Hire Indigenous

Imagine a world full of amazing artists who make beautiful things like jewelry, paintings, and clothes using skills passed down through generations. These artists are part of Indigenous communities, which means they follow the traditions of their ancestors, who were the very first people to live in their countries. There are over 370 million Indigenous people all around the world, living in about 90 different countries. That's a lot of unique art and culture!

But, there's a big problem. Even though these artists create incredible things, not many people outside their communities know about them. This is tough for the artists because it means they don't get to sell their work to more people, and it's also sad for the rest of us because we miss out on owning something truly special and full of history.

One reason it's hard for these artists to reach more people is because of something called the "digital divide." This means not everyone has easy access to the internet or knows how to use it to show the world what they can do. Also, there aren't many places online where these artists can share their work in a way that really tells their story and celebrates their culture.

Here's where our idea comes in: We're creating a special place on the internet called Hire Indigenous. It's like a magic bridge that connects these talented Indigenous artists with people from all over the world who want to find and buy unique things. By using Hire Indigenous, artists can tell their stories, show their art, and find new friends and customers far and wide.

Our idea helps in two big ways. First, it helps the artists make a better living by selling their work to more people. Remember, many Indigenous people face tough times and are often among the poorest in the world. Second, it helps keep their beautiful traditions alive and share them with lots of people, teaching us all about different cultures and histories.

So, Hire Indigenous isn't just about buying and selling. It's about building bridges between cultures, celebrating the amazing skills of Indigenous artists, and learning from each other. By doing this, we're not just helping the artists; we're making the world a richer place full of understanding and appreciation for all the different ways people live and create.

Imagine a person named Bob, who suddenly feels like he wants a pair of authentically made "Moccasins" by an Indigenous artist.

He has no idea where to find moccasins and has no connection to Indigenous people.  So he goes to "Hire Indigenous" search engine and searches "Moccasins".

Now 100s of profiles come up in the results of profiles of Indigenous Moccasin makers from all over North America.  There is Cree Style moccasin makers, Sioux Style Moccasin makers, Ojibwe Moccasin makers and they all have their own unique style of craft all within moccasin makers.

From here you can do all kinds of things.  You can filter by location, price, tribe, etc.  You can message the artisans and create the conversation about creating an order and even order right on the website for safety.

The buyer can get updates just like uber eats or uber to see how their order is coming along, when its delivered and tracked for delivery.

Bob can now rate his experience, quality, etc and the artisan can do the same.  This rating can help Indigenous artisans get even more orders and exposure and help artisans avoid bad customers as well.

Here is a video showing the process that Bob would go through:

Hire Indigenous is all about helping Indigenous artists and storytellers share their amazing work with people all around the world. 

These artists are from communities that have been here for thousands of years, making incredible things and keeping their traditions alive.

Who Will It Help?

We're focusing on Indigenous communities everywhere. These are people who make beautiful art, like paintings, jewelry, and clothes, using knowledge passed down from their ancestors. 

But right now, it's hard for them to show their creations to more people and make a living from it.

Understanding What They Need:

To make sure we're really helping, we talk a lot with these artists and their communities. We ask them what they need, what they like, and what worries them. 

We do this through meetings and workshops, sometimes online, so everyone can join in. This helps us make Hire Indigenous something they find useful and respectful.

How We're Making Things Better:

1. More People Seeing Their Work: Our website will let artists show their art to people all over the place, helping them sell more and earn money to support their families.

2. Keeping Cultures Alive: By sharing their art and stories, we keep their traditions and cultures going strong. Every artist's page is like a mini museum about them and their way of life.

3. In Charge of Their Story: The artists decide how they want to show their work and tell their story. This way, everything is real and respectful.

4. Helping the Whole Community: We're not just about selling art. We also want to support projects that make life better for the whole community, like building schools or keeping the environment clean.

We've made sure that Indigenous people are helping to lead and guide our project. This means we're always learning and making sure Hire Indigenous is something that really helps.

In Short:

Hire Indigenous is more than just a website. It's a way for Indigenous artists to share their work with the world, earn money, and keep their cultures shining bright. 

