Advancing Indigenous Leadership in Ocean Sustainability


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Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Providing training, mentorship, and resources to help Indigenous businesses thrive in the ocean economy.

Advancing Sustainable Development

Aligning activities with SDGs to address challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and community resilience.

Fostering Collaboration

Connecting Indigenous businesses with ocean technology companies and other stakeholders to promote innovation and shared prosperity.

About the Project

Samqwane’jk, a Mi’kmaw word “Those Who Love the Water,” reflects the deep connection between Indigenous communities and the ocean.

The Samqwane’jk initiative celebrates that relationship by fostering sustainable practices, partnerships, and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada’s ocean sector while advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on the success of the initial Samqwane’jk project, which connected Indigenous businesses with ocean technology companies and achieved measurable progress toward key SDGs, Samqwane’jk 2.0 continues to celebrate and amplify Indigenous leadership, integrate cultural perspectives, and drive collaborative innovation.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness of SDGs and showcase Indigenous contributions through workshops, roundtables, and community roadshows.
  • Build and share resources to enhance involvement of Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in SDGs.
  • Engage up to five Indigenous businesses as project participants to receive support tailored to grow and promote each business.
  • Integrate Indigenous priorities and ways of knowing at all project stages.

 

  • Build a 20-member networking cohort of Indigenous entrepreneurs for relationship building and access to peer and organizational support.
  • Foster partnerships between Indigenous businesses, communities, and the ocean industry while supporting innate project SDGs.
  • Measure project outputs and share knowledge nationally and globally.

Samqwane’jk (pronounced suhm•kwan•āj•ka) means “Those who love the water”.

The whale or Putup (phonetically pronounced Bootup) was inspired by the Kluskap legend “How Glooscap Found Summer” where Glooscap enlisted the help of Whale to help get him to Southland in search of Summer. In this legend, Whale represents a loyal guide or helper, a mammal amongst the fish, and a wise friend to help you through.

In the logo, the breaching whale image represents the relationship between people and the ocean and our role both above and below the surface.

SDG_large

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What Are the SDGs?

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world by 2030. These 17 interconnected goals address critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Why Do the SDGs Matter to Indigenous Communities?

For Indigenous communities, the SDGs align closely with our traditional values of stewardship, interconnectedness, and sustainable living. By participating in SDG-aligned initiatives, Indigenous businesses and communities can strengthen their leadership in sustainability, contribute to global progress, and enhance their resilience against environmental and economic challenges.

Call for Proposals


Do You Have an Indigenous Owned Business?

We are seeking Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses to join our next phase of activities. Participants will gain access to resources, collaborative opportunities, and support tailored to their business goals. Apply to one or both of the programs outlined here.

Indigenous Ocean Business Program

The Indigenous Ocean Business Program will provide proponents with the following supports:

  • Custom communications materials that demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainable development.
  • Expert guidance through the opportunity to work with ocean communication professionals on activities like:
    • Marketing
    • Storytelling
    • Branding & Design
    • Websites
    • Designed Business Materials
    • Videography & Photography
  • The opportunity to participate in other project activities, such as community roadshows and conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Indigenous-owned business in the ocean sector
  • Located in Atlantic Canada
  • Demonstrated need for communications support

This is a free program. Funding may be available to support participant’s travel and attendance at events or conferences related to the project.

Submit a Project

Indigenous Ocean Network

The Indigenous Ocean Network (ION) will consist of 20 Indigenous entrepreneurs / professionals working in the ocean sector in Atlantic Canada. Proponents will be invited to participate in relationship building activities and events with other Atlantic Indigenous businesses within the ocean sector.

Support may be available for related costs for travel and associated event costs.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Indigenous entrepreneur or professional in the ocean sector
  • Located in Atlantic Canada
Apply to the Network

The Partners

Ulnooweg Development Group • COVE • Upswing Solutions

Samqwane’jk is based in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.

The Samqwane’jk partners thank Employment and Social Development Canada for its funding support as part of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Program. Thank you to Jim Hanlon, former CEO of COVE, for his original vision to bring together the three project partners to support Indigenous ocean ventures and their impact on sustainable development in Atlantic Canada. Thanks to Richard MacLellan at Miawpukek Horizon, Barry Stevens at 3D Wave Design and Adam Kennedy at Sma’knis Maritime Safety & Security for their participation and insights.