Solution Overview & Team Lead Details

Our Organization

pipikwan pêhtâkwan

What is the name of your solution?

wâsikan kisewâtisiwin - using AI for good

Provide a one-line summary of your solution.

wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is an AI system aimed at monitoring internet activity to combat hate speech against Indigenous People.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

What type of organization is your solution team?

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Film your elevator pitch.

What specific problem are you solving?

The problem of online hate speech against Indigenous Peoples is a pervasive and global issue that impacts every Indigenous person who interacts with the internet.

  1. Unregulated Racism: Digital racism and discrimination targeting Indigenous communities are rarely policed or regulated to prevent racist behavior. The internet has nurtured a space which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters an environment of hostility and exclusion.
  2. Opportunity for Physical Violence: One of the most concerning aspects of online hate speech against Indigenous Peoples is the real-world consequences it can have, particularly in the form of doxxing. This malicious practice involves the public release of personal information, such as addresses and contact details, which can lead to physical violence and hate crimes against Indigenous individuals and communities.
  3. Indigenous Peoples Omitted from Anti-Racist Efforts: Despite efforts to combat racism online, anti-racism initiatives often overlook the complexities faced by Indigenous People. While much attention is rightly directed towards addressing racism against newcomers to Canada, the unique challenges and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in navigating digital spaces are often forgotten.
  4. Daily Confrontation: At pipikwan pêhtâkwan, we are working to address the specific problem of online hate speech against Indigenous Peoples. The scale of this problem is vast, affecting Indigenous communities globally. In the communities we work with and beyond, countless Indigenous individuals are subjected to racist attacks and discriminatory language on a daily basis.

Factors contributing to this problem include the lack of effective regulation and enforcement of online platforms, as well as societal attitudes that perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize Indigenous voices.

While the exact number of individuals affected by online hate speech against Indigenous peoples is difficult to quantify, the impact is undoubtedly profound and far-reaching. By focusing on this problem and developing innovative solutions, pipikwan pêhtâkwan aims to empower Indigenous communities to reclaim their digital voices and combat racism in all its forms.

What is your solution?

wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is a cutting-edge AI solution by pipikwan pêhtâkwan aimed at combating online hate speech against Indigenous peoples.

By leveraging advanced natural language processing algorithms, real-time monitoring capabilities, and culturally sensitive approaches, our AI system aims to identify and flag instances of hate speech targeting Indigenous communities. This solution addresses the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the harmful effects of online racism and create safer digital spaces for Indigenous individuals and communities.

Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

  1. Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP): This AI system uses sophisticated algorithms to understand and identify hate speech and racist content targeting Indigenous communities. It can recognize both obvious and subtle forms of racism in online conversations.
  2. Customized Training Data: The AI model is trained on a diverse dataset specifically focused on hate speech targeting Indigenous People. This helps it accurately recognize and flag hate speech within the unique context of Indigenous communities.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring: The system continuously monitors online platforms and social media in real-time to quickly identify and report instances of hate speech. This allows for swift intervention and removal of harmful content.
  4. Reporting and Removal: Once hate speech is detected, the AI system reports it to platform moderators and authorities. It can also remove or hide such content to prevent further harm.
  5. Contextual Understanding: The AI considers the cultural context and historical background of Indigenous communities to avoid false positives and better understand the implications of certain statements.
  6. Education and Awareness: In response to hate speech, the AI provides educational resources and information to promote understanding and empathy. This helps dispel stereotypes and fosters a more positive online environment.
  7. User Safety Features: Indigenous internet users can use safety features to report hate speech or harassment, protecting their online experience.
  8. Ongoing Model Improvement: The AI continuously learns and adapts from new data to improve its accuracy. Regular feedback from human moderators and Indigenous communities helps refine its performance.
  9. Collaboration with Indigenous Communities: Continuous collaboration with Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations ensures that the AI remains culturally sensitive and effective. Their insights shape the AI's development and responses to hate speech.
  10. Ethical Considerations: Throughout the process, ethical considerations such as privacy and biases are prioritized. Transparent guidelines on content removal and AI decision-making are established, and regular audits ensure fairness and accountability.

