The Fireweed Institute is a national Indigenous-led Centre of Excellence dedicated to advancing economic sovereignty and self-determination for Indigenous entrepreneurs, innovators, and investment professionals.
THE FIREWEED GOALLike fireweed, one of the first plants to regenerate after destruction, we rise, adapt, and thrive. Our goal? To cultivate a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators are the architects of thriving economies—on our terms.
Our Vision
Through power building and collaboration, we envision a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs lead and thrive in the global economy, creating a legacy of well-being, success, and liberation.
Our Mission
Our Values
Our mission is to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and elevate the innovation ecosystem by delivering education, storytelling, research, land-based placemaking and funding that centres the well-being and success of entrepreneurs and furthers our economic liberation and sovereignty through leading participation in the global economy.
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A pathway to sovereignty and self-determination.
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Practices rooted in mutual benefit, sustainability, and shared success.
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Equipping Indigenous entrepreneurs with capital, strategy, and networks.
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Strengthening connections between Indigenous-led ventures, investors, and institutions.
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Dismantling barriers and creating new economic realities.
Lodgepoles: Our Essential Supports
In traditional Indigenous architecture, lodgepoles provide stability, strength, and shelter—allowing a structure to stand with integrity and balance, resilient against external forces. At The Fireweed Institute, our lodgepoles anchor our mission and ensure sustainable, long-term impact:
Learning & Training
Groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind programs like our startup accelerator and Indigenous investor training, setting bold, new standards in Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Wisdom & Research
Rooted in cultural practices, forward-looking Indigenous-led research shapes business strategy and policy. Research done for us, by us.
Storytelling
Elevating Indigenous voices, reshaping narratives, activating partnerships, and amplifying success stories.
Advising & Consultation
Providing expert guidance on decolonial economic strategies and fostering equitable systems of growth.
Community Wealth
Power-building for Indigenous entrepreneurs, ensuring wealth is distributed, passed down, and reinvested in families and communities.
Land-Based Centre
A state-of-the-art, Indigenous-centred space, harnessing a social enterprise model to fuel emergent Indigenous innovation.
Meet the Team
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Jacqueline Jennings
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Ben Wells
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & TRAINING
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Charlene SanJenko
STORYTELLING LEAD
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Eliane Bowden
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
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Sam Badiei
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
