Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces Two-Eyed Seeing Initiative toward meaningful Indigenous participation in Canada’s ocean economy

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Two-Eyed Seeing Initiative working towards meaningful Indigenous participation in Canada’s ocean economy. This initiative will engage and collaborate with Indigenous organizations and communities to foster greater inclusion and participation in OSC projects and activities and build direct and meaningful partnerships.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $230 thousand in the first phase of the initiative to shift towards fulsome and meaningful engagement of Indigenous communities as outlined in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, inclusive of Elders, youth, and those historically excluded living away from their communities.

Work on this exciting initiative began early this month and will continuously inform OSC policy and program development over the coming year. Led by SOAR Professional Services along with Indigrow Business Management and Dillon Consulting, the Two-Eyed Seeing Initiative will focus on:

• Conducting an Indigenous-led review of the current OSC project selection process and provide recommendations to further the definition of “meaningful” community-based engagement/involvement;
• Undertaking engagement with OSC Membership to promote the benefits partnering and collaborating with Indigenous groups as a pillar of project planning and implementation;
• Broaden OSC’s organizational Indigenous cultural competency and awareness for OSC staff, board, and members;
• Undertaking engagement with Indigenous organizations and communities to help identify Indigenous-focused ocean challenges and opportunities;
• Creating an OSC Indigenous Partnerships Program to help realize opportunities which can support both ocean outcomes (ecosystem and commercial outcomes) and Indigenous-focused project identification and delivery; and,
• Developing a “Two-Eyed Seeing” Indigenous Traditional Knowledge framework that guides OSC organizational and Indigenous community relationship and partnerships building through shared understanding and an integrated body of ocean knowledge.

Quotes:
“As we continue to grow Canada’s ocean economy, it is essential that Indigenous communities be not only involved but also meaningfully engaged at every step of the way. The Government of Canada is proud to support Canada’s Ocean Cluster in this collaborative project with Soar Professional Services to ensure that policies and programs are co-designed and co-developed through Indigenous partnerships.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“This initiative is much more than just engaging more meaningfully with Indigenous groups. We intend to drive system change within the ocean ecosystem that focuses on fostering relationships, elevating opportunities for Indigenous communities, and setting our course as a sector towards reconciliation with all Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast.” – Ralph Eldridge, Indigenous Engagement Lead, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“SOAR is proud to work with OSC on their Two-Eyed Seeing Initiative. From the inception of SOAR, Two-Eyed Seeing has been the foundation of what we do. Combining Indigenous and Western knowledge allows us to co-create customized, resilient solutions that are considerate of Indigenous world views on sustainability for generations to come.” – Ryan Dunbar, President, SOAR Professional Services

About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. The OSC has approved 86 projects with a total value of more than $390 million which will deliver more than 120 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

About SOAR
SOAR Professional Services LP (SOAR) is an innovative, employee-owned planning, engineering, environmental science and mSOAR prides itself on servicing our client’s needs. Our team members have been providing Indigenous focused services for over ten years. SOAR prides itself on servicing our client’s needs. We have had the opportunity to deliver on projects within our core technical areas of planning, environmental and engineering with projects ranging from feasibility studies, business plans and pre-design to advanced engineering including detailed design.

SOAR has a proven ability to foresee potential obstacles and develop solutions based upon an extensive knowledge of Indigenous funding mechanisms, governance and management structures. SOAR is committed to a one window approach to service delivery for our clients and have commonly partnered with a broad network of companies to best service our clients towards their objectives and vision. This approach allows us to work with the right partner for every project through facilitated guidance with our Indigenous team and has proven time and again to be the correct balance for our client needs.

About Indigrow
Indigrow Business Management (Indigrow) is an Indigenous-owned management consulting company that works specifically with Indigenous businesses and communities, including social enterprises and not-for-profit organizations. They have a relentless focus on driving business growth and positive community impact – particularly in Indigenous communities.

Since its launch in 2020, Indigrow has provided an array of management consulting services to over 60 Indigenous businesses, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. Headquartered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, they currently have four staff located across three locations in Newfoundland and Labrador with plans to expand beyond the province in 2023.

Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews

The project will recruit industry mentors and connect them with ocean technology entrepreneurs and focus on providing employment opportunities for emerging leaders from underrepresented groups into growing ocean companies

Together with project partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project. The project will help create a system for professional advancement within the ocean sector through a strong and sustainable mentorship network, which includes exposure to the diverse thinking and industry experience of ocean leaders.

Led by ECO Canada from Alberta with their Atlantic-based project partners, the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE), the College of North Atlantic (CNA), Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Program will specifically focus on the needs of ocean companies and will combine a peer mentorship program with traditional mentor-mentee relationships. The total value of the project is $920k with close to $460k coming from the Ocean Supercluster.

This project will create new connections between participating Ocean Supercluster members through various project activities and mentorship opportunities.  Participants in the program will also receive toolkits to help understand and get the most out of the experience with the program, as well as to continue to make lasting and meaningful changes within the organizations. These toolkits will lay out evidence-based, best practices strategies for finding and developing talent, discuss the logic and benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce, and provide guidance for how to access the largest possible pool of talent.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are some of the driving principles of this project that will ensure that women, Indigenous participants, and other visible minorities have access to career advancement and new employment opportunities.

About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led, transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved more than 70 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070

Quotes:

“With support from Canada’s Ocean Cluster, this project is building a stronger and more resilient marine sector for all Canadians. Our government is proud to support this project to ensure that under-represented groups have equitable access to opportunities and that we have more Canadians seeing the incredible opportunities available in the ocean economy.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“As the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Science and Industry, and as the Member of Parliament for the coastal city of Halifax, the importance of having strong connections to support ocean industries is clear to me. The new Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will help ocean industries work in a collaborative and diverse environment for the betterment of the industry.” – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Science and Industry, and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“There is a tremendous need for increasing numbers of experienced leadership talent and expert mentors to participate in the sustainable blue economy. Canada’s small to medium sized businesses are actively recruiting for highly skilled roles including technical and leadership capacities. We are pleased to support the partners leading this project as they work collaboratively on providing new opportunities for ocean innovators.” – Melody Pardoe, Chief Engagement Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Canada’s Blue Economy sectors offer significant potential for growth and employment. It is expanding as it has never before with many new and emerging sectors within the ocean economy. A diverse and inclusive labor pool is critical to support the rapid growth in this sector. The Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project will develop tools and work with employers to build and support a diverse and inclusive workforce in our Blue Economy.” – Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry, Vice President-Professional Services & ESG, ECO Canada

“COVE is a proud partner of the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project. Everything COVE does is engrained with equity, diversity, and inclusion, from our programs and services to our research. Innovation in the ocean sector can only grow when all perceptions, knowledge and backgrounds are heard. As a leader in the Blue Economy, our future workforce depends on programs such as this.” – Melanie Nadeau, CEO, COVE

“NSCC is pleased to collaborate with partners like ECO, COVE, JEDI and College of the North Atlantic. Identifying mentors and champions to assist in the development of those aspiring to train for a career in the oceans sector is a key to building capacity for this exciting field.” – Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, Associate Vice President, Applied Research and Innovation, Nova Scotia Community College

Project to Create 150 Internships, Engage 250 Employers and 2500 Youth 18-30 Years

WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO HERE

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced a new innovation ecosystem project called Blue Futures Pathways Project. Focused on building capabilities and the development of workers to support the growth of Canada’s ocean economy, the total project value is $2.4 million where the Ocean Supercluster will provide almost $1.5 million in funding with the balance coming from project partners.

Blue Futures Pathways will connect youth across Canada with education and employment, and support participants in developing a successful career in the sustainable blue economy. The project is supportive of all youth aged 18-30 and will have a particular focus on the inclusion and inspiration of under-represented, remotely located, and Indigenous people.

The project is led by the Students on Ice Foundation with partners including the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), ECO Canada, and with the support of Mitacs. Together they will create 150 internships and guide youth towards sustainable blue economy careers, building and launching a digital platform called the Port where employers and supporters can communicate opportunities to the next generation of workers.