By incorporating these elements, pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI model plays a vital role in combating online hate speech against Indigenous people, promoting awareness, fostering empathy, and creating safer online spaces for the community. While AI is not a perfect solution, human intervention and community engagement remain crucial to address the root causes of hate speech and racism.

Which Indigenous community(s) does your solution benefit? In what ways will your solution benefit this community?

wâsikan kisewâtisiwin primarily benefits Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Our solution directly aims to improve the lives of Indigenous individuals who are disproportionately affected by online hate speech and racism.

The target population includes Indigenous individuals of all ages who engage with the internet and social media platforms. These individuals often face harmful and discriminatory content that perpetuates stereotypes, marginalization, and cultural erasure. By addressing the prevalence of online hate speech, our solution seeks to create safer digital spaces for Indigenous people, promoting their well-being and preserving their cultural identities.

To understand the needs of the target population, pipikwan pêhtâkwan actively engages with Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations. We prioritize culturally sensitive approaches and collaborative partnerships to ensure that the solution reflects the voices and experiences of those it aims to benefit. Through community consultations, workshops, and feedback sessions, we gather insights and perspectives to inform the development and implementation of the AI system.

The solution directly addresses the needs of Indigenous communities by providing real-time monitoring and intervention mechanisms to combat online hate speech. By leveraging advanced technology and culturally sensitive algorithms, the AI system identifies and flags instances of hate speech targeting Indigenous people. This proactive approach allows for swift intervention and removal of harmful content, creating safer online environments for Indigenous individuals to freely express themselves and engage with digital platforms. It also provides an opportunity to take the emotional labour off of community members, the tool will provide draft explanations for users to copy, paste and customize for responses if they choose to respond to online bias or racism.

Furthermore, by focusing initially on North America, pipikwan pêhtâkwan ensures that the solution addresses the specific challenges faced by Indigenous communities in this region. We plan to start with a local focus in Edmonton, Alberta, then expand throughout Canada, and into the United States. As the initiative expands its reach, it will continue to prioritize the needs and voices of Indigenous populations, fostering a more inclusive and equitable online landscape for all Indigenous peoples.

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

pipikwan pêhtâkwan is uniquely positioned to deliver this AI Initiative to Indigenous communities, thanks to our deep roots in these communities and our commitment to centering their voices and experiences in all aspects of our work.

  1. Indigenous-Led and Majority-Staffed: Our agency is Indigenous-led, owned, and majority staffed, ensuring that our team members have firsthand experience and understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. As Indigenous individuals ourselves, we bring a unique perspective and cultural sensitivity to the design and delivery of our solutions.
  2. Proximity to Communities: Our team members have direct connections to Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, allowing us to engage with community members on a personal level. This proximity enables us to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and truly understand the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.
  3. Cultural Competency: Cultural competency is at the core of our agency's values and practices. We prioritize authenticity, respect, and accuracy when communicating Indigenous narratives, ensuring that our solutions are culturally sensitive and representative of Indigenous voices and traditions.
  4. Collaborative Approach: We actively engage Indigenous community members in the design and implementation of our solutions. From the initial planning stages to ongoing feedback and evaluation, we seek input and guidance from community stakeholders to ensure that our initiatives align with their priorities and agendas.
  5. Experience in Indigenous Engagement: With our extensive experience in Indigenous engagement and community relations, we have built strong networks and partnerships within Indigenous communities. These relationships allow us to facilitate meaningful dialogue, gather insights, and co-create solutions that address the unique needs of Indigenous populations.
  6. Commitment to Empowerment: Our agency is dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities and businesses, ensuring that their voices are heard and their successes are celebrated. By providing platforms for Indigenous storytelling and amplifying Indigenous voices, we strive to catalyze positive change and prosperity within Indigenous communities.

pipikwan pêhtâkwan's strong ties to Indigenous communities, cultural competency, collaborative approach, and commitment to empowerment uniquely position us to design and deliver this AI Initiative to Indigenous populations. Our solution is guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve, ensuring that it meaningfully addresses their needs and aspirations.

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Advance community-driven digital sovereignty initiatives in Indigenous communities, including the ethical use of AI, machine learning, and data technologies.

Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?

