Uncovering Indigenous Wisdom
Indigenous Community-Based
Social Research
Empowering Communities Through Indigenous-Led
Research and Development
To empower Indigenous communities seeking
to guide their own development path
Indigenous-Led Social Research
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Indigenous-Led Social Research
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Empowering Communities Through Knowledge Sovereignty
In the heart of every Indigenous community lies a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations - we believe this wisdom deserves to be heard, honored, and integrated into every decision that affects your community's future, we partner with communities to transform traditional knowledge into powerful tools for self-determination and sustainable development.
Indigenous-Led Social Research
04
Indigenous-Led Social Research That Honors Your Story
We're partners in empowering Indigenous communities to drive informed decision-making and shape their own narratives while navigating complex social and economic landscapes.
Research with and for Indigenous Communities and Organizations
01
Empowering Communities Through Indigenous-Led Research and Development
At ICE, we believe that research is a journey of discovery, guided by respect and community wisdom. We work to amplify Indigenous voices and empower communities to drive informed decision making while navigating complex social and economic landscapes
- Web Development
- Brand Strategy
- Art Direction
- Graphic Design
- Motion Graphics
- Print Design
- Content Management
- Brand Strategy
- WordPress
- SEO Analytics
- Copywriting
- Mobile App Design
Community Engagement and Relationship Building
We take the time to get to know your community to learn about your customs, protocols and expectations, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.
We Turn Research into Action:
• We help turn research findings into concrete community actions
• We support your community in using results for advocacy or development
• We ensure research leads to tangible benefits for your people
- Research
- Facilitation
- Engagement
- Business Advisory
How We're Different:
• We move at the pace of the community, not academic or corporate timelines
• Our researchers are trained in indigenous protocols and cultural safety
• We prioritize indigenous languages and ways of knowing throughout the process
• Our goal is community empowerment, not just data collection
Empowering Communities Through Indigenous-Led Research and Development
At ICE, we believe that research is a journey of discovery, guided by respect and community wisdom. Our approach ensures that your voice is heard, your knowledge is valued, and your community benefits from every step of the research process.
The ICE research team are highly trained and experienced social and economic analysts, specializing in working with Indigenous communities.
Our firm is committed to advancing Indigenous data sovereignty and building the capacity of Nations and organizations to use data to empower decision-making. Planning for your community’s future requires understanding complex community social and economic challenges and opportunities.
Social
Impact Assessments.
Like dropping a stone in a quiet pond, every development creates ripples through a community.
We help you map these ripples:
Walking Together:
Indigenous Research Services
In the heart of every Indigenous community lies a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations. At ICE, we believe this wisdom deserves to be heard, honored, and integrated into every decision that affects your community's future.
Indigenous-led research isn't just about gathering data—it's about honoring knowledge, empowering communities, and building bridges between traditional wisdom and contemporary decision-making.
Imagine having the tools to tell your community's story through data that reflects your values, traditions, and aspirations. That's what we do at ICE. We're not just researchers – we're partners in empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own narratives and make decisions rooted in both traditional wisdom and contemporary insights.
Indigenous Community-Based Social Research
ICE specializes in conducting culturally-grounded social research that respects Indigenous ways of knowing while delivering actionable insights for communities and organizations.
Our team of experienced social and economic analysts works alongside Indigenous communities to support informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Indigenous Community-Based Social Research
01
Bridging Traditional Wisdom with Modern Research
We work to amplify Indigenous voices and empower communities to drive informed decision making while navigating complex social and economic landscapes.
We believe that research is a journey of discovery, guided by respect and community wisdom.
Together, we can build a future where Indigenous communities lead their own development through research that honors both traditional wisdom and contemporary needs.
We take the time to get to know your community to learn about your customs, protocols and expectations, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.
- We help turn research findings into concrete community actions
- We support your community in using results for advocacy or development
- We ensure research leads to tangible benefits for your people
Every community's research needs are different. We create custom approaches that:
- Honor traditional protocols
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge systems
- Build community research capacity
- Protect cultural information
By weaving together traditional wisdom and modern research methods, we create a more complete, nuanced, and culturally-grounded understanding of Indigenous communities.
Imagine having the tools to tell your community's story through data that reflects your values, traditions, and aspirations. We're not just researchers – we're partners in empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own narratives and make decisions rooted in both traditional wisdom and contemporary insights.
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge Sovereignty
Indigenous-led research isn't just about gathering data—it's about honoring knowledge, empowering communities, and building bridges between traditional wisdom and contemporary decision-making. Our services are designed to help clients understand the full range of social and economic implications, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Understanding
Indigenous Context
Our approach is rooted in deep respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being. We recognize that traditional wisdom holds invaluable insights that often cannot be captured through conventional research methods alone.