The Port will provide employers with tools, training and a support-network in how best to nurture youth, especially under-represented youth within their workplace. Participants will also receive training to prepare them for the specific dynamics and culture of the workplace where career-specific and personal growth-related mentorship connections will be cultivated on a dedicated program on the Port.  Mentorship will also form a strong part of the paid internships that will be piloted in a number of regions across the country. Blue Futures Pathways intends to provide youth with opportunities within ocean tech companies in Nova Scotia; engaging youth across the Arctic in monitoring ocean health; providing an understanding of suburban waste-water management in Ontario and the Prairies; and training the next generation of bio-monitors in British Columbia.

The Blue Futures Pathways project aims to engage at least 250 employers on the digital port, with at least 2,500 youth engaging in the sustainable blue economy training, mentoring, and employment opportunities made available through it. The target reach for the Port is 5 million impressions by August 2022.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster that is growing Canada’s Ocean economy in a way that has never been done before. Focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program, the Ocean Supercluster is accelerating the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions, creating new economic activity, and building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce.

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Quotes

“I am proud to see Canada’s Ocean Supercluster forging an exciting path for one of our most important resources – Canadian youth.  The Blue Futures Pathways program will inspire Canadian youth and help them access opportunities to lead and succeed in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy.”

– William Amos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“This is about helping build our future in oceans and equipping young people aged 18-30 with the right skills at the right time, removing barriers and providing the training, mentoring and support they need to pursue a career in ocean. We are proud to make an investment of $1.5 million to this $2.4 million project that will see the creation of 150 internships, and engage at least 250 employers and 2,500 youth in the digital port.”

– Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“As the Sustainable Blue Economy emerges in Canada, it is important for youth to be well-positioned to participate in, and lead its success. Students on Ice is a global leader in environmental education and youth engagement, with more than 20 years of experience leading educational expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic, and across Canada’s vast coastline during Canada C3. Bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, educators and partners to learn about and help conserve our vital ecosystems is core to our mission. We look forward to  growing our impact on youth and on the future of Canada’s ocean and freshwater resources through Blue Futures Pathways.”

– Geoff Green, C.M., Founder & President of the Students on Ice Foundation

“We are enthusiastic about the benefits of this project to the broader workforce development needs of the industry across Canada. We look forward to partnering with SOI and the other named partners, such as ECO Canada, to elevate the opportunities for youth, and particularly youth from under-represented workforce groups, to gain exposure to and experience with the ocean and freshwater industry through robust training, internship and mentoring programs.”

– Dr. Sherry Scully, Executive Director, COVE Workforce Initiative

“ECO Canada (ECO) is pleased to offer our support for Blue Futures Pathways. This exciting initiative involving education, internship, employability and workforce training is a direct response to current workforce needs within the Sustainable Blue Economy and we are happy to harness our team’s talents, expertise and networks to ensure a successful project outcome.”

– Kevin Nilsen, EP, PMP, President & CEO, ECO Canada

“QIA is proud of our work to protect our oceans and we relish opportunities to work with  organizations who celebrate the centrality of Indigenous voices in conservation efforts. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Students on Ice to allow even more Inuit youth to explore educational, mentorship and employment opportunities connected to the blue economy.

– P.J. Akeeagok, President, Qikiqtani Inuit Association

“The Blue Futures Pathways Project will enable First Nations youth to be exposed to a range of sectors in the Blue Economy including shipping, science, fishing, tourism, conservation, technology, renewable energy, food security and policy. We must equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to mutually benefit from these resources. The Assembly of First Nations is pleased that the Blue Futures Project will provide First Nations youth with education and training to develop the skills they need for sustainable careers. We are in support of SOI’s Blue Futures Project as it supports a sustainable future for all generations to come.”

