Diving into a thriving Indigenous seaweed industry.
The Indigenous Seaweed Community Platform and Hub
We are leading the development of a robust Indigenous-led Canadian seaweed industry. Creating opportunities for Indigenous communities, businesses, partnerships, employment, and innovation. The Seaweed Platform features specialized virtual environments for career planning, training, business development, industry insights, and traditional Indigenous knowledge.
The platform will contribute to convening Indigenous peoples (on all three coasts and inland) in dialogue to develop equitable guidelines and principles for an Indigenous commercial seaweed industry, rooted in traditional knowledge and Indigenous values.
Why seaweed?
Seaweed is more than just a marine plant. Globally generating $17.5 billion annually, it’s a powerhouse of potential - used in food, fertilizers, biofuels, cosmetics, and even as a solution for carbon sequestration. With abundant seaweed resources on all three coasts, Canada is perfectly poised to become a leader in this industry, and Indigenous communities are at the heart of this transformation.
The seaweed sector within Canada’s agriculture and agrifood industry offers many opportunities for Indigenous investment to meet growing demand in the conventional market for sea plant extractions, functional foods, and other end uses while balancing the goals of sustainable, climate smart agriculture.
We envision a thriving Indigenous seaweed industry that:
Respects and integrates traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Promotes sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
Fosters economic independence and opportunities for Indigenous people.
Supports global food security and innovation.
Project Highlights
Building robust Indigenous organizations to spearhead seaweed ventures, leveraging knowledge across Canadian coasts, and integrating traditional practices with cutting-edge research.
Bridging gaps between Indigenous communities and research institutions to co-design an R&D agenda that addresses community needs and promotes innovation.
Creating pathways for Indigenous employment, from technical positions to entrepreneurial opportunities, ensuring culturally relevant training and career development.
Facilitating entry into various market segments, from small businesses to large development corporations, and fostering partnerships with established seaweed enterprises globally.
Get Involved
Be part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur, a researcher, a policymaker, or a supporter of sustainable development, there’s a place for you in our community. Join our virtual platform to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on building a sustainable future.