We work together with the communities to make sure we're doing things right and making a real difference in their lives.

We're part of a team called Powwow Times, and we've been on a pretty amazing journey. For over 10 years, we've been artists ourselves, and for the past 4 years, we've officially been a company. Our mission? To share Indigenous art with the world and help Indigenous artists get the recognition they deserve.

Why We're Like a Family:

Our team is made up of artists and curators, just like the communities we're trying to help. We know what it's like because we've been there. This isn't just a project for us; it's our life. We're internationally recognized for our work, which means people all over the world have seen what we can do. We're using everything we've learned to make Hire Indigenous something special.

Listening to the Beat of Our Community:

Over the years, we've hosted hundreds of artists at events and online, learning directly from them what works and what doesn't. We take this feedback seriously, incorporating it into how we build Hire Indigenous. This isn't just about selling art; it's about creating connections and understanding.

Creating Together:

Our approach to building Hire Indigenous is hands-on and heart-in. We involve artists and communities in every step, from brainstorming to the final touches. This way, we make sure our platform is something that truly represents Indigenous voices and meets their needs. We've been doing this long enough to know that the best ideas come from working together.

Adapting to What's Needed:

Every community has its own dreams and priorities. Because we're from these communities, we get that. Maybe it's showcasing traditional crafts, maybe it's sharing stories through music, or maybe it's something else entirely. Whatever it is, we're ready to adapt Hire Indigenous to help achieve those goals.

Why Powwow Times Is the Right Choice:

We've been connecting the world to Indigenous artists and their incredible work for a long time now. Our experience as artists and curators gives us a unique insight into both the beauty and the challenges of this work. We've seen firsthand the huge need for a platform like Hire Indigenous, and we're committed to making it happen.

Being part of Powwow Times means we're not just talking about making a difference; we're actually doing it, every day. Our team's dedication and proven track record show that we have what it takes to bring Hire Indigenous to life, celebrating Indigenous art and culture on a global stage.

Why Prototype?

Even though we've been helping Indigenous artists and those who want to learn from them connect for years at Powwow Times, we've done it all by hand. People reach out to us, and we personally find the right artist, Elder, or speaker for them. 

It's like being matchmakers, but instead of finding love, we're creating connections between cultures and communities.

What Have We Built and Tested?

So far, our system is pretty simple. When a company or someone else needs an Indigenous artist or knowledge keeper, they get in touch with us. Then, we use our knowledge and contacts to find the perfect match from the artists and Elders we know. 

This process has given us a lot of insight into what both sides need and how a digital platform could make these connections smoother and reach even more people.

How Many People Have We Helped?

Through our manual way of doing things, we've connected hundreds of artists and clients. Each year, we're talking about helping around 1,000's of artists find opportunities to share their work and wisdom. 

This experience has been incredible, teaching us so much about the power of these connections and how we can make them even stronger with technology.

Our Achievements So Far:

Choosing "Prototype" tells you we're at the beginning of making something bigger. Our manual connections have been a testing ground. We've learned what works, what doesn't, and what people really need from us. 

All these lessons are going into building the "Hire Indigenous" platform, where we can help even more artists and communities share their talents with the world.

Why Solve?

We've got this great idea with "Hire Indigenous" to make a bridge between Indigenous artists and the whole world. But making this bridge isn't just about having a good idea. 

It's like when you want to build a real bridge; you need the right tools, materials, and some friends to help make sure it's strong and can reach across the river.

What Challenges We Face:

1. Technical: Right now, we're like artists who know what masterpiece we want to create, but we're still figuring out the best brushes and paints to use. We need expert advice to build our digital platform so it's easy for everyone to use and really shows off the artists' work in the best way.

2. Financial: Imagine trying to throw a big community feast but needing help to buy the ingredients. We're looking for support to grow our project, not just with money but also with advice on how to use our resources wisely to make the biggest impact.

3. Cultural: We're walking a path that connects modern technology with ancient cultures. It's important that we do this respectfully and correctly. Guidance from others who've walked similar paths would be invaluable.

