BHP Foundation enters historic US$12M partnership to support Indigenous business in Canada
BHP Foundation has partnered with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) to strengthen Indigenous-led entrepreneurship and business education across Canada.
With a US $12 million (approximately CA $16 million) commitment from the BHP Foundation, the initiative known as Mamawi brings together CICan and the three Indigenous institutes in a partnership grounded in Indigenous leadership and ways of knowing and being.
A Governing Circle representing CICan and three Indigenous institutes — Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and Six Nations Polytechnic — will oversee its direction and impact.
“Mamawi’s ambition to transform support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and learners is closely aligned with the BHP Foundation’s commitment to advancing economic equity for Indigenous Peoples,” said BHP Foundation CEO Kristen Ray.
“We recognize that for Mamawi to truly resonate, it must be Indigenous-led and grounded in Indigenous worldviews. We are deeply grateful to the Indigenous Institutes for their leadership and cultural knowledge in guiding this journey,” said Kristen.
The partners will work together to expand training, mentorship, and applied-research opportunities to improve economic and social outcomes to support Indigenous learners and communities. Together they will create tools to equip Indigenous learners and entrepreneurs to build and strengthen skills, start ventures, and generate meaningful employment while growing an innovative Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports long-term, community-driven prosperity.
The partnership will also strengthen Indigenous institutes’ capacity to design and deliver programming, broaden supports such as access to Elders, Knowledge Holders, and childcare, and promote innovative learning models—including land-based and flexible approaches that improve learner retention.
The first national Indigenous-led initiative delivered through CICan, Mamawi represents an important step toward advancing meaningful reconciliation through new approaches and partnership. Its impact will extend across Canada’s network of public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions alike will benefit from stronger community partnerships and enriched programming.
Canadian employers and the financial sector will gain access to a more diverse and skilled talent pool, making businesses more resilient, supporting economic growth, and contributing to tangible progress on economic reconciliation.
The partnership was officially celebrated on Sunday, October 26, during the 2025 National Indigenous Education Symposium in Calgary, grounded in traditional ceremonies and protocols.
Hear from the partners
Dr. John Chenoweth, President and CEO, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
“I am deeply honoured for NVIT to be part of this historic partnership with CICan, SIIT, and Six Nations Polytechnic as our nkseytkn ~ nəqsílł ~ our family and community. Together, with the generous support of the BHP Foundation, we will strengthen Indigenous-led education and entrepreneurship grounded in our cultures, values, and worldviews. NVIT recognizes and commends BHP Foundation’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This collaboration supports NVIT’s purpose of improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by creating meaningful pathways for learners and communities to lead, innovate, and shape their own economic futures.”
Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology
"Rooted in Indigenous leadership and knowledge, the Mamawi partnership will open new pathways for Indigenous entrepreneurs, researchers and business students to learn, grow, and give back to their communities. For SIIT, it builds on our long-standing commitment to advancing indigenous-led education and creating opportunities that reflect the priorities of our communities. We are proud to collaborate with our partner institutions, CICan, and the BHP Foundation to make a meaningful and lasting impact."
Rebecca Jamieson, President and CEO, Six Nations Polytechnic
“On behalf of Six Nations Polytechnic, I extend gratitude to the BHP Foundation for supporting Mamawi and to CICan for walking with us in this Indigenous-led and grounded initiative. It is an honour to come together with our colleagues at NVIT and SIIT for this important work. Mamawi brings us together in collective responsibility and with-it renewed hope for the future where the inclusion of Indigenous led strategies will build a stronger economy for the benefit of all who share this land.”
Pari Johnston, President and CEO, CICan
“This partnership is a historic moment for CICan — our first national program to be fully Indigenous-led. It reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation through action: strengthening Indigenous-led education, expanding opportunity, and learning from our Indigenous members to embed more inclusive, community-driven approaches across the college system. Together, we’re building capacity that will benefit learners, communities, institutions, and Canada.”