  • 3. Good Health and Well-Being
  • 4. Quality Education
  • 5. Gender Equality
  • 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • 10. Reduced Inequalities
  • 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Prototype

Please share details about why you selected the stage above.

wsikan kisewâtisiwin is in the Prototype stage. This decision is based on the progress made in developing the initial version of the AI tool and the ongoing testing and refinement process.

What we've built and tested so far:

  • Proof of Concept: We successfully developed a proof-of-concept model in collaboration with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). This model demonstrated the feasibility and potential impact of our AI tool in identifying hate speech targeting Indigenous communities. We utilized GPT's API and advanced prompt engineering techniques to develop a model capable of detecting a broad spectrum of racist speech.
  • Testing with Indigenous Insights: We have laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration with Indigenous Domain Experts to fine-tune the model with culturally rich datasets. This phase aims to ensure that our AI tool is not only technically advanced but also culturally sensitive and informed.
  • Customer/Beneficiary Engagement: Although the AI tool is still in development, we have engaged with potential users and beneficiaries, including Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations. Their insights and feedback are crucial in shaping the design and implementation of our solution.

Number of Customers/Beneficiaries Served: At this stage, we have not yet served a specific number of customers or beneficiaries as the AI tool is still in the development and testing phase. However, our ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders ensures that their needs and perspectives are central to our efforts.

Why the Prototype Stage:

  • The AI tool has raised little to no investment capital, aligning with the characteristics of a Prototype stage solution.
  • We are in the process of testing the initial version of the AI tool with users and gathering feedback to inform further development.
  • Our collaboration with Amii and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities demonstrate our commitment to refining the solution before its full-scale implementation.
  • The project outcomes, such as the development of an app to detect and respond to racist comments, are still in progress and require additional testing and validation.

wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is currently in the Prototype stage, with significant progress made in developing the initial version of the AI tool and ongoing efforts to engage with partners/collaborators and refine the solution based on their feedback.

Why are you applying to Solve?

pipikwan pêhtâkwan is applying to Solve because we recognize the immense value and potential impact of wâsikan kisewâtisiwin, and we believe that Solve can provide the necessary support to accelerate its development and implementation.

Specific barriers we hope Solve can help us overcome:

  1. Financial Support: As a prototype-stage solution, securing adequate funding is crucial for advancing our AI tool to the next stages of development and implementation. Solve's network of partners can provide financial support to cover essential expenses such as research and development, technical infrastructure, and personnel costs.
  2. Technical Expertise: While we have made significant progress in developing the initial version of our AI tool, we recognize the need for additional technical expertise to fine-tune the model and ensure its effectiveness in detecting and addressing hate speech. Solve can connect us with experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
  3. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Addressing hate speech in digital spaces involves complex legal and ethical considerations, particularly regarding privacy, freedom of speech, and cultural sensitivity. Solve can connect us with legal experts and advisors who can help navigate these issues and ensure that our solution complies with relevant laws and regulations.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: Our commitment to cultural sensitivity and representation is integral to the success of our AI tool. Solve can help us establish partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure that our solution accurately reflects their perspectives and experiences. Additionally, Solve's network can provide guidance on culturally appropriate approaches to engaging with Indigenous stakeholders.
  5. Market Access: Once fully developed, our AI tool has the potential to be a valuable resource for Indigenous communities, social media platforms, and organizations committed to combating online hate speech. Solve can help us establish partnerships and collaborations to facilitate the adoption and integration of our solution into existing platforms and systems.

By partnering with Solve, we hope to overcome these barriers and accelerate the development and implementation of wâsikan kisewâtisiwin. With the support of Solve's network of partners and experts, we aim to create safer and more inclusive digital spaces for Indigenous communities and individuals.

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

  • Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
  • Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
  • Legal or Regulatory Matters
  • Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
  • Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Shani Gwin

Please indicate the tribal affiliation of your Team Lead.

Métis

How is your Team Lead connected to the community or communities in which your project is based?

Shani Gwin, pipikwan pêhtâkwan’s Founder and Team Lead, is deeply connected to the Indigenous communities that our project aims to serve. As an Indigenous Woman with Métis and First Nations heritage, Shani is actively involved in her community and is committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and experiences. She understands the intersecting challenges faced by Indigenous women in navigating the for-profit communications industry, including gender and racial discrimination, stereotypes, and lack of representation in leadership positions.