– Perry Bellegarde, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

“I am honored to contribute to the Blue Futures Pathways project that will specifically focus on eDNA education and application in indigenous communities, which will be carried out through a series of internships opportunities. In doing so, I will help to develop and deliver training packages, coordinate the genomic analysis of samples acquired, and provide outreach to communities to explore how this new technology can assist their management, regulation and policy decisions pertaining to fisheries and industries that impact ocean ecosystems. I look forward to supporting the SOIF on this exciting project empowering indigenous youth to become leaders of the blue economy.”

– Kristi Miller-Saunders, PhD, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Media Contact:

Nancy Andrews

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

709.725.7070

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

 Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces Cluster Building Ocean Allies Project

One of four Ocean Supercluster Projects Announced Today in Dartmouth

Watch the Live Announcement Here…

(Dartmouth, NS) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four projects today including the cluster-building project called Ocean Allies. The Ocean Allies project has a total value of more than $420,000 where the Ocean Supercluster will provide $250,000 with the balance of funding coming from project partners. Led by Pisces Research Project Management Inc together with partners Upswing Solutions, Huntsman Marine Science Centre, Assembly of First Nations, BioNB, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), Irving Shipbuilding, Nova Scotia Business Inc, Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, Ocean Frontier Institute, OceansAdvance, PanGeo Subsea, Synapse, Mitacs, and Ulnooweg, this project is designed to access, engage, and support a diverse ocean economy through targeted strategic activities across five work packages:

1. Defining Success: Evaluate the current state of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I)  in Canada’s ocean sector, including engaging industry stakeholders to understand the key challenges they face. A final report will examine the current landscape and provide improvement recommendations for the industry.
2. Training: Improve inclusivity outcomes through hiring training and cross-cultural network training.
3. Changing Systems: Develop practical tools to help ocean sector companies address systemic barriers that prevent diverse communities from thriving in the ocean economy. The tailored DE&I toolkits will be piloted with five ocean companies with support to embed DE&I in their business strategies and operations.
4. Improving Access: Support future ocean workers through targeted networking opportunities, improved connectivity with the Ocean Supercluster’s Technology Leadership program, and by demystifying the concept of access through the creation of an actionable community framework. The aim is to increase business linkages between ocean companies and diverse talent pools.
5. Recognition and Support: Provide opportunities for peer connection, additional financial support for employers, and public recognition for great work.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.

Quotes

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is energizing the ocean sector through its support of innovation ecosystem projects, like Ocean Allies, that will engage partners across Atlantic Canada to support a diversified ocean economy. This project will help other Canadian companies and innovator access the ocean economy and provide innovative solutions to real-life ocean environment challenges.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We are incredibly proud to announce the Ocean Allies Project knowing the incredible importance of achieving greater diversity, equality, and inclusion across our ocean sectors. Only when we remove barriers, build capabilities and connections, and create opportunities will we truly be on the path to realizing our full potential in ocean innovation.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Innovation in the ocean industries is an emerging opportunity for the New Brunswick economy. BioNB looks forward to leveraging our network in the bioeconomy to promote the Ocean Allies project activities and help introduce new diversity and inclusion strategies to some of our region’s most important employers.” – Jennifer O’Donnell, BioNB

“Reaching under-represented workers, and building awareness of the range of opportunities available to them in the Blue Economy is a key focus of the COVE Workforce Initiative.  Working with Ocean Allies and partners will amplify this work by cultivating an industry that is engaged, committed, and prepared to welcome diverse talent.” Sherry Scully, COVE

“The Ocean Allies initiative is an exceptional opportunity to invest in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable Ocean Sector that is future ready. Upswing Solutions is excited to be involved in this pilot project alongside such a committed group of partners.” Allison Murray, Upswing Solutions

“Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are key aspects for growth and sustainability of our communities. The Huntsman Marine Science Centre applies these principles everyday amongst our own teammates and we look forward to applying our more than 50 years of ocean sector training and outreach to this important project.” Chris Bridger, Huntsman Marine Science Centre

