Honouring Indigenous History and Innovation in Canada

June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day: a time to listen, learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the land we now call Canada.

At WHC, we acknowledge that we operate on traditional Indigenous territories across the country. But acknowledgement means little without action, which is why we’re to support Pow Wow Pitch, an initiative dedicated to helping Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive.

• Why this month matters
• Celebrating Indigenous innovation
• How you can support
• Our commitment
• Keep building a Canada we can be proud of

Why this month matters

The truth is, we can’t talk about Canadian history, or its future, without acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonization and the strength of Indigenous communities who continue to thrive despite it.

From residential schools to land dispossession, the effects of these systems are ongoing. But so is the work of resilience, resistance, and renewal.

This month is not just about looking back. It’s about recognizing Indigenous sovereignty today, amplifying Indigenous voices, and understanding how each of us, including businesses, can take part in meaningful reconciliation.

Celebrating Indigenous innovation

Indigenous Peoples have long been innovators in science, engineering, governance, and art. Today, that spirit of creativity is alive and thriving in the digital space.

From Indigenous-led eCommerce shops and tech companies to artists and educators sharing knowledge online, there’s a growing wave of Indigenous digital entrepreneurship that’s redefining what success looks like in a connected world. 

Projects like Pow Wow Pitch are helping Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country and giving them the tools to thrive. In 2024, for example, over 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs participated in Pow Wow Pitch’s virtual and live events at the Manito Ahbee Festival, Kamloopa Powwow, Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, and Tobique Powwow, providing over $100,000 in cash prizes.

At WHC, we’re happy to support this spirit of innovation. Our mission is to help Canadians succeed online, and that includes creating space for Indigenous creators and businesses to grow and shine.

How you can support

Reconciliation is an ongoing practice. Here are some ways to show up meaningfully this month and beyond:

• 🌟 Support Indigenous businesses and artists. Shop local, share their work, and leave a review. Every bit counts.
• 👂 Listen and learn. Watch Indigenous-led documentaries, read books by Indigenous authors, or tune in to podcasts that elevate Indigenous perspectives.
• 📜 Reflect on your land acknowledgements. If you run a business or website, consider how you acknowledge the land you operate on, and whether that acknowledgment goes beyond words.
• 🎉 Attend events or exhibitions. Many virtual and in-person events take place throughout June to celebrate Indigenous cultures and histories.

Our commitment

Being Canadian means supporting the diverse communities that shape this country.

That’s why we choose to partner with organizations like CIRA for the Pow Wow Pitch, which empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, and national exposure. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and building a better, more equitable digital landscape for all.

As part of this partnership, WHC offers Indigenous entrepreneurs 1 year of web hosting and a .CA domain at no cost.

Keep building a Canada we can be proud of

Whether you’re an individual, business owner, or part of a larger organization, you have the power to uplift Indigenous voices and support reconciliation, online and off.

Let’s keep building a Canada that reflects the strength of all its communities.

👉 Share a project or creator that inspires you.
👉 Learn something new.
👉 Or simply listen.

Together, we can make space for stories that need to be heard and futures that deserve to flourish.