Shani's dedication to improving gender parity and racial diversity in the tech industry guides the practices at pipikwan pêhtâkwan. She actively works to hire a majority Indigenous staff and promotes a culture of inclusivity and belonging within our organization. Through her leadership, Shani ensures that Indigenous perspectives and values are integrated into our work, fostering authenticity and cultural sensitivity in our communication strategies.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Shani is engaged in advocacy and mentorship initiatives aimed at supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs and professionals. She recognizes the importance of providing access to networks, mentorship, and career development opportunities to empower Indigenous women in the communications sector.

Regarding diversity in the industry, Shani acknowledges the historical lack of representation of Indigenous voices in mainstream media and public relations firms. At pipikwan pêhtâkwan, we face challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and the broader industry due to entrenched biases and structural barriers. However, Shani is committed to addressing these challenges through intentional recruitment, training, and advocacy efforts.

By fostering diversity and inclusion, Shani and the team at pipikwan pêhtâkwan aim to drive innovation, creativity, and cultural sensitivity in communications. Through our collective efforts, we strive to amplify Indigenous voices, challenge stereotypes, and create more equitable opportunities for Indigenous professionals in the communications industry.

More About Your Solution

What makes your solution innovative?

pipikwan pêhtâkwan's approach to addressing online Indigenous hate speech complements our broader mission of amplifying Indigenous voices and empowering Indigenous communities. By integrating an AI program aimed at detecting anti-Indigenous hate speech into our suite of services, pipikwan pêhtâkwan demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for positive social impact. Here's how this approach can bring new and significantly improved solutions to the problem:

  1. Cultural Sensitivity and Contextual Understanding:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI program would be specifically trained to understand the cultural nuances and expressions unique to Indigenous languages and communities. This ensures that the program can accurately identify hate speech targeting Indigenous peoples, taking into account the historical context and cultural sensitivities surrounding such speech.
  2. Tailored Solutions for Indigenous Communities:
    • Unlike generic AI moderation tools, wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is designed with a deep understanding of the Indigenous experience. By tailoring its AI to the needs and sensitivities of Indigenous communities, pipikwan pêhtâkwan ensures that its solution is both effective and culturally respectful.
  3. Empowering Indigenous Voices:
    • By effectively combating hate speech online, wâsikan kisewâtisiwin creates a safer digital space for Indigenous individuals to express themselves and engage with online communities without fear of harassment or discrimination. This empowerment of Indigenous voices contributes to the broader mission of amplifying Indigenous narratives and promoting cultural pride.
  4. Collaborative Approach:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan's solution fosters collaboration between technology and Indigenous communities, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern innovations. By involving Indigenous stakeholders in the development and implementation of the AI program, pipikwan pêhtâkwan ensures that the solution is culturally appropriate and aligned with Indigenous values.
  5. Positive Impact on the Industry:
    • By pioneering the integration of AI technology with Indigenous-focused communications services, pipikwan pêhtâkwan sets a new standard for addressing online hate speech targeting marginalized communities. This innovative approach may inspire other firms in the communications industry to follow suit, leading to broader adoption of culturally sensitive AI solutions for combating hate speech.
  6. Advocacy for Change:
    • wâsikan kisewâtisiwin raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of online hate speech against Indigenous peoples, advocating for policy changes and industry-wide action to address this issue. By catalyzing broader conversations and initiatives aimed at combatting online racism, pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI program drives positive change within the digital landscape.

pipikwan pêhtâkwan's innovative approach to addressing online Indigenous hate speech through AI technology has the potential to create meaningful and lasting impacts, not only within Indigenous communities but also across the broader digital ecosystem. By harnessing the power of technology in service of Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation, pipikwan pêhtâkwan demonstrates the transformative potential of innovative solutions grounded in cultural understanding and social responsibility.

Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.

