Since the summer of 2022, established and emerging artists from British Columbia, Northwestern Ontario, Minnesota, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Manitoba have been leveraging Winnipeg as a hub. Projects learn alongside inclusive and diverse teams of researchers, arts educators and culture sector workers.
Igniting Climate Resilience and Creativity in Canada’s North
This Canadian Innovation Week, let’s celebrate the incredible potential of Canada’s youth, particularly those in northern and Indigenous communities, who are stepping up as powerful climate entrepreneurs. Often on the frontlines of climate change impacts, these young leaders are not just adapting; they are innovating, creating, and inspiring a new wave of solutions.
A prime example of this youth-led innovation is the Creative and Climate Entrepreneruship program supported by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. The arts, climate and dignity-focused program was specifically designed to empower Indigenous youth and artists through creative mentorship, digital art, and entrepreneurship. But its purpose extends beyond artistic expression, directly fostering climate resilience, creative leadership, cultural continuity, and community engagement. Engaging youth through the arts, creative and climate entrepreneurship, programs demonstrate how cultural avenues can generate new and critical economic opportunities while addressing profound social and environmental challenges.
These kinds of programs are critical because they tap into the unique perspectives and traditional knowledge of First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth, who are often “at the forefront of climate resilience and innovation”. At the community level, many are developing “self-determined climate action strategies” that intrinsically incorporate traditional knowledge, leading to “better environmental outcomes”. Importantly, these approaches also ensure solutions are culturally appropriate and community-owned, building self-worth and agency among young people.
Despite facing significant barriers such as limited funding, geographical isolation, and digital infrastructure deficits , youth across northern communities are demonstrating remarkable ingenuity.
Supporting organizational capacity building through training, mentorship, and access to resources is paramount. And, by investing in approaches grounded in youth-led climate entrepreneurship, Canada can better address immediate climate challenges while incubating a new generation of leaders who will shape a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Canadian Innovation Week 2025
Taking place from 26-30 May, Canadian Innovation Week brings together innovators, partners, and communities from across Canada to spotlight how bold ideas are making a real impact – from local projects to global breakthroughs.