4. Market: Just like when you're trying to introduce your friends to a new game or hobby, we need to figure out the best way to get people excited about and supportive of Indigenous art through our platform. We're looking for strategies to spread the word far and wide.

How Solve Can Help:

• Connections: Solve is like the friend who knows everyone. Being part of Solve means we could meet people who can give us the technical advice we need, introduce us to mentors who can guide us on our journey, and connect us with others who believe in our mission.

• Learning: It's not just about who you know, but what you know. Solve can help us learn from others who've built similar bridges, teaching us what pitfalls to avoid and shortcuts to take.

• Visibility: Being recognized by Solve is like getting a shoutout in the school announcements. It tells the world what we're doing, making more people pay attention and maybe even want to join in.

In Summary:

We're not just applying to Solve to find funding. We're here for the community, the knowledge, and the chance to make "Hire Indigenous" something really special. We know Solve isn't just about the money; it's about building something lasting together. That's exactly what we want to do.

Patrick Mitsuing is our team leader at Powwow Times, and he's really involved in the Indigenous communities. Here's a bit about what he does:

• Dancing Star: Patrick is an amazing dancer, known worldwide for his fancy dance moves. His dancing is a way to celebrate and share our culture with everyone.

• Helping Out: He volunteers with the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe, where about 100-200 people come together twice a month to dance and keep our traditions alive.

• For the Kids: Patrick organizes a big youth day every year where over 2,000 kids get together. It's all about having fun and learning more about our culture.

• Powwow Time: Every year, Patrick hosts a huge International Powwow that brings 6,000 people together. It's like a big family reunion where we all celebrate our culture with dancing, music, and stories.

• Spreading the Word: With Powwow Times, Patrick helps tell the world about Indigenous culture and artists. Imagine between 500,000 to 1 million people every month learning about our traditions. That's huge!

• Language Lessons: He also runs "Repeat After Me Cree," helping 7,000 students learn the Cree language. It's really important for keeping our language alive and kicking.

Patrick is super connected to what we're all about. His work helps bring our culture to both our own communities and the world, making him the perfect person to lead our project.

Our solution, "Hire Indigenous," introduces an innovative approach to promoting and preserving Indigenous culture while providing economic opportunities for Indigenous artists. By leveraging digital technology, we are creating a platform that significantly enhances visibility for Indigenous artistry on a global scale, which is both a novel and impactful advancement in how Indigenous cultures are shared and celebrated.

Innovative Approach:

• Digital Showcase: Unlike traditional methods of marketing and selling Indigenous art, which are often limited by geographical and logistical barriers, our platform provides a digital space where artists can share their work with a global audience. This not only increases their potential market but also allows for the preservation and sharing of cultural stories and traditions through the artists' profiles.

• Cultural Integrity and Autonomy: We've designed our platform with a deep respect for cultural integrity, ensuring that artists have full control over how their work and cultural knowledge are presented. This empowerment is crucial for maintaining the authenticity of the art and culture being shared.

• Language and Education Integration: By incorporating educational components, such as language learning and cultural history, into the platform, we're not just selling art; we're providing a holistic cultural experience. This approach promotes greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures among a broader audience.

Catalyzing Broader Positive Impacts:

• Model for Cultural Exchange: "Hire Indigenous" serves as a model for respectful and empowering cultural exchange. By demonstrating the success of this approach, we can inspire other platforms and organizations to adopt similar methods, leading to a broader positive impact on how Indigenous cultures are represented and supported.

• Economic Empowerment: By providing a platform that significantly expands the market for Indigenous artists, we're contributing to economic empowerment within Indigenous communities. This can catalyze a positive cycle of investment in cultural preservation and community development.

Changing the Market/Landscape:

• Shift Towards Authenticity: Our solution encourages a market shift towards authentic, culturally rooted products and experiences. By successfully connecting Indigenous artists with a global audience, we can influence consumer preferences, driving demand for authentic cultural expressions. This shift can encourage more artists to share their work, further enriching the global cultural landscape.