Theory of change for wâsikan kisewâtisiwin:

  1. Activity: Developing and Implementing AI Program
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan develops an AI program, wâsikan kisewâtisiwin, specifically trained to detect anti-Indigenous hate speech online.
    • The program is implemented across various digital platforms and online spaces frequented by Indigenous communities.
  2. Immediate Outputs:
    • wâsikan kisewâtisiwin efficiently analyzes large volumes of digital content in real-time.
    • Hate speech targeting Indigenous peoples is accurately identified and flagged for review.
  3. Short-Term Outcomes:
    • Indigenous individuals and communities experience reduced exposure to online hate speech and harassment.
    • Digital platforms and online communities become safer and more inclusive environments for Indigenous users.
    • Increased awareness and understanding of the prevalence and impact of online hate speech against Indigenous peoples.
  4. Medium-Term Outcomes:
    • Indigenous individuals feel safer and more empowered to engage in online discourse and share their perspectives and experiences.
    • Indigenous businesses and organizations experience enhanced online visibility and reputation, leading to increased opportunities for growth and economic empowerment.
    • Greater collaboration and solidarity within Indigenous communities as they come together to address the issue of online hate speech.
  5. Long-Term Outcomes:
    • Reduction in the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in digital spaces.
    • Positive shifts in societal attitudes and behaviors towards Indigenous peoples, both online and offline.
    • Preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions in the digital realm, contributing to cultural revitalization and empowerment.

Evidence supporting this theory of change may include:

  • Research demonstrating the prevalence and impact of online hate speech targeting Indigenous communities.
  • Process evaluations highlighting the effectiveness of AI technology in identifying hate speech and promoting online safety.
  • Interviews and testimonials from Indigenous individuals and communities expressing their experiences and perceptions regarding online hate speech.
  • Impact evaluations measuring changes in online behavior, perceptions of safety, and opportunities for Indigenous businesses and organizations following the implementation of the AI program.

By following this theory of change, pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI project aims to make tangible and sustainable improvements in addressing online Indigenous hate speech, ultimately contributing to a safer, more inclusive, and culturally respectful digital environment for Indigenous peoples.

What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?

pipikwan pêhtâkwan's impact goals for wâsikan kisewâtisiwin, our AI solution aimed at addressing online Indigenous hate speech:

  1. Reduction in Online Hate Speech Targeting Indigenous Peoples:
    • Impact Goal: To decrease the prevalence of anti-Indigenous hate speech in online spaces by a significant percentage.
    • Measurement: Tracking the frequency and severity of hate speech incidents targeting Indigenous communities on digital platforms where the AI program is implemented. Comparing data before and after the implementation to assess the reduction in hate speech.
  2. Increased Sense of Online Safety and Empowerment Among Indigenous Individuals:
    • Impact Goal: To enhance Indigenous individuals' feelings of safety and empowerment in engaging in online discourse without fear of harassment or discrimination.
    • Measurement: Conducting surveys and interviews with Indigenous individuals to gauge their perceptions of online safety, experiences with hate speech, and sense of empowerment in expressing their identities and viewpoints online.
  3. Elevated Visibility and Representation of Indigenous Businesses and Voices:
    • Impact Goal: To amplify the visibility and representation of Indigenous businesses, voices, and perspectives in digital spaces.
    • Measurement: Monitoring the online presence and visibility of Indigenous businesses and organizations following the implementation of the AI program. Tracking metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and media coverage to assess the increase in visibility.
  4. Promotion of Cultural Preservation and Empowerment:
    • Impact Goal: To contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions in the digital realm.
    • Measurement: Assessing the portrayal of Indigenous cultures and identities in online content following the implementation of the AI program. Monitoring changes in the representation of Indigenous peoples in digital media and cultural narratives.
  5. Positive Shifts in Societal Attitudes and Behaviors:
    • Impact Goal: To foster positive shifts in societal attitudes and behaviors towards Indigenous peoples, both online and offline.
    • Measurement: Conducting surveys and focus groups to evaluate changes in public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards Indigenous communities following the implementation of the AI program. Tracking media coverage and social media discourse to identify changes in tone and language used to discuss Indigenous issues.

By measuring progress towards these impact goals through quantitative and qualitative indicators, pipikwan pêhtâkwan aims to assess the effectiveness of its AI solution in creating meaningful and transformational impacts on the lives of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Describe the core technology that powers your solution.

