Innovation is the creation of something completely new to the world and defined as “a new method, idea, product, or service”. So what exactly is “Indigenous innovation?” Is it innovation that is being applied to Indigenous people and communities or innovation that is led by Indigenous peoples or both?

“Indigenous innovation” should have some key characteristics: blending of traditional Indigenous knowledge, principles and ways of knowing with modern methods and frameworks for decision-making and problem solving. 

We will explore some examples of historical contributions to innovation by Indigenous communities, what is happening now and what could happen in the future. 

Register now

Speaker: Michael Polak

Michael is dedicated to leveraging Indigenous pathways to solve global problems through his gift of Two-Eyed Seeing. By incorporating principles from the Haudenosaunee Great Peace into modern Innovation frameworks like Design Thinking, and Agile to develop what Michael has coined “Creation Centered Design” he is committed to helping organizations and community reconcile modern colonial knowledge and ancient Indigenous knowledge. Michael is also known as Ken’niwahkwahrita:a (Little Dipper) and is Mohawk, Bear Clan. His current roles include: 

• Portfolio Manager Atlantic, Media & Entertainment, RBC 
• National Chair, Royal Eagles Indigenous Community, RBC 
• Co-Chair, Indigenous Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, City of Toronto 
• President, Akwekon Enterprises 

For more information, please contact indigenous@humber.ca.