• Educational Impact: The educational aspects of our platform can change how people learn about and engage with Indigenous cultures. By providing direct access to Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, we can foster a more informed and respectful global dialogue around Indigenous issues and contributions.

Here’s Our Plan with "Hire Indigenous":

Step 1: Building the Platform

• We're creating a website that's like a mix between a social media and a search engine, just for Indigenous art and artists.
• We'll shout out to Indigenous artists everywhere to come and create profiles. It'll be their space to show who they are and what they make.
• At the same time, we'll tell consumers all about this new place where they can find and hire Indigenous talent for their needs.
• We're also planning to send out press releases to make some noise about our website, getting everyone excited.

Step 2: Making Connections

• We'll help artists get set up on the site, making sure it's super easy for them to create awesome portfolios that show off their work.
• Consumers looking for genuine Indigenous art or services will now have a direct line to find and connect with these artists.

Step 3: The Good Stuff That Starts to Happen

• Artists start making more money because now they've got more people seeing and buying their art.
• More folks start to really get Indigenous cultures because they're connecting with the artists and seeing their stories unfold through their art.
• We're all about improvement, so we'll keep tweaking the website based on feedback from artists and buyers to make it even better.

Step 4: The Big Changes We're Aiming For

• Indigenous artists and their communities find a steady way to earn, which helps lift everyone up.
• Indigenous cultures get a spotlight, celebrated and preserved through the sharing of their art and stories on a platform that respects their heritage.
• The whole world starts to appreciate the value of authentic, handmade art and the deep stories behind them.

Why We Think This Will Work

• Research says that reaching a wider audience can really help artists sell more, which means better financial stability for them.
• Talking to artists, we've heard loud and clear: they're looking for ways to connect with people who genuinely care about their culture.
• Even before this website idea, we saw that whenever we helped artists share their work more broadly, interest and sales went up.

By doing all this, "Hire Indigenous" is not just about showcasing art online. We're building bridges between Indigenous artists and the global community, keeping cultures vibrant and ensuring artists can thrive doing what they love.

Impact Goals:

1. Boost Income for Indigenous Artists: We want to help Indigenous artists make more money from their art. This means giving them a platform where more eyes from around the world can see and buy their work.

2. Spread Knowledge About Indigenous Cultures: Our goal is to make sure more people learn about and respect Indigenous cultures. Through art and stories shared on our site, we want folks to get a real sense of these rich cultures.

3. Empower Indigenous Communities: By helping artists sell more, we're not just boosting their bank accounts; we're supporting their whole communities. More money for artists means more resources for their families and communities to grow and thrive.

Measuring Our Progress:

To see how we're doing, we're keeping an eye on a few key things:

• Number of Artist Sign-Ups: We're tracking how many artists join our platform. More artists mean more art and stories shared, and it's our first step to making an impact.

• Sales Through the Platform: We're keeping track of how much art is being sold. This tells us if artists are actually making more money, which is one of our main goals.

• Feedback from Users: What people say about our platform gives us clues on how well we're spreading knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. We're looking for positive feedback that shows people are learning and respecting more.

• Community Impact Stories: We're collecting stories from the artists about how being on our platform is making a difference in their lives and communities. These stories help paint a picture of the real-world impact we're having.

• Engagement With Cultural Content: We're measuring how much people interact with the educational parts of our site, like artist stories and cultural histories. More engagement means we're hitting our goal of teaching people about Indigenous cultures.

These indicators help us understand if we're on the right track and where we need to tweak things to make an even bigger impact. By focusing on these specific points, we can make sure "Hire Indigenous" is really making life better for Indigenous artists and helping share their incredible cultures with the world.

At the heart of "Hire Indigenous," our core technology might not fly or buzz around like drones, but it's pretty cool because it brings together Indigenous art and global audiences with just a few clicks. Here's how it works:

The Platform: Think of our website as a big digital gallery, but way smarter. It's built on web development technologies that make it super easy for artists to create their own profiles, upload pictures of their art, and share stories about their culture and what inspires them. It's kind of like social media, but it's all about showcasing Indigenous art and connecting artists with people who love and appreciate this art from anywhere in the world.