The core technology powering wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is Natural Language Processing (NLP) combined with machine learning algorithms. Here's how it works:

  1. Natural Language Processing (NLP):
    • NLP is a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. In the context of pipikwan pêhtâkwan's solution, NLP techniques are used to analyze text data from various digital sources, such as social media posts, comments, and online forums.
  2. Machine Learning Algorithms:
    • Machine learning algorithms, particularly supervised learning algorithms, are employed to train the AI model to recognize patterns and identify instances of hate speech targeting Indigenous communities. These algorithms learn from labeled examples of hate speech, gradually improving their ability to classify and detect similar instances in new data.
  3. Training Data:
    • wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is trained on a diverse dataset of text samples containing examples of anti-Indigenous hate speech, including derogatory language, racial slurs, stereotypes, and discriminatory remarks. This training data is sourced from a variety of digital platforms and online communities to ensure the model's robustness and generalizability.
  4. Feature Extraction:
    • During the training process, the AI model extracts relevant features from the text data, such as word frequencies, linguistic patterns, and contextual information. These features are used to build a predictive model capable of distinguishing between hate speech and non-hate speech content.
  5. Sentiment Analysis and Contextual Understanding:
    • wâsikan kisewâtisiwin incorporates sentiment analysis techniques to understand the emotional tone and context of the text. This helps to differentiate between expressions of hate speech and legitimate discourse, taking into account factors such as sarcasm, irony, and cultural nuances specific to Indigenous languages and expressions.
  6. Real-Time Monitoring and Detection:
    • Once trained, wâsikan kisewâtisiwin is deployed to monitor online platforms and digital spaces frequented by Indigenous communities in real-time. As new content is generated, the model analyzes the text data and flags instances of hate speech for further review and action by human moderators or platform administrators.
  7. Continuous Learning and Improvement:
    • wâsikan kisewâtisiwin continuously learns and adapts based on feedback from human moderators and updates to its training data. As it encounters new examples of hate speech and receives corrections or annotations from moderators, the model incorporates this feedback to improve its accuracy and effectiveness over time.

By leveraging the power of NLP and machine learning, pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI solution enables efficient and accurate detection of online hate speech targeting Indigenous communities, contributing to a safer and more inclusive digital environment for Indigenous peoples.

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new application of an existing technology

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

In which parts of the US and/or Canada do you currently operate?

Alberta, Canada.

Globally via the internet

Which, if any, additional parts of the US or Canada will you be operating in within the next year?

Expanding digital reach.

Your Team

How many people work on your solution team?

5 including project lead, intern, admin.

How long have you been working on your solution?

1 year

Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.

pipikwan pêhtâkwan demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization, ensuring that our team is diverse, barriers to opportunity are minimized, and a welcoming and inclusive environment is provided for all team members.

  1. Diverse Leadership Team:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan's leadership team reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences within Indigenous and racialized communities. By having Indigenous and racialized individuals in leadership positions, the organization sets an example of inclusivity and representation at the highest levels.
  2. Prioritizing Hiring Indigenous and Racialized Staff:
    • We actively prioritize hiring Indigenous and racialized staff in alignment with our vision and mission. By intentionally seeking out diverse talent, pipikwan pêhtâkwan ensures that our team represents a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
  3. Investing in Youth Development:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan recognizes the importance of investing in the professional development of youth, particularly Indigenous and racialized individuals, who may face additional barriers to entering the digital communications field. The organization provides guidance, mentorship, and training opportunities to recent graduates and individuals lacking relevant experience, empowering them to succeed in their careers.
  4. Creating Inclusive Work Environment:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan fosters a welcoming and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This includes promoting open communication, providing opportunities for feedback and collaboration, and celebrating diversity through cultural events and initiatives.
  5. Diversity Goals and Actions:
    • pipikwan pêhtâkwan sets clear goals for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within its team and takes proactive actions to achieve these goals. This may include implementing diversity training programs, conducting regular diversity audits, and establishing affinity groups or employee resource groups to support underrepresented communities.
  6. Commitment to Systemic Change:
    • Beyond internal efforts, pipikwan pêhtâkwan is committed to driving systemic change and improving opportunities for Indigenous people and communities more broadly. This includes advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships with organizations working towards social justice and equity.

pipikwan pêhtâkwan's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in its hiring practices, youth development initiatives, inclusive work environment, and commitment to driving systemic change. By prioritizing diversity and creating an environment where all team members can thrive, pipikwan pêhtâkwan ensures that it remains a leader in the industry while making a positive impact on its community and beyond.

Solution Team

 
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