“Decades of evidence have made it clear that Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive workplaces lead to more sustainable, more productive, and more profitable businesses. An equitable and diverse workforce is key to growing a sustainable and healthy Ocean economy. The potential benefits of increasing equity and diversity in the Ocean economy, which has traditionally suffered from poor equity and diversity, has huge potential for impact in the Atlantic Region and beyond, particularly given the current additional challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic. Ocean Allies will take a direct and focused approach to increasing Equity and Diversity in the Ocean sector and Synapse is excited to be a partner on this exciting project.” Justin Moores, CEO, Synapse

“I am so grateful to our partners and supporters for making this project a reality. So many people were involved in turning this project into reality. We know the ocean community wants to be a diverse and inclusive ocean community, and sometimes it’s hard. We’re here to help. Canada is a diverse nation, and it is one of our strengths. Ocean Allies is enabling the strength of Canada’s diversity in Canada’s ocean industry to foster our global leadership.” Kes Morton, CEO, Pisces Research Project Management

“Ships and the marine industry have been connecting people around the world and enabling economic activity and growth for thousands of years. In fact, 90% of world trade moves across the oceans, so it is important that the industry continues to have all voices at the table to draw on the variety of skills and experiences available. Irving Shipbuilding is pleased to support this Oceans Allies initiative through the National Shipbuilding Strategy.” Kevin McCoy, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

“Three years ago, NSBI launched its “Exporters of diversity strategy” to nurture diverse businesses owners as exporters and to open doors for underrepresented populations across the province. To strengthen and accelerate our efforts, we are forging new partnerships – such as the Ocean Allies Project – who share our vision of a more inclusive workforce.” Laurel Broten, president and CEO, Nova Scotia Business Inc.

“Reaching under-represented workers, and building awareness of the range of opportunities available to them in the Blue Economy is a key focus of COVE Workforce Initiative. Working with Ocean Allies and partners will amplify this work by cultivating an industry that is engaged, committed, and prepared to welcome diverse talent.” Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three projects from its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) stream, including the Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project. This is an ecosystem building project designed to develop technical skills training for Inuit participants across Inuit Nunangat. The total project value is $1,787,238, where the Ocean Supercluster will provide $1,150,258 and the balance of funding will come from project partners working together from Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Nunavut to make this a reality.

SmartICE will lead the Ocean Supercluster project in partnership with Pinnguaq Association, Nunavut Fisheries Association, Ilitaqsiniq Literacy Council, and Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.

SmartICE is an internationally recognized work integration social enterprise (WISE) that empowers Indigenous communities to adapt to increasingly unpredictable ice conditions. As a social innovator, SmartICE harnesses the vast potential of Indigenous women and men—especially youth—to embrace science, technology and traditional knowledge as a vehicle for sustainable employment, economic development and wellbeing in their communities.

Based in principles of co-design and in partnership with communities and stakeholders, the holistic, culturally contextualized training curriculum developed, piloted, and evaluated through the Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project will address the barriers faced by Inuit in remote northern communities and promote their inclusion and participation in the ocean economy. This project will create 14 direct jobs and dozens of indirect jobs.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.

Quotes

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is undeniably building momentum, adding three new and highly-innovative projects to its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program. By working together in partnership with Inuit organizations, the benefits this project will provide will be numerous; from creating more opportunities for under-represented communities to better integration of modern technologies and traditional knowledge to monitor ocean climate change. This kind of cross-sector collaboration is what will make the difference in pushing Canada further in ocean technology market and help communities adapt to climate change.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

“Building a workforce that draws on diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives is critical to realizing our full potential for inclusive, sustainable growth in Canada’s ocean economy. This project will help remove barriers to opportunities in ocean and increase the participation of Inuit living in remote northern communities, helping us grow a well-connected ocean network that is rooted in partnerships and collaboration.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“The funding announced today in support of our Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology project will provide important training for Inuit to enter an emerging labour market in Canada. Building on the land skills of Inuit, and creating a training curriculum that is grounded in Inuit ways of knowing and learning, SmartICE and its partners will bridge many of the training barriers facing Inuit in remote northern communities, and promote their inclusion and participation in the ocean economy. We appreciate the support of the Ocean Supercluster in our northern social enterprise and its investment in Inuit women and men—especially youth—to embrace technology and traditional knowledge as a vehicle for sustainable employment and well-being in their communities.” Dr. Trevor Bell