This approach not only produces more accurate and meaningful results but also ensures that the research process itself is a tool for community empowerment and cultural revitalization.
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge Sovereignty
We partner with communities to transform traditional knowledge into powerful tools for self-determination and sustainable development.
Imagine having the tools to tell your community's story through data that reflects your values, traditions, and aspirations. That's what we do at ICE. We're not just researchers – we're partners in empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own narratives and make decisions rooted in both traditional wisdom and contemporary insights.
Imagine having the tools to tell your community's story through data that reflects your values, traditions, and aspirations. That's what we do at ICE. We're not just researchers – we're partners in empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own narratives and make decisions rooted in both traditional wisdom and contemporary insights.
In the heart of every Indigenous community lies a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, we believe this wisdom deserves to be heard, honored, and integrated into every decision that affects your community's future.
Research is a journey of discovery, guided by respect and community wisdom. Our approach ensures that Indigenous voices are heard, knowledge is valued, and communities benefit from every step of the research process.
Certified Aboriginal Business with
the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business.
Indigenous-Led Social Research That Honors Your Story
business advisory services
01
We partner with communities to transform traditional knowledge into powerful tools for self-determination and sustainable development.
This Knowledge becomes Your Evidence, Your Advocate, and Your Guide.
Indigenous-Led Social Research
04
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge Sovereignty
In the heart of every Indigenous community lies a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations - we believe this wisdom deserves to be heard, honored, and integrated into every decision that affects your community's future, we partner with communities to transform traditional knowledge into powerful tools for self-determination and sustainable development.
Here's how we ensure this integration:
05
Honoring Indigenous
Knowledge Systems
Our approach is rooted in deep respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
We recognize that traditional wisdom holds invaluable insights that often cannot be captured through conventional research methods alone.
Elder and Knowledge
Keeper Engagement
We begin each project by sitting with Elders and knowledge keepers. Their guidance shapes every aspect of our research:
- Defining research questions and priorities
- Identifying appropriate methodologies
- Interpreting findings within cultural contexts
- Ensuring protocols are respected throughout the process
Community-Led
Design
Our research framework is co-created with the community, ensuring that:
- Local protocols and ceremonies are integrated into the research process
- Traditional governance structures are recognized and respected
- Cultural and intellectual property rights are protected
- Indigenous languages are prioritized where possible
Indigenous-led research isn't just about gathering data—it's about honoring knowledge, empowering communities, and building bridges between traditional wisdom and contemporary decision-making. Our services are designed to help clients understand the full range of social and economic implications, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Social Impact
Assessment*
Our approach is rooted in deep respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
We recognize that traditional wisdom holds invaluable insights that often cannot be captured through conventional research methods alone.
Economic Impact Assessment*
We begin each project by sitting with Elders and knowledge keepers.
- Defining research questions and priorities
- Identifying appropriate methodologies
- Interpreting findings within cultural contexts
Cultural Impact
Assessment*
Our research framework is co-created
- Local protocols and ceremonies are process
- Traditional governance structures are recognized and respected
- Cultural and intellectual property rights are protected
Understanding Indigenous Context
We recognize that economic development for Indigenous communities is not just about financial gain; it involves cultural preservation, community empowerment, and social responsibility.
Our team brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by First Nations, ensuring our strategies align with community values.
Customized Solutions
Our solutions range from strategic planning and feasibility studies to investment attraction and operational support.
Each First Nation has its own vision for economic development. We collaborate with you to design tailored strategies that reflect your community’s specific goals, resources, and aspirations.
1. Community-Led Design
Every research project begins with extensive community consultation. Local Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members help shape:
- Training local community researchers
- Supporting Indigenous leadership development
- Transferring research skills and knowledge
- Building sustainable research infrastructure
- Enhancing community ability to conduct future research
2. Cultural Safety & Protocol
Our research framework is built on:
- Deep respect for Indigenous protocols and ceremonies
- Recognition of traditional governance structures
- Protection of cultural and intellectual property rights
- Integration of Indigenous ways of knowing
- Commitment to ethical space creation
We empower Indigenous communities through data
sovereignty and socio-economic research.
Take meaningful steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
1. Community-Led Design
Every research project begins with extensive community consultation. Local Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members help shape:
- Training local community researchers
- Supporting Indigenous leadership development
- Transferring research skills and knowledge
- Building sustainable research infrastructure
- Enhancing community ability to conduct future research
2. Cultural Safety & Protocol
Our research framework is built on:
- Deep respect for Indigenous protocols and ceremonies
- Recognition of traditional governance structures
- Protection of cultural and intellectual property rights
- Integration of Indigenous ways of knowing
- Commitment to ethical space creation
Partnering With Communities to Create Meaningful Change
Our skilled analysts partner with Nations and organizations to drive informed decision-making, navigating complex social and economic landscapes.
Our Indigenous Community-Based Social Research approach centers Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and ways of knowing to create positive, sustainable change within communities. We work alongside Indigenous peoples as equal partners, ensuring research benefits flow directly back to the communities involved.
ICE specializes in conducting culturally-grounded social research that respects Indigenous ways of knowing while delivering actionable insights for communities and organizations. Our team of experienced social and economic analysts works alongside Indigenous communities to support informed decision-making and sustainable development
Indigenous Community-Based Social Research
ICE specializes in conducting culturally-grounded social research that respects Indigenous ways of knowing while delivering actionable insights for communities and organizations.
Our team of experienced social and economic analysts works alongside Indigenous communities to support informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Housing & Infrastructure*
- Community cohesion analysis
- Cultural practice effects
- Language and knowledge transmission
- Youth and elder engagement
- Gender-specific implications
Economic Landscape*
- Employment and income modeling
- Local business opportunities
- Traditional economy impacts
- Skills gap analysis
- Revenue sharing potential
Community Wellbeing*
- Sacred site mapping
- Traditional use documentation
- Ceremonial practice evaluation
- Language preservation assessment
- Heritage resource protection
Gathering Stories
Sitting with Elders to understand historical patterns, Mapping traditional economic activities, Documenting cultural practices and their evolution, Recording community aspirations and concerns
Collecting Numbers*
Sitting with Elders to understand historical patterns, Mapping traditional economic activities, Documenting cultural practices and their evolution, Recording community aspirations and concerns
Weaving Together
Sitting with Elders to understand historical patterns, Mapping traditional economic activities, Documenting cultural practices and their evolution, Recording community aspirations and concerns
Key Elements of Our Approach
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Reconciliation Support
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Benefits of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan
For Organizations, Institutions, Governments,
Municipalities and Agencies starting their Reconciliation Journey.
Drive Organizational
Change:
Identify and address systemic barriers, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Foster Meaningful
Relationships:
Build trust and understanding with Indigenous communities, creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Prepare for Future
Initiatives:
Lay the groundwork for certifications like Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR).
Demonstrate Authentic
Commitment:
Show stakeholders that your dedication to reconciliation goes beyond words to concrete actions.
Align with National
Priorities:
Respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, particularly Call to Action 92 for the corporate sector.
Enhance Cultural
Competence:
Equip your team with the knowledge and skills to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples.
Ready to explore how research can empower your community's decision-making?
Indigenous Relations Policies, Reconciliation Strategy & Frameworks.
We help you to enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum:
01. Develop a Reconciliation Strategy & Framework.
03. Foster meaningful mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations.
05. Unlearn colonial mindsets and practices, grow in knowledge, and adapt ways of working.
Reconciliation Audit:
02. Enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision.
04. Build organizational and staff capacity to integrate the principles, considerations, and practices of Reconciliation in your work.
06. Conduct a Reconciliation audit of your: Polices, Practices, Programs, and Culture.
We begin with a Reconciliation readiness assessment and gap analysis to determine the starting point of your reconciliation journey.
The assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
1. Kick-off Meeting:
We begin with a collaborative kick-off meeting to define the purpose, objectives, and roles for your RAP journey.
4. Collaborative Analysis:
Our participatory analysis process ensures:
- Community members guide interpretation of findings
- Indigenous knowledge systems inform analysis
- Multiple ways of knowing are honored
- Research outcomes align with community needs
- Findings are validated by community members
2. Scoping Workshop:
Through a facilitated workshop, we identify key stakeholders, review existing policies, and explore opportunities for reconciliation within your organization.
3. Capacity Building:
We believe in leaving communities stronger. Our process includes:
- Training local community researchers
- Supporting Indigenous leadership development
- Transferring research skills and knowledge
- Building sustainable research infrastructure
- Enhancing community ability to conduct future research
We recognize the potential for economic reconciliation and closing the socio-economic gap for Indigenous communities through business creation, strategic collaboration and organizational excellence.
Why Choose ICE for Your Reconciliation Action Plan Journey?
Measurable
Impact:
We help you track and demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your reconciliation efforts.
Holistic
Perspective:
We consider all aspects of your organization, from HR policies to procurement practices, to create comprehensive strategies.
Authenticity
Commitment:
We emphasize meaningful change over tokenistic gestures, ensuring your RAP drives genuine transformation.
Join us in advancing reconciliation through strategic planning, genuine engagement & actionable steps towards a more inclusive future.
CCAB PROGRESSIVE ABORIGINAL RELATIONS (PAR) SUPPORT
Supporting Industry and government in preparing, auditing and updating RAPs, as well as supporting preparation to apply for PAR.
Your journey to obtain Progressive Aboriginal Relations, a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations.
This process needs to be approached through honest reflection, research, and feedback from engagement.
A good RAP is supported at all levels in an organization, creates change in policy and behaviour, and is specific to local needs.
Concidering applying for a Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)?
We recommend that a RAP is a good first step to support future potential applications for PAR as it will lay out a number of things that CCAB will ask as part of the application.
Ready to explore how research can empower your community's decision-making?
The specialist firm to help with Reconciliation Efforts.
Endeavouring to unlearn colonial mindsets and practices, grow in knowledge, and adapt ways of working by enabling an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum:
Reconciliation Audit:
We begin with a Reconciliation readiness assessment and gap analysis to determine the starting point of your reconciliation journey.
The assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
Organization-wide Reconciliation vision:
- Partner with an Indigenous consultancy to conduct a Reconciliation audit of polices, practices, programs and culture -
- Develop a reconciliation strategy,
- Build organizational and staff capacity to integrate the principles, considerations, and practices of Reconciliation in your work.
- Foster meaningful mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations.
The specialist firm to help with Reconciliation Efforts.
We help you to enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum to:
We help you to enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum to:
01. Develop a Reconciliation Strategy & Framework.
03. Foster meaningful mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations.
05. Unlearn colonial mindsets and practices, grow in knowledge, and adapt ways of working.
Reconciliation Audit:
We begin with a Reconciliation readiness assessment and gap analysis to determine the starting point of your reconciliation journey. The assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
We begin with a Reconciliation readiness assessment and gap analysis to determine the starting point of your reconciliation journey. The assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
We help you to enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum to:
02. Enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision.
04. Build organizational and staff capacity to integrate the principles, considerations, and practices of Reconciliation in your work.
06. Conduct a Reconciliation audit of your: Polices, Practices, Programs, and Culture.
The specialist firm to help with Reconciliation Efforts.
Supporting Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities are developing: Indigenous Relations (IR) Policies, IR Engagement Strategies, and Reconciliation Action Plans
01. Develop a Reconciliation Strategy & Framework.
02. Enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision.
03. Foster meaningful mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations.
Reconciliation Audit:
We begin with a Reconciliation readiness assessment and gap analysis to determine the starting point of your reconciliation journey. The assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
04. Build organizational and staff capacity to integrate the principles, considerations, and practices of Reconciliation in your work.
05. Unlearn colonial mindsets and practices, grow in knowledge, and adapt ways of working.
06. Conduct a Reconciliation audit of your: Polices, Practices, Programs, and Culture.
We help you to enable an Organization-wide Reconciliation vision, understanding, and momentum to:
1. Community-Led Design
Every research project begins with extensive community consultation. Local Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members help shape:
- Training local community researchers
- Supporting Indigenous leadership development
- Transferring research skills and knowledge
- Building sustainable research infrastructure
- Enhancing community ability to conduct future research
2. Cultural Safety & Protocol
Our research framework is built on:
- Deep respect for Indigenous protocols and ceremonies
- Recognition of traditional governance structures
- Protection of cultural and intellectual property rights
- Integration of Indigenous ways of knowing
- Commitment to ethical space creation
We can guide your organization towards more meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities & tangible steps towards reconciliation.
Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities.
Take meaningful steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Supporting the creation of Indigenous Relations Policies, Engagement Strategies and bespoke Reconciliation Action Plan's tailored to local needs.
Pathways to Prosperity
For Indigenous Communities, Businessess and Organizations
Supporting Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities are developing: Indigenous Relations (IR) Policies, IR Engagement Strategies, and Reconciliation Action Plans
Urban design draws together the many strands of place-making, environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability into the creation.
Endeavouring to unlearn colonial mindsets and practices, grow in knowledge, and adapt ways of working by partnering with an Indigenous consultancy to conduct a Reconciliation audit of polices, practices, programs, and culture and the assessment will surface areas for change and strengthening as well as contribute to the development of a Reconciliation framework and strategy.
Supporting Industry, Organizations, Institutions, Associations and Municipalities are developing: Indigenous Relations (IR) Policies, IR Engagement Strategies, and Reconciliation Action Plans
Urban design draws together the many strands of place-making, environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability into the creation.
Join us in advancing reconciliation through strategic planning, genuine engagement & actionable steps towards a more inclusive future.
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Impact
Assessments
With years of experience and a track record of success, our team of seasoned consultants brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. We have helped businesses overcome challenges and achieve remarkable growth.
Trusted Partner
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Baseline
Studies
When decisions need to be made about your community's future, this baseline becomes your evidence, your advocate, and your guide. Your community's story is unique – shaped by history, culture, and tradition. Our baseline studies capture this richness through both numbers and narratives:
Stay Ahead
03
Tailored
solutions
Every business is unique. Our customized consultation services are designed to address your specific challenges and opportunities. Let us help you achieve your business goals with our expert guidance and support.
Client-Centric Approach
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