Where All Currents Meet
Welcome to the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), a place where streams of change converge into one strong current of Indigenous-led prosperity. IPC is an Indigenous-led organization supporting the self-directed economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island.
IPC serves as a gathering place where relationships, ideas, and initiatives come together to advance Indigenous-led prosperity. Guided by Indigenous values, knowledge systems, and community leadership, IPC works to foster meaningful partnerships, champion Indigenous innovation, and support economic reconciliation in action.
IPC serves as a gathering place where relationships, ideas, and initiatives come together to advance Indigenous-led prosperity. Guided by Indigenous values, knowledge systems, and community leadership, IPC works to foster meaningful partnerships, champion Indigenous innovation, and support economic reconciliation in action.
Our Impact at a Glance
63%
of IPC’s organizational spending directed to Indigenous businesses.
4
Indigenous team members hired within IPC, reflecting our commitment to Indigenous leadership in our staff.
4 -> 7
Growth of our Indigenous Advisory Board from 4 to 7 members, strengthening community guidance in our governance.
350+
Indigenous youth engaged in IPC programs and events in 2024–25, building the next generation of leaders.
OUR PURPOSE
Supporting Indigenous Economic Futures
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) is dedicated to advancing the self-determined economic visions of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples across Southern Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia.
As a non-governmental and non-partisan organization, IPC works to strengthen Indigenous-led prosperity through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships that foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth. IPC is housed within the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), a non-profit organization committed to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive regional economy.
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and guided by an Indigenous Advisory Board, the IPC furthers Indigenous economic reconciliation by celebrating Indigenous economic leadership and wise practices, and building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to create prosperity for Indigenous people and collaboratively transform the economy.
About Us
As a non-governmental and non-partisan organization, IPC works to strengthen Indigenous-led prosperity through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships that foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth. IPC is housed within the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), a non-profit organization committed to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive regional economy.
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and guided by an Indigenous Advisory Board, the IPC furthers Indigenous economic reconciliation by celebrating Indigenous economic leadership and wise practices, and building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to create prosperity for Indigenous people and collaboratively transform the economy.
About Us
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre acts as a gathering place, connector, and catalyst for Indigenous-led prosperity. We work alongside First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and regional partners to support self-determined economic futures.
IPC’s role includes:
IPC’s role includes:
- Bringing people together – convening Indigenous Nations, partners, and sectors to build trust, relationships, and shared direction
- Supporting Indigenous youth leadership – creating pathways for youth to explore leadership, innovation, and economic futures grounded in culture
- Strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation – supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, social enterprises, and creative economies
- Advancing Indigenous participation in economic systems – including procurement, investment, and regional decision-making
- Sharing knowledge and stories – uplifting Indigenous voices, research, and wise practices that shape how prosperity is understood
The Five Currents of Indigenous Prosperity
IPC’s work flows through five interconnected currents. Together, they reflect how Indigenous-led prosperity moves — relational, intergenerational, and grounded in land, culture, and community.
Relationships & Nation-Led Prosperity
Strengthening trust-based partnerships and Nation-led economic pathways rooted in Indigenous governance, values, and reciprocity.
Indigenous Youth & Intergenerational Futures
Empowering Indigenous youth through leadership, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities that connect Elders’ knowledge with future innovation.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Circular Indigenous Economies
Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and innovators across ocean, land, arts, and technology sectors through sustainable and culturally grounded approaches.
Procurement, Investment & Economic Systems
Opening pathways for Indigenous businesses in procurement and reshaping regional economic systems to better support Indigenous-led prosperity.
Research, Storytelling & Shared Knowledge
Honouring Indigenous knowledge through research, storytelling, and data initiatives that celebrate success, inform action, and shift narratives.
From Vision to Action
IPC emerged from a regional call to action to strengthen Indigenous economic leadership. Rooted in early gatherings hosted by the South Island Prosperity Partnership, momentum grew through the Rising Economy Taskforce’s Indigenous Economy Committee, which called for the creation of a permanent Indigenous-led economic centre.
In September 2022, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre was officially launched. Since then, IPC has continued to grow as a convenor, connector, and catalyst for Indigenous-led prosperity across Southern Vancouver Island.
Explore Our Story
Explore Our Story
Gather With Us
Prosperity is a journey we take together, and we extend our hands in partnership. We invite allies, organizations, and community members to walk with us in reciprocity – whether by connecting with our team, partnering on initiatives, or investing in Indigenous-led projects. When you support IPC, you are joining a circle of shared prosperity, where giving and receiving come full circle.
Call to Action: Ready to be part of this movement? Connect with us to learn how we can grow together. Whether you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur looking for support, a partner with resources to share, or a supporter inspired by our vision – IPC welcomes you. Let’s co-create a future of thriving Indigenous economies, together.
Call to Action: Ready to be part of this movement? Connect with us to learn how we can grow together. Whether you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur looking for support, a partner with resources to share, or a supporter inspired by our vision – IPC welcomes you. Let’s co-create a future of thriving Indigenous economies, together.
Tarrin Sam: Executive director email: tarrin.sam@indigenous-prosperity.ca phone: 250-897-4013
Anika Fernandez: Marketing and communications coordinator: anika.fernandez@indigenous-prosperity.ca Phone: 778-238-3527
Anika Fernandez: Marketing and communications coordinator: anika.fernandez@indigenous-prosperity.ca Phone: 778-238-3527
Territorial Acknowledgement
We are grateful to be doing our work on the territories of the Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples.
These are the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples—Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Songhees Nations—the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples—SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum), and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat Nation)—as well as the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, and Pacheedaht Nations.
We respect and honour the Indigenous peoples who have thrived for millennia as the innovators, traders and stewards of these lands. We deeply value this connection.
These are the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples—Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Songhees Nations—the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples—SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum), and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat Nation)—as well as the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, and Pacheedaht Nations.
We respect and honour the Indigenous peoples who have thrived for millennia as the innovators, traders and stewards of these lands. We deeply value this connection.
Relationship with the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP)
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) is an initiative of the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), our parent organization and one of Greater Victoria’s leading economic alliances. SIPP brings together First Nations, local governments, businesses, and institutions to build a strong, inclusive, and sustainable regional economy.
Through this relationship, IPC plays a dedicated role in advancing Indigenous-led economic development and reconciliation-driven prosperity. Being part of the SIPP network allows us to collaborate across sectors, share resources, and ensure Indigenous voices and priorities are woven into the region’s economic vision. Together, we are shaping a future where prosperity is shared, relationships are reciprocal, and Indigenous knowledge and leadership guide the way forward.
Through this relationship, IPC plays a dedicated role in advancing Indigenous-led economic development and reconciliation-driven prosperity. Being part of the SIPP network allows us to collaborate across sectors, share resources, and ensure Indigenous voices and priorities are woven into the region’s economic vision. Together, we are shaping a future where prosperity is shared, relationships are reciprocal, and Indigenous knowledge and leadership guide the way forward.
Relationship with COAST
COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies), our sister organization under the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) umbrella, plays a key role in advancing the sustainable blue economy on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia. COAST empowers ocean entrepreneurs and drives innovation within the marine sector.
Through our close relationship, IPC works alongside COAST to ensure Indigenous leadership, traditional knowledge, and values are embedded in the development of the blue economy, creating opportunities for Indigenous Nations, youth, and businesses to shape a sustainable and inclusive ocean future.
Through our close relationship, IPC works alongside COAST to ensure Indigenous leadership, traditional knowledge, and values are embedded in the development of the blue economy, creating opportunities for Indigenous Nations, youth, and businesses to shape a sustainable and inclusive ocean future.