Indigenous Initiatives

Indigenous Economic Development Partnerships
The Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University aims to respond to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action #92, external link, opens in new window, by committing to meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities for economic development.
We invite you to be part of this conversation as we collaboratively begin the development of two key initiatives: an Indigenous healing garden and installation of Indigenous art at the Ted Rogers School, and share stories and learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada and globally.
Join us for community consultation workshops in March.
Ted Rogers School welcomes consultation for Indigenous healing garden
In the news: March 01, 2021
Building Indigenous Economic Development Partnerships
A conversation on how Indigenous knowledge advances economic development partnerships, and to learn about research and consultation with Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
Planting New Seeds: A Conversation about Indigenous Healing Gardens
Indigenous Peoples have always known that plants are our helpers, and offer powerful medicines that improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
Indigenous Foods: Seeding to Eating
This event is a conversation about the practice of growing traditional Indigenous food, and how we can enrich our understanding of food sovereignty.
Birch Bark Canoes and the History of Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Through the story of birch bark canoes, we hope to honour the role that Indigenous entrepreneurs have played in shaping Canada’s economic history.
Our Connection to Nature and Transforming Our Space
A conversation with this panel of speakers who aim to transform urban surroundings, like Ryerson University and Evergreen Brick Works, into Indigenous-themed greenspace with food and plant medicines known to improve physical, mental and spiritual health and decrease anxiety.
A conversation with Chief R. Stacey Laforme
R. Stacey Laforme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN), who works to increase the profile, welfare and prosperity of the MNCFN throughout the traditional 3.9 million acres of territory in Southern Ontario.
Invited speakers
- Chief Stacey LaForme
Mississaugas of The New Credit First Nation - Todd Labrador
Mi'kmaw Canoe Builder and Cultural Archeologist - Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger
Author, Medical Biochemist, and Botanist - Dr. Wendy Makoons Geniusz
Director of American Indian Studies and Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire - Isaac Crosby
Urban Agricultural Lead, Evergreen Brickworks - Chef Johl Whiteduck
Owner, NishDish Marketeria and Catering - Carol Anne Hilton
Founder, The Indigenomics Institute - Kelly Lendsay
President & CEO, Indigenous Works - Tabatha Bull
President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Ryerson speakers
- Dean Daphne Taras
Ted Rogers School of Management - Monica Mckay
Director, Aboriginal Initiatives, Ryerson - Joanne Dallaire
Elder (Ke Shay Hayo), and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation - Michael Carter
Director of Industry, Creative Industries Faculty of Communication and Design - Michael Mihalicz
Assistant Professor for Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Indigenous Advisor, Office of the Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management. - Sheila Boudreau
Lecturer, Ryerson School of Urban and Regional Planning - Chef Tommy McHugh
Executive Chef, Ted Rogers School of Management - Sandy Carpenter
Student Success Facilitator, Academic Success Centre, Ted Rogers School of Management - Arlene Throness
Urban Farm Manager - Brian Norton
Program Coordinator, Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services - Jessica Griffiths
Student & Community Engagement Coordinator, Office of the Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management