The First Peoples Enterprise Accelerator Program (FPEAP) was a 10-year endeavour towards a decolonized economy created for and by Indigenous people alongside deep and meaningful partnerships. Our FPEAP team, supported by the Royal Bank of Canada, contributed to this vision by cultivating deep, values-aligned relationships with Indigenous-led partners to co-create entrepreneurship programming that recognized the whole individual and centred Indigenous wisdom and worldview.
To the partners who trusted us along the way—the Fireweed Institute, Reconciliation Canada, Sto:lo Community Futures, EntrepreNorth, RAVEN Indigenous Capital Partners—thank you for sharing your wisdom with us and for co-creating programming entrepreneurs needed. Nothing brings us more joy and pride than to hear participants say, “I’ve never been able to talk about this before” as a way to express feeling seen and valued, as well as doubling down on including their culture into their business because of the encouragement of their peers and the validation that this is a strength. One of our greatest markers of success was seeing entrepreneurs leave our programming more strongly embracing their Indigenous identity, culture and community, and showcasing that through their business. Another key indicator of success is the number of ventures that continue to thrive beyond our programming and our continued connection to them.
To the many Indigenous entrepreneurs who we have worked alongside with: It was an inspiration to witness your impact across a diversity of communities, landscapes, and cultures. There are countless books, TED talks, and thought leaders speaking to the importance of business purpose and your “why” as an entrepreneur. Yet, Indigenous entrepreneurs’ integrity, commitment, and deep understanding of and relationship to their purpose is—without fail— the most solid aspect of Indigenous leadership. It emphasizes the impacts of an Indigenous worldview, which speaks volume when it comes to ecological balance, sustainability (including staff), and economic well being. This is one of many examples of how Indigenous entrepreneurship is transforming Western economic practices, and why your leadership is critical at this time.
The Future – A note from Candice Day, FPEAP Manager from 2018 to 2025
As the FPEAP manager, it was my great pleasure and honour to work alongside so many talented entrepreneurs realizing their dreams and supporting their communities. They inspired me to do the same. With RADIUS’ support, I was able to work remotely and part-time over the last couple of years, which allowed me to relocate to my traditional territory and learn my traditional language. I have moved on from RADIUS to continue learning and to work on language revitalization for my people. It is with a heavy heart that I leave the special folks on this team and a very happy spirit to be bringing back Secwepemctsín.
I want to thank all of the entrepreneurs – from coast to coast to coast – who showed us what decolonized business leadership looks like and who proved everyday that culture is our strength, that connection and relationality heal, and that our resilience is inherently innovative.
We have been “social innovators” since time immemorial.
We believe funding for Indigenous programming should go directly to Indigenous communities.
The Future – A note from Véronik Campbell & Bonnie Arthur, RADIUS Co-Directors
Wrapping up FPEAP was a decision that was not taken lightly or suddenly. Rather, in the years leading up to this moment, we had many conversations about what the future of FPEAP not only could, but should, look like. We learned a lot during the decade FPEAP was running, redefining our values and reflecting on how we operated as an organization on unceded territories. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we sat with the truth that as a non-Indigenous-led organization, we weren’t the best people to be leading this work, but instead, should be allying ourselves with Indigenous communities should they invite us to support them. As such, we decided to not seek further funding for ourselves. We believe funding for Indigenous programming should go directly to Indigenous communities.
The RADIUS team commits to continue to be (to some) and become (to others), a trustworthy partner that invests in walking the talk of decolonization and collective liberation. This journey in solidarity is both a very personal one and an organizational one. As such, our intentions as an organization are to:
Centre reciprocity in how we nurture relationships. RADIUS will continue to build intentional relationships with Indigenous people that allow for transparent communication with open hearts and minds. We’ll step into hard conversation with grace, and with the awareness that reciprocity is key given how many Indigenous communities have experienced extractive relationships with existing systems. FPEAP taught us that there is such beauty and power in listening deeply and being there for one another. In practice, this will look like continuing to step into partnerships with the real tools and intention to co-create programming that aligns with Indigenous communities’ goals.
FPEAP’s process is to work in partnership with Indigenous led organizations to co-create entrepreneurship programs that will best serve their communities. This includes cohort and peer-based learning that centres Indigenous wisdom, the strengths of the entrepreneur, and community impact.
The First Peoples Enterprise Accelerator Program is committed to the following goals:
The FPEAP has partnered with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners to co-create the design and delivery of the Fireweed Fellowship!
The Fireweed Fellowship is the first national accelerator program for Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada. The program will consist of a 10-month-long, immersive, cohort-style fellowship program including distance subject-matter-expert sessions, entrepreneurial online group learning and leadership development. Additionally the program offers peer support, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, pro-bono professional services as well as investment-readiness learning.
This program is co-created with, and informed by, knowledge keepers, business leaders and an all Indigenous program team. Programming will examine alternative economic models and perspectives and will be guided by the inherent wisdom and deep knowing of our ancestors. We will explore the individual and cultural value of entrepreneurship with a decolonial lens, and celebrate the strength of Indigenous world-views.
Candice Day
Program Manager
Candice is the manager of the RBC First Peoples Enterprise Accelerator Program (FPEAP). This program works in partnership with Indigenous-led organizations to co-create entrepreneurship programming that will best serve their communities. The FPEAP is committed to delivering entrepreneurship programming with an Indigenous lens, upholding Indigenous knowledge and worldview. Candice believes that an economy that is dynamic, just, sustainable, and resilient is one that supports and is informed by the wisdom of Indigenous entrepreneurs. She wishes to centre this wisdom and strength within the FPEAP, and work with partners who do the same. Candice brings a background in social enterprise development within urban Indigenous organizations to her role, as well as an MBA in Social Enterprise Leadership from the University of Fredericton.
Candice is of Secwepemc, Chinese, and European ancestry. Growing up in northern BC has given her a deep appreciation for the wild parts of this province…and within herself 😉 She lives for exploring both while on her DRZ400.
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If you have questions about the FPEAP, contact Candice Day, Program Manager at cday@radiussfu.com
