As part of its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the goals of the U of A Indigenous Strategic Plan, Braiding Past, Present and Future, the U of A will launch its first micro-credential in Indigenous entrepreneurship, Roots & Relations: A Pathway into Indigenous Entrepreneurship, this Fall.
Co-led by the Offices of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research, and Online Learning & Continuing Education, this four-course, non-credit certificate is designed to help Indigenous learners explore, design, and launch community-centred business ideas.
“We learned through engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities that there was interest in, and desire for, opportunities for individuals to design and launch businesses that support their communities. This micro-credential program is one such opportunity and aligns with goals in Braiding Past, Present and Future, and in Shape,” says Dr. Florence Glanfield, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research.
Adopting a Holistic Learning Model, the certificate curriculum aligns the entrepreneurial journey with Indigenous knowledge systems and emphasizes learner flexibility through online delivery. The certificate integrates foundational business education with Indigenous Knowledge systems and cultural teachings, offering learners both practical skills and culturally grounded perspectives in a flexible, accessible format.
The certificate will be guided by Elders, Indigenous subject matter experts, and Indigenous entrepreneurs as they build a living business plan that they refine throughout the courses, weaving together foundational business skills, Indigenous knowledge, and practical tools for business success.
“For many Indigenous youth, the barrier is not a lack of talent or ambition, but limited access to culturally relevant opportunities and clear pathways forward. Closing opportunity gaps requires more than surface-level inclusion; it requires confronting systemic barriers and supporting Indigenous youth as they navigate and overcome real challenges by redesigning programs to reflect Indigenous realities and lived experiences,” says George Houle, a fourth-year U of A business student from Goodfish Lake First Nation #128.
He adds, “This micro-credential represents a meaningful step toward equitable education by removing barriers, centring Indigenous voices, and creating pathways that recognize multiple definitions of success. By blending Indigenous ways of knowing with applied business and entrepreneurship skills, the program builds a strong foundation for long-term success.”
Karen MacKenzie, Elder and entrepreneur, shares, “When we talk to our young people, I tell them: You are not learning something new. You are remembering something old. You are reclaiming a skill set that is in your blood. You come from a long line of people who knew how to survive, how to thrive, and how to create value for their communities. That is what entrepreneurship is.”
Funding for the development of Roots & Relations comes from a $750,000 USD grant from the Walmart Foundation Economic Opportunity program, which supports initiatives that expand economic opportunity for all workers, including Black and Indigenous communities.
Patti Constantakis, Economic Opportunity in Retail, Walmart Foundation, describes the strong alignment between the program and the Foundation’s goals. “This program reflects what we hope to see more of in education – learning that is accessible, community-centred, and built with intention. Roots & Relations is creating a new pathway for Indigenous learners, and we’re excited to support the program as it grows, evolves, and learns over the coming years.”
To learn more or become a partner, contact iepp@ualberta.ca.