“The Pinnguaq Association is delighted to collaborate with Smart Ice in bringing this incredible project to life.   We are looking forward to coordinating our efforts in order to develop and implement a high quality holistic training program and are grateful to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster for supporting this initiative.” Ryan Oliver

“The Nunavut Fisheries Association is a proud partner of SmartIce and its important ice safety work in our member communities throughout the Qikiqtani Region.  We look forward to working with SmartIce on its new Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project.” Brian Burke, Executive Director, Nunavut Fisheries Association

“Ilitaqsiniq is proud to work in partnership to bring unique training and learning opportunities to Nunavut Inuit through this project. The value of this work will save lives, provide employment opportunities and acknowledge the wisdom and scientific knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.”  Adriana Kusugak

“The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation are pleased to play a part in supporting this meaningful work, to co-create new and enduring solutions to complex problems. As evaluators, we will be joining SmartICE and the other partners on this journey and will be capturing the story of the initiative as it unfolds. We will focus on gathering key learnings that can inform and improve not only this project, but others to follow.” Christina Hackett

Watch the project video announcement here.

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Media contact:

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709-725-7070

Alongside members of its Indigenous Working Group and Indigenous community partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its newest project called the Indigenous Career Pivot Project. This is a first-of-its-kind ocean innovation ecosystem project in Canada that is now fully developed and ready to deploy. The project represents a total investment of more than $740,000 of which $550,000 is funded by the Ocean Supercluster.

Led by Ulnooweg Development Group with their project partners, the Joint Economic Development Initiative and the College of the North Atlantic, the project will facilitate and support meaningful work placements for Indigenous peoples wishing to explore career options in the ocean economy. During their 12-month placements, participants will gain valuable experience in ocean and enhance their knowledge through placements that complement their existing skillset and natural aptitudes. Approximately ten Indigenous people will have the opportunity to work in Ocean Supercluster member organizations as a part of a pilot program.

Learning and support opportunities for both participants and employers have been imbedded into the project and they include: career mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and employers; the development of a Peer Support Network for Indigenous participants; and intercultural competency training provided to employers.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizes the value of traditional knowledge and has engaged Indigenous stakeholders in the development of its five-year strategy, works closely with its Indigenous Engagement Working Group, and employs a full-time Indigenous Engagement Lead. Although Indigenous people have a connection to the ocean, there is often a disconnect between ocean resources and ocean-related careers. Today’s announcement is the realization of one of the key priorities set out by the Indigenous Engagement Working Group aimed to help address that disparity.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is deepening our understanding of the great marine resources that Canada has within its territorial waters. This new project will provide work placements for Indigenous Peoples, recognizing their traditional knowledge and offering ocean-related career choices.”

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Together with our members, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is developing new partnerships, launching new projects, building capabilities and opportunities for growth, and we are supporting an innovative ocean economy that is sustainable and inclusive. This has been a true collaboration between the Ocean Supercluster, our Indigenous Engagement Working group, and members of the Indigenous community – and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work towards future projects and initiatives.”

• Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Ulnooweg is enthusiastic about the long-term outcomes of pairing Indigenous professionals with training and career opportunities in the ocean economy. Indigenous people have a strong history of innovation and resourcefulness which has helped to advance modern industry. This synergetic collaboration furthers Indigenous participation and engagement as the Ocean Supercluster continues to evolve.” ​

• Chris Googoo, COO, Ulnooweg Development Group

“This is a great opportunity for Indigenous workers to have access to a very unique potential career path in Supercluster Member companies.”

• John Paul, Executive Director, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat

“The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a leading Indigenous organization dedicated to working with partners to foster Indigenous economic and workforce development in New Brunswick. In collaboration with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, JEDI is committed to advancing the Indigenous workforce in the ocean economy.”

– Alex Dedam, JEDI President

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Media Contact

Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
709.725.7070
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca