Indigispeak

At Four Economics, our mission is to address the urgent need for the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures. Globally, an estimated 300 million people are affected by the endangerment of these languages, a situation exacerbated by historical systemic oppression, globalization, and cultural assimilation, according to UNESCO.

In Canada, where the problem is particularly acute, Statistics Canada reports that 40 of the 70 actively used Indigenous languages have fewer than 500 fluent speakers remaining. This is especially critical in British Columbia, which is home to nearly half of Canada's remaining Indigenous languages.

Several factors contribute to this issue. Historical oppression, such as the residential school system in Canada, has played a significant role. Globalization and cultural assimilation have marginalized Indigenous languages and traditions, with colonizer languages dominating. Moreover, the lack of ownership of intellectual property related to Indigenous traditions and stories by technology companies has further exacerbated the loss of cultural heritage.

Indigenous communities face barriers such as geographical isolation and resource scarcity, limiting access to education and economic opportunities. At FOUR ECONOMICS, we believe that technological solutions, such as language learning apps and online dictionaries tailored for Indigenous languages, are crucial. We also advocate for policy measures, like the Government of Canada's mandatory minimum 5% Indigenous procurement target, which aim to support economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and community development.

Cultural and educational programs are essential for revitalizing Indigenous identities and knowledge systems. Incorporating Indigenous learning methodologies into education systems can help preserve these languages and cultures for future generations.

Our solution at Four Economics focuses on preventing the extinction of Indigenous languages, with a particular emphasis on preserving cultural ownership and creating sustainable markets. We offer a unique program that ensures Indigenous languages are verified and tracked for ownership, benefiting both communities and individuals. We are bringing together four separate technologies, hence Four Economics, into one program catered specifically to the indigenous population. This program aligns with government and corporate efforts in Canada, such as the indigenous procurement target, promoting reconciliation and cultural preservation globally.

Our technology enables individuals to make their pedagogy accessible in the market, facilitating teaching and learning. This is crucial as approximately half of the world's Indigenous languages are at risk of extinction within a generation due to the lack of native speakers. Canada serves as a poignant case study, where fluent speakers are predominantly older, and younger generations have not had the opportunity to learn their ancestral languages. As a result, there is a growing desire among grandchildren to revitalize and reclaim their linguistic heritage.

Our program not only helps Indigenous communities preserve their languages but also assists governments and corporations in meeting their Indigenous procurement targets. This aligns with the spirit of reconciliation by supporting Indigenous businesses and promoting cultural sustainability.

In simple terms, our solution is a technology-driven program that safeguards Indigenous languages, ensuring their survival and facilitating their transmission to future generations. It uses special tracking technology to verify ownership, allowing Indigenous communities to maintain control over their linguistic and cultural heritage.

We aim to benefit Indigenous communities worldwide, particularly those facing the imminent loss of their languages and cultures. Our focus is on directly supporting Indigenous peoples in preserving and revitalizing their linguistic heritage and cultural identity. One of our founders, Tamara Goddard, is Of the Saulteau First Nation in North Eastern BC, which gives us a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Our solution directly benefits Indigenous communities by providing a platform for the preservation and revitalization of their languages. By offering a program that verifies and tracks ownership of Indigenous languages, we empower communities to protect their linguistic and cultural heritage. This ownership verification ensures that the benefits of language preservation efforts remain within the community, aligning with the principle of Indigenous self-determination.

We engage with Indigenous communities by actively listening to their needs and involving them in the development of our solution. Through partnerships and consultations with Indigenous leaders, educators, and community members, we ensure that our technology meets the specific needs and values of each community. This collaborative approach ensures that our solution is culturally sensitive and relevant.

Our solution addresses the needs of Indigenous communities by providing a sustainable market for their languages and pedagogies. By enabling individuals to make their pedagogies available in the market, we create economic opportunities for Indigenous language speakers and educators. This not only supports the preservation of Indigenous languages but also contributes to the economic development of Indigenous communities.

Our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver our solution to Indigenous communities, particularly in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. 

As the President, Tamara Goddard, who is indigenous of the Saulteau First Nation in North Eastern BC, brings a deep understanding and firsthand experience of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Tamara has led multiple national papers highlighting the potential of blockchain and web3 technology to create fair wealth and resource distribution, showcasing her commitment to empowering Indigenous communities economically. Her leadership ensures that our solution is guided by the values and needs of the communities we serve.

Branden Dame, our Co-Founder, and CEO, complements Tamara's leadership with his creative and technical expertise. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible language ensures that our technology is user-friendly and inclusive. Branden is dedicated to making innovative technologies more accessible, aligning with our goal of creating a platform that benefits Indigenous communities.

Rian Bevan, our Co-Founder, and COO, bridges the gap between technology and tradition. His expertise in Indigenous economics and web3 technology development allows him to develop solutions that leverage decentralized networks for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Rian's innovative approach has garnered attention and led to collaborations that enrich our understanding of community needs.

Debrah Burleigh, our Co-Founder, and CFO, brings a wealth of financial expertise to the team. Her passion for helping people and meticulous attention to detail ensure that our financial operations are precise and calculated. Debrah's commitment to staying updated with the latest financial practices ensures that our resources are managed efficiently.

As a team, we are representative of the communities we serve. Our diverse backgrounds and expertise allow us to understand the unique needs of Indigenous communities and develop solutions that address these needs effectively. We engage with Indigenous communities through partnerships and consultations, ensuring that our solution is guided by their input, ideas, and agendas. This meaningful engagement ensures that our solution is culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful for the communities we serve.

We are currently in the pilot stage of our solution, focusing on preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Our progress so far includes the development of the four technologies, each designed to support different aspects of our mission. However, these technologies have been developed in isolation, and we are now in the process of integrating them into a seamless process to better serve our communities.

In terms of technology development, while each of the four technologies is functional on its own, we are working on fine-tuning the partnerships and integration to ensure they work together smoothly. This process involves testing and refining the technologies to ensure they meet the needs of our communities effectively.

Our work in community development is further along, as we have been actively engaging with Indigenous communities to understand their needs and incorporate their feedback into our solution. This ongoing engagement has helped us refine our approach and ensure that our solution is culturally sensitive and relevant.

While we have not yet served a large number of customers or beneficiaries, our focus has been on building a strong foundation for our solution. We believe that by taking the time to develop and integrate our technologies effectively, we will be better positioned to serve our communities and have a greater impact in the long run.

We are applying to MIT Solve because we believe that your expertise can provide us with the support and resources needed to overcome specific barriers we face in our journey. W we are currently in the pilot stage of our solution, focusing on preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. While we have expertise in technology and cultural areas, we recognize the need for additional support in business growth, market fit, marketing consulting, and expansion support.

Solve's network and resources can help us address these challenges by connecting us with consultants and experts who specialize in business growth and market fit. By providing us with access to these resources, you can help us refine our business model, develop effective marketing strategies, and identify opportunities for growth and expansion. Additionally, your contacts could potentially help us establish partnerships and collaborations that can support our mission and increase our impact.

Furthermore, Solve's platform can provide us with visibility and exposure, helping us reach a wider audience and attract potential partners and investors. This increased visibility can also help us raise awareness about the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and cultures, generating support and interest in our cause.

Tamara has been working for years with indigenous leaders consulting on their language revitalization strategies in the spirit of “nothing for us without us”. She has an extraordinary understanding of Nation Building, Aboriginal business, First Nations governance, culture, and history. 

Of the Saulteau First Nation in North Eastern BC, she continues to work on identifying and creating solutions to build healthy Indigenous economies in British Columbia. Tamara completed her Master's Degree in Indigenous Business & Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Tamara’s primary focus is the study of traditional Aboriginal ideologies and how this theory can effectively mingle with the current western systems in a complementary fashion.

Over the past 15 years, Tamara has performed extensive research pertaining to the gaps between First Nations, Government, and Industry. Tamara utilizes this research in her work with multiple First Nations and Aboriginal Organizations towards developing and implementing development strategies and growth partnerships. With this experience, Tamara now works on economic development projects such as hotels, affordable housing, power, food and water security technologies, and ecological restoration corporations.

Most recently Tamara successfully worked with the shishalh Nation & the Indigenous Housing Fund to build a 6-story multi-use affordable housing facility in Sechelt, BC.

We offer an innovative approach to addressing the critical challenges faced by Indigenous communities, and in particular providing a verified, simple way for the federal government of Canadato meet its mandatory minimum 5% Indigenous procurement target.

Led by Indigenous expertise, the solution focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing community empowerment. The platform introduces a Verified Indigenous Marketplace, guaranteeing users engage with authentic Indigenous retailers and suppliers. Additionally, an AI Language Learning Platform aids in revitalizing endangered languages, and Indigenous IP Protection technology safeguards cultural heritage. Business Development Coaching, offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, supports Indigenous entrepreneurs. This approach could catalyze broader positive impacts, empowering communities and transforming the market by inspiring similar initiatives and shifting paradigms towards more equitable development practices. 

Through collaborative knowledge platforms, We aim to preserve and share Indigenous knowledge, enhancing cultural and economic resilience.

At Four Economics, we have developed a comprehensive solution to address the critical challenges faced by Indigenous communities, particularly in preserving their languages and cultures. Our approach revolves around several key activities aimed at empowering Indigenous peoples economically, preserving linguistic heritage, and protecting cultural identity.

Central to our solution is the establishment of a Verified Indigenous Marketplace, where Indigenous retailers and suppliers can showcase and sell their products. By creating a platform that guarantees users engage with authentic Indigenous businesses, we aim to increase visibility and market access for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This initiative not only fosters economic empowerment within Indigenous communities but also promotes cultural authenticity and supports sustainable economic development.

In addition to the Verified Indigenous Marketplace, we are implementing an AI Language Learning Platform to aid in the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages. This interactive platform utilizes artificial intelligence to make language learning accessible and engaging, thereby improving language proficiency and preservation efforts. By providing innovative tools and resources for language revitalization, we empower Indigenous communities to reclaim and celebrate their linguistic heritage.

With this we recognize the importance of safeguarding Indigenous cultural heritage and intellectual property rights. To this end, we integrate Indigenous IP Protection technology into our solution, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge is protected and respected. By implementing measures to preserve Indigenous cultural artifacts, traditional knowledge, and artistic expressions, we contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultural identity.

In addition, we understand that economic empowerment goes hand in hand with entrepreneurial skills development. Therefore, we offer Business Development Coaching to Indigenous entrepreneurs on a pay-what-you-can basis. This coaching and support service aims to strengthen business acumen and entrepreneurial skills among Indigenous entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate the marketplace more effectively and contribute to community economic development.

Through these activities, our solution is expected to generate several significant outcomes for Indigenous communities. Economically, Indigenous businesses will thrive in a supportive marketplace, generating income and employment opportunities within Indigenous communities. Culturally, Indigenous languages and cultures will be preserved and celebrated, fostering a sense of pride and identity among community members. Socially, Indigenous communities will become more self-reliant and resilient, with increased control over their economic and cultural futures. Ultimately, our solution aims to contribute to the narrowing of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, leading to more equitable access to resources and opportunities.

This theory of change is supported by existing research on the positive impacts of economic empowerment, cultural revitalization, and community resilience initiatives on Indigenous communities. Additionally, we have conducted consultations with Indigenous leaders, educators, and community members to ensure that our solution is grounded in their needs and aspirations.

At Four Economics, our impact goals are centered around creating transformative change in the lives of Indigenous communities by empowering them economically, preserving their linguistic heritage, and promoting cultural resilience. Our overarching goal is to contribute to the holistic well-being and prosperity of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

One of our primary impact goals is to foster economic empowerment within Indigenous communities by providing them with access to sustainable markets and entrepreneurial opportunities. We aim to measure our progress towards this goal by tracking key indicators such as the number of Indigenous businesses participating in the Verified Indigenous Marketplace, the increase in revenue generated by Indigenous entrepreneurs, and the number of jobs created within Indigenous communities as a result of our solution. By monitoring these indicators, we can assess the extent to which our solution is contributing to economic growth and prosperity within Indigenous communities.

Another impact goal is to preserve and revitalize endangered Indigenous languages through our AI Language Learning Platform. We aim to measure our progress towards this goal by tracking indicators such as language proficiency levels among community members, the number of new language learners enrolled in our platform, and the preservation of linguistic diversity within Indigenous communities. By monitoring these indicators, we can gauge the effectiveness of our language revitalization efforts and the extent to which our solution is contributing to the preservation of Indigenous languages.

Additionally, we are committed to protecting and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage and intellectual property rights through our Indigenous IP Protection technology. Our impact goal in this area is to ensure that Indigenous knowledge and cultural artifacts are safeguarded and respected. To measure our progress towards this goal, we will track indicators such as the number of Indigenous cultural artifacts protected through our technology, the level of awareness and engagement among Indigenous communities regarding intellectual property rights, and the extent to which our solution contributes to the recognition and validation of Indigenous cultural identity. By monitoring these indicators, we can assess the impact of our solution on the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultural heritage.

Overall, our impact goals are ambitious yet achievable, reflecting our commitment to creating transformative change in the lives of Indigenous communities. By tracking key indicators related to economic empowerment, language revitalization, and cultural preservation, we can measure our progress towards these goals and ensure that our solution is making a meaningful and lasting impact on the critical challenges faced by Indigenous peoples worldwide.

At Four Economics, our solution harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology to address the critical challenges faced by Indigenous communities. We utilize four key technologies, each playing a distinct role in empowering Indigenous peoples, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering economic development.

The first technology that powers our solution is blockchain, specifically employed for Indigenous IP protection. Blockchain technology offers an immutable and transparent ledger system, making it ideal for safeguarding Indigenous intellectual property rights. Through blockchain-based smart contracts, we establish verifiable ownership of Indigenous cultural artifacts, traditional knowledge, and artistic expressions. This ensures that Indigenous communities retain control over their cultural heritage and are fairly compensated for its use. By leveraging blockchain for IP protection, we create a secure and transparent ecosystem that respects and upholds Indigenous rights and values.

