Our Work
Indigenous-led initiatives advancing prosperity across Southern Vancouver Island.
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre leads and supports Indigenous-driven initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, advance Indigenous entrepreneurship, celebrate and support marine stewardship, and help reshape economic systems to better serve Indigenous communities. Our work is grounded in Indigenous values, community priorities, and long-term relationship-building. Each initiative reflects IPC’s commitment to self-determination, stewardship, and shared prosperity in our region.
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre leads and supports Indigenous-driven initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, advance Indigenous entrepreneurship, celebrate and support marine stewardship, and help reshape economic systems to better serve Indigenous communities. Our work is grounded in Indigenous values, community priorities, and long-term relationship-building. Each initiative reflects IPC’s commitment to self-determination, stewardship, and shared prosperity in our region.
Indigenous Youth Conference
The Indigenous Youth Conference brings Indigenous youth together to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, wellness, and future pathways. Through interactive workshops, creative sessions, and conversations with Indigenous leaders and organizations, the conference creates space for youth to learn, share, and imagine what thriving Indigenous futures can look like.
The inaugural Indigenous Youth Conference was held in April 2025 and was co-designed with a committee of 14 Indigenous youth representing many South Island Nations. Youth were deeply involved in shaping the vision, themes, and activities of the conference, ensuring it reflected their priorities, voices, and ways of gathering. Focus areas include leadership development, career exploration, cultural connection, creative expression, and wellness.
Learn more →
The inaugural Indigenous Youth Conference was held in April 2025 and was co-designed with a committee of 14 Indigenous youth representing many South Island Nations. Youth were deeply involved in shaping the vision, themes, and activities of the conference, ensuring it reflected their priorities, voices, and ways of gathering. Focus areas include leadership development, career exploration, cultural connection, creative expression, and wellness.
Learn more →
Indigenous Blue Economy Day Camp
The Indigenous Blue Economy Day Camp introduces Indigenous youth to land- and ocean-based career pathways grounded in stewardship, innovation, and Indigenous knowledge. Through hands-on field experiences, participants explore marine ecosystems, engage in Indigenous-led conservation, and discover emerging opportunities in the growing blue economy sector.
IPC has hosted two Blue Economy Day Camps so far, bringing youth together to learn directly from Indigenous marine teams, organizations, and knowledge holders. The camp emphasizes Indigenous marine stewardship, environmental restoration, and experiential learning to inspire and educate the next generation of stewards.
Learn more →
IPC has hosted two Blue Economy Day Camps so far, bringing youth together to learn directly from Indigenous marine teams, organizations, and knowledge holders. The camp emphasizes Indigenous marine stewardship, environmental restoration, and experiential learning to inspire and educate the next generation of stewards.
Learn more →
Marine Stewardship Campaign Booklet
The Marine Stewardship Campaign Booklet celebrates South Island Indigenous marine stewardship and highlights Indigenous leadership in the Blue Economy. This publication uplifts the work of First Nation Marine Teams, shares community-led knowledge, and calls upon all levels of government to strengthen investment in Indigenous marine initiatives. It also encourages partnerships and collaboration to advance Indigenous stewardship goals.
This booklet was developed by First Nation Marine Teams from Songhees, Esquimalt, Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, Tsawout, Tseycum, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, and Malahat First Nations, in partnership with the Indigenous Prosperity Centre.
View the booklet →
This booklet was developed by First Nation Marine Teams from Songhees, Esquimalt, Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, Tsawout, Tseycum, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, and Malahat First Nations, in partnership with the Indigenous Prosperity Centre.
View the booklet →
Indigenous Business Directory (Partner Initiative)
The Indigenous Business Directory is a partner initiative supported by IPC to promote and connect Indigenous entrepreneurs across the region. This online directory makes it easier for governments, organizations, and the public to find and support Indigenous-owned businesses — strengthening Indigenous procurement pathways and increasing visibility for these businesses. By listing a wide range of Indigenous enterprises, the directory also helps entrepreneurs access new opportunities, markets, and networks for growth.
Visit the Indigenous Business Directory →
Visit the Indigenous Business Directory →
Indigenous Holiday Gift Guide (Annual Publication)
The Indigenous Holiday Gift Guide is an annual IPC publication that celebrates and showcases Indigenous businesses across Southern Vancouver Island. Each year, the guide curates a selection of businesses from the South Island Indigenous Business Directory, highlighting the talent, creativity, and innovation within Indigenous communities. The guide encourages individuals, organizations, and institutions to support Indigenous-owned businesses, while increasing visibility and opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
View the latest Gift Guide →
View the latest Gift Guide →
Indigenous Procurement & Economic Systems Work
IPC works to strengthen Indigenous participation in procurement, investment, and regional economic systems. This includes developing tools and policies, convening partners, supporting Indigenous businesses, and collaborating with governments and organizations to improve procurement practices. By advancing economic reconciliation and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, IPC is helping drive long-term systems change that better supports Indigenous-led prosperity. Stay tuned for the release of our procurement roadmap document.
Indigenous Engagement Policy
IPC has developed an Indigenous Engagement Policy to support respectful, consistent, and values-driven engagement between Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners. This policy provides guidance on building relationships grounded in trust, reciprocity, and accountability, and it supports those seeking to engage Indigenous communities in a good way.
Read the policy →
Read the policy →
Indigenous Research Policy
IPC’s Indigenous Research Policy guides ethical, community-driven research practices that respect Indigenous knowledge systems, data sovereignty, and community priorities. This policy promotes research approaches that are relational, accountable, and grounded in Indigenous values, ensuring that any research involving Indigenous communities is conducted in a respectful and collaborative manner.
Read the policy →
Read the policy →