About
Building Indigenous-Led Economic Futures
Our Story:
A Gathering Place for Indigenous-Led Prosperity
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) is an Indigenous-led, non-governmental and non-partisan organization supporting the self-directed economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island.
IPC is housed within the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), a non-profit organization committed to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive regional economy. From this place, IPC serves as a gathering point where relationships are built, ideas are shared, and Indigenous-led economic futures take shape.
The roots of IPC reach back to early Indigenous leadership within SIPP and to the first Indigenous Prosperity Gathering held in 2019 at the Songhees Wellness Centre. These gatherings, along with regular Indigenous Connect sessions, created space for Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect, share experiences, and articulate their own economic priorities.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economies across the region, SIPP established the Rising Economy Taskforce. Within it, the Indigenous Economy Committee was formed to ensure Indigenous voices and priorities guided regional recovery efforts. One of the committee’s key recommendations was the creation of a permanent, Indigenous-led economic hub.
That call to action became the foundation for the Indigenous Prosperity Centre.
In 2021, an IPC Working Group came together to shape the vision, governance, and purpose of the Centre. Guided by Indigenous leadership and community input, IPC was envisioned as a space rooted in Indigenous values, self-determination, and collaboration.
In September 2022, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre officially launched.
We Support
- Indigenous-led economic planning, engagement, and collaboration across Southern Vancouver Island
- Indigenous youth leadership, mentorship, and future economic pathways
- Indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development
- Indigenous participation in procurement, investment, and regional economic systems
- Community-driven research, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Partnerships with Nations, governments, industry, education institutions, and community organizations
Our Goal
To advance Indigenous-led prosperity that strengthens community wellbeing, protects land and waters, and supports thriving, self-determined Indigenous economies.
What the Indigenous Prosperity Centre Does
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre acts as a hub of collaboration, research, and community-inspired vision. IPC works alongside First Nations, Indigenous and non Indigenous organizations, industry, governments, and educational institutions to:
- Promote Indigenous-led prosperity strategies that balance economic growth with community wellbeing, cultural values, and environmental responsibility
- Champion Indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation, and wise practices
- Foster meaningful, values-driven partnerships that prioritize reciprocity, trust, and shared prosperity
- Support Indigenous workforce and business development across Nations and communities
- Advance Indigenous participation in regional economic systems, procurement, and investment
Guided by Five Currents
At the heart of IPC’s mission flow five currents: Relationships, Youth, Entrepreneurship, Procurement, and Knowledge, the guiding forces that shape our work. Each current brings vital energy:
- Relationships, Reciprocity & Nation-Led Prosperity: Fostering strong partnerships and governance frameworks led by Indigenous Nations, founded on trust, respect, and reciprocity. This current ensures economic progress is guided by Indigenous values and decision-makers, with all partners moving forward together.
- Indigenous Youth Leadership & Intergenerational Futures: Preparing and empowering the next generation through mentorship, education, and opportunities. This current focuses on youth as carriers of our future prosperity, interweaving elders’ knowledge with youth innovation to build leadership across generations.
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship, Innovation & the Circular Indigenous Economy: Growing thriving Indigenous businesses and social enterprises rooted in culture and sustainability. This current advances innovation in key sectors (ocean, land, arts, technology) while embracing circular economy principles and Indigenous stewardship of resources.
- Indigenous Procurement, Investment & Regional Economic Systems: Transforming regional economic systems through Indigenous participation in markets and decision-making. This current includes expanding Indigenous procurement opportunities, establishing new investment models and aligning regional policies to support Indigenous-owned ventures.
- Research, Storytelling & Shared Knowledge: Honouring and harnessing knowledge as a driver of prosperity. This current involves community-driven research, data sovereignty, and storytelling initiatives that celebrate Indigenous successes and inform collaborative economic development for the region.
Mission
IPC’s mission is to support the self-directed economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island by serving as a
beacon for economic reconciliation. We balance community well-being with traditional values, acting as a hub of collaboration, research, and
community-inspired vision. Guided by inclusivity and sustainability, IPC champions Indigenous innovation and creates meaningful partnerships
that foster shared prosperity.
beacon for economic reconciliation. We balance community well-being with traditional values, acting as a hub of collaboration, research, and
community-inspired vision. Guided by inclusivity and sustainability, IPC champions Indigenous innovation and creates meaningful partnerships
that foster shared prosperity.
Values
Our work is grounded in Indigenous values and knowledge systems, ensuring that cultural teachings and community relationships guide every decision.
Guiding Principles
- Self-Determination & Nation-Led Decision Making: We honour the autonomy of Indigenous communities to define prosperity on their own terms, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and upholding UNDRIP principles.
- Reciprocity & Respect: We prioritize reciprocal relationships – with our partners, our communities, and the land and waters. Every initiative gives back to community and Mother Earth, reflecting a holistic, values-driven approach to prosperity.
- Community Well-Being & Inclusivity: We measure success by community well-being and cultural continuity. Our economy cannot move forward until it fully includes First Nations and Indigenous peoples. We create equitable, just and sustainable opportunities for all Nations and Peoples.
- Sustainability & Stewardship: Prosperity is interwoven with environmental stewardship. We embrace a circular, regenerative approach to economic development that protects and revitalizes our lands and waters for future generations.
- Innovation & Culture: We uplift Indigenous-led innovation, embedding cultural knowledge and creativity in modern economic activities. Cultural knowledge and cutting-edge ideas flow together, driving unique solutions and “wise practices” that benefit all.