NIWEE is a federally chartered Indigenous not-for-profit organization committed to the economic empowerment of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women entrepreneurs.
Our mission is to blend Indigenous and Western knowledge, providing tailored training and mentorship for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
Who we are
Chair of the Board: Dawn Lavell-Harper, Director at the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University
Our Board Members
Our Facilitators
Preceding the creation of NIWEE, Guy Dancause launched Ideaconnector.net at a time when there were very few resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Developing strong relationships across Indigenous communities, Ideaconnector produced videos, podcasts, newsletters and other information sources for and by Indigenous entrepreneurs. Conversations and extensive consultations, e.g. including with 300 Indigenous women highlighted that providing support for Indigenous women entrepreneurs would offer the greatest opportunity for contributions to economic reconciliation, among other reasons because Indigenous women face greater obstacles to entrepreneurship, yet at the same time, when women entrepreneurs are successful, families and communities benefit disproportionally.
How NIWEE started
Our Vision
The inspiring success of NIWee entrepreneurs reminds us that access to resources can make a big difference for Indigenous women across Canada.
Our Vision is to make programming, networks and resources accessible to women and communities across Canada and for NIWee to be part of the fabric of economic and societal reconciliation in Canada.
We look forward to serving 100-150 Indigenous women entrepreneurs over the coming 5 years, and following their guidance in developing the program.