Another cornerstone of our solution is the blockchain-powered Verified Indigenous Marketplace. This marketplace provides a platform for Indigenous retailers and suppliers to showcase and sell their products to a global audience. By utilizing blockchain technology, we ensure the authenticity and provenance of Indigenous goods, fostering trust and confidence among consumers. Additionally, blockchain enables transparent and tamper-proof transactions, reducing the risk of counterfeit products and fraudulent activities. Through the Verified Indigenous Marketplace, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to access new markets and create economic opportunities for themselves and their communities.

In addition to blockchain, our solution incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to revolutionize teaching and learning in Indigenous communities. Our AI Language Learning Platform offers interactive and personalized language learning experiences tailored to the needs of Indigenous language learners. Powered by machine learning algorithms, the platform adapts to individual learning styles and proficiency levels, providing targeted feedback and recommendations for improvement. Through immersive and engaging content, learners can develop language skills in a supportive and culturally relevant environment. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, we make language revitalization efforts more accessible, effective, and scalable, ultimately contributing to the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures.

Lastly, we introduce Indigislap, a data-driven coaching platform designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in their business endeavors. Indigislap utilizes data analytics and machine learning techniques to provide personalized coaching and mentorship to Indigenous entrepreneurs. By analyzing business performance metrics and market trends, Indigislap offers actionable insights and recommendations for business growth and success. Through tailored coaching sessions and strategic guidance, Indigenous entrepreneurs can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their economic goals. Indigislap serves as a powerful tool for empowering Indigenous businesses and driving economic development within Indigenous communities.

In summary, our solution is powered by a combination of blockchain, AI, and data-driven technologies, each contributing to the empowerment and advancement of Indigenous peoples. Through innovative applications of these technologies, we create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for Indigenous communities worldwide.

British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

Our go-to-market plan and partnerships include plans to operation throughout North America, and pending local needs expand to Southeast Asia and Mexico.

Full time: 6

Part time: 3

Contractors: 2

Our team at Four Economics has been diligently working on our solution for the past three years.

At Four Economics, we are committed to ensuring that our team is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all team members. Our leadership team reflects this commitment, with members from different backgrounds and experiences. As an Indigenous-led organization, we prioritize Indigenous representation in our leadership and strive to create a supportive environment for all team members.

Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive include increasing the representation of marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, women, and individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We believe that diversity strengthens our team and enables us to better serve the communities we work with.

To achieve these goals once we grow, we plan to take several actions, including implementing inclusive hiring practices, providing diversity and inclusion training for all team members, and creating a safe space for open dialogue and feedback. We also actively seek out partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

At Four Economics, our business model is centered around providing value to Indigenous communities through a combination of impactful solutions and sustainable revenue streams. We recognize the importance of creating meaningful impact while also ensuring financial sustainability to support our ongoing operations and further our mission. We have designed it to create value for Indigenous communities while also generating sustainable revenue streams to support our ongoing operations and growth. By aligning our products and services with the needs and aspirations of our customers and beneficiaries, we aim to foster economic empowerment, cultural resilience, and community well-being within Indigenous communities worldwide.

Our primary customers and beneficiaries are therefore Indigenous entrepreneurs, language educators, cultural organizations, and community members. We provide a range of products and services tailored to meet their specific needs and empower them economically, culturally, and socially.

Key products and services we offer include:

1. Verified Indigenous Marketplace: We provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase and sell their products, including arts, crafts, clothing, and traditional goods. Through the marketplace, Indigenous artisans and businesses can access new markets, increase visibility, and generate revenue. We facilitate transactions securely through blockchain technology, ensuring authenticity and transparency for both buyers and sellers.

2. AI Language Learning Platform: We offer an innovative language learning platform designed to revitalize endangered Indigenous languages. This platform provides interactive and personalized language learning experiences tailored to the needs of Indigenous language learners. Through AI-powered algorithms, learners receive adaptive feedback and recommendations, enhancing their language proficiency and cultural connection.

3. Indigenous IP Protection Technology: We empower Indigenous communities to protect their cultural heritage and intellectual property rights through blockchain-based technology. This solution allows Indigenous individuals and organizations to verify ownership of cultural artifacts, traditional knowledge, and artistic expressions, ensuring fair compensation and recognition.

4. Indigislap Data-Driven Coaching: We provide data-driven coaching and mentorship to Indigenous entrepreneurs to support their business growth and success. Through personalized coaching sessions and strategic guidance, entrepreneurs receive actionable insights and recommendations to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in the marketplace.

To provide these products and services, we employ a combination of revenue streams, including:

- Subscription and transaction fees: