolves into its next phase.
Moving Forward
As I3 transitions toward its next phase as an independent organization, the Initiative will take time to reflect on the knowledge gained and to build the governance, operational structures, and partnerships necessary for long-term sustainability and impact.
As part of this process, Requests for Proposals will be paused for the foreseeable future while I3 develops updated processes and systems designed to better support Indigenous innovators. This work includes strengthening internal infrastructure, refining application pathways, and renewing the Initiative’s brand and communications.
Our intention is to ensure that the next phase of I3 is more accessible, community-centred, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous innovators across Canada.
In the months ahead, we look forward to strengthening partnerships, expanding the network of collaborators, and building the foundations for the next generation of Indigenous innovation. Organizations and partners who share this vision are invited to stay connected as we shape this next chapter together.
We remain committed to staying connected with the broader I3 community and will continue to share updates through our website and social media channels as this next chapter unfolds.
This next chapter is about more than organizational transition, it is about strengthening a national ecosystem where Indigenous innovators can lead, create, and build solutions grounded in their own knowledge systems, communities, and visions for the future.
Thank you for being part of the I3 journey. We look forward to continuing this work together.
Pause and Reflect
As I3 transitions to its next phase, the staff team that stewarded the Initiative over the past several years would like to give our gratitude to all that have walked with us through this journey so far. We are grateful to every I3 team member, from the very beginning until now, who put their hearts into their work and cared for the communities that they worked with. To every innovator who looked to follow their dreams and make their communities proud. Lastly, to the funders believed in the I3 vision and gave their support along the way. We are forever thankful to you all and that working with all of you has been an honour. This is not an end, just a new beginning.
From our hearts to yours,
The I3 Team