User-Friendly Design: We're using design principles that make sure anyone can navigate our site easily, whether you're an artist not too savvy with the internet or a buyer from halfway across the globe. This includes intuitive layouts, simple instructions, and support for multiple languages.

E-commerce Integration: To help artists sell their work, we've added e-commerce technology into the mix. This means secure online transactions, so buyers can purchase art directly from the artist without worrying about safety.

Cultural Education Features: We're also using multimedia technology to add layers of learning and interaction. This includes videos of artists talking about their work, interactive maps of Indigenous communities, and even virtual reality experiences that take you inside an artist's studio or to the heart of a cultural event.

Combining Modern and Ancestral Knowledge: What's really innovative about our approach is how we're combining modern tech with traditional knowledge. For example, we're exploring ways to feature traditional Indigenous storytelling methods alongside digital art displays, creating a bridge between ancient cultures and today's technology.

Data and Feedback: On the back end, we're using data analytics to understand what works best. We look at which pieces of art get the most views, what stories resonate with audiences, and how we can better support our artists based on real feedback and interactions on the site.

In a nutshell, "Hire Indigenous" is powered by a mix of web development, e-commerce, multimedia, and data analytics technologies, all wrapped up in a user-friendly package that respects and celebrates Indigenous cultures. 

It's about using modern technology not just for the sake of being modern, but to genuinely make a difference by connecting people, supporting artists, and preserving cultures.

Alberta Canada but be able to reach the world.

Our solution will be open to Indigenous people of the world and connect those artists with Buyers from all over the world.

2 - Full Time

4 - Part Time

2 - Contracted

10 - Volunteers

1 Year planning

10 years doing it manually.

At Powwow Times, we're all about bringing different voices to the table, kind of like how a powwow brings together various Indigenous cultures to celebrate and share. Here’s how we make sure our team is as diverse and vibrant as the communities we represent:

Diverse Leadership: Our leadership team is a mix of people from different Indigenous communities and backgrounds. It's important to us that the people making decisions reflect the artists and cultures we're working to support. This diversity helps us see things from many angles and make better decisions.

Opening Doors: We know that sometimes people don't get the same chances to show what they're capable of, so we're committed to making opportunities more fair. This means creating chances for people who might not have gone to big-name schools or don't have the "usual" work background but have tons of talent and passion.

A Welcoming Space: Creating a place where everyone feels like they belong is super important to us. We do this by making sure everyone's voice can be heard, from our team meetings to the way we plan our projects. We're all about listening, learning, and growing together.

Actions We're Taking:

• Listening and Learning Sessions: We regularly have times when we can learn about each other's cultures and backgrounds. It's like show-and-tell for grown-ups, but it helps us understand and respect each other more.
• Flexible Work Policies: We understand that people have lives outside of work, so we try to be as flexible as possible. This helps everyone, especially those who might need to juggle more things at home or have different needs.
• Mentorship and Growth: We're big on helping each other grow. Whether it's learning a new skill or understanding more about another culture, we support each other. We also look for mentors outside our team to bring new ideas and perspectives.

Goals for the Future: We're always working on being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our goals include:

• Bringing in more voices from underrepresented Indigenous communities.
• Offering more training and development opportunities to help everyone on our team reach their potential.
• Increasing awareness and understanding of different cultures, not just within our team but in our wider community.

By focusing on these areas, we're not just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion; we're living it. It's all about making sure everyone feels they have a place at Powwow Times, just like at a real powwow, where everyone is welcome, respected, and part of the family.

Our business model at "Hire Indigenous" focuses on bridging the gap between the global demand for authentic Indigenous crafts, art, and talent, and the rich pool of Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers seeking broader exposure and opportunities. Here's how we're setting this up:

Who We Serve:

• Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers: Talented individuals looking for a platform to showcase their work and share their cultural heritage on a global scale.
• Organizations and Individuals: Those in search of authentic Indigenous creations and talents, ranging from personal buyers to large organizations planning cultural events or seeking unique art.

Our Services:

1. A Digital Marketplace: We offer a user-friendly online platform where Indigenous artists can create profiles, upload their work, and share their stories. This not only provides them with worldwide exposure but also helps in preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures.

2. Search and Discovery Features: For organizations and individuals, our platform serves as a reliable source to find and connect with Indigenous talent, ensuring authenticity and quality. Users can search based on location, type of craft or art, or specific cultural affiliations, making it easier to find exactly what they're looking for.

How We Provide Value:

• For Indigenous Artists: We provide a space for them to increase their brand visibility, connect with new customers, and ultimately, increase their income. This supports not just the artists but their families and communities as well.
• For Buyers: We offer peace of mind by ensuring a direct connection to genuine Indigenous talent, fulfilling their need for authentic cultural experiences and products. This not only meets their demand but also enriches their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures.

Revenue Streams:

• Transaction Fees: For every sale made through the platform, we take a small percentage (2-3%). This fee is minimal but, with thousands of transactions, becomes a significant revenue source.
• Paid Promotions: Artists have the option to feature their portfolios prominently on the platform for a fee, increasing their visibility to potential buyers.
• Advertising: As traffic to our platform grows, we will sell advertising space to businesses and organizations that align with our values and mission.
• Future Plans: Looking ahead, we aim to gamify the website, introducing our own cryptocurrency to reward users for their engagement with the platform, adding another layer of innovation and incentive for users.

Impact and Value: The essence of our business model is creating connections that lead to meaningful relationships, work opportunities for Indigenous people, and increased awareness and sales for Indigenous crafts and art. 

By fulfilling the needs of both artists and buyers, we're building a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone involved, fostering economic empowerment and cultural appreciation on a global scale.

Our journey towards financial sustainability with "Hire Indigenous" builds on our experience in manually connecting Indigenous artists and talent with organizations and events that seek authentic cultural expressions. Here's how we plan to grow financially and some evidence that our approach is working:

Current Revenue Streams:

• Service Contracts: We've established relationships with major events and organizations, such as the Super Bowl and Calgary Stampede, providing them with Indigenous song, dance, and art. These contracts have been a significant source of revenue, demonstrating our ability to meet the needs of large-scale clients.
• Direct Sales to Artists: By facilitating direct connections between artists and buyers, we've already generated tens of thousands of dollars in sales for Indigenous craftspeople, such as moccasin makers.

Future Revenue Plans:

• Platform Transaction Fees: With the digitalization of "Hire Indigenous," we'll take a small percentage from each transaction made through the platform. Given the volume of transactions we anticipate, this will be a substantial ongoing revenue stream.
• Paid Promotions and Advertising: Artists will have the option to feature their work more prominently through paid promotions, and we will sell advertising space on the platform to relevant businesses and organizations.
• Expansion to Workshops and Events: We plan to formalize and expand our workshop offerings for schools, municipalities, and governments, creating another steady revenue stream.

Evidence of Success:

• Super Bowl Collaboration: Our service provision for the Super Bowl, involving song and dance, is a prime example of our capacity to handle high-profile contracts.
• Calgary Stampede Project: Delivering all the necessary talent for the Calgary Stampede's inaugural Powwow in the Saddledome, a $200k+ project, showcases our ability to curate and deliver on large-scale needs.
• Overall Impact: Over the past few years, we've facilitated over $1 million in contracts and sales, demonstrating a strong demand for our services and the value we bring to both artists and organizations.

Financial Sustainability:

• Our strategy combines immediate revenue from service contracts and direct artist sales with long-term, scalable income from platform transactions, paid promotions, and advertising. This mix ensures we have a steady cash flow to cover expenses while we grow and invest in the platform.
• Our track record of generating significant revenue through manual operations gives us confidence in our business model's viability. Transitioning to a digital platform will only enhance our efficiency and reach, opening up new opportunities for revenue generation.

In summary, "Hire Indigenous" is on a clear path to financial sustainability, grounded in proven strategies and a track record of success. 

Our experience with high-profile clients and direct artist support forms a solid foundation for our future plans, ensuring we continue to create value for Indigenous artists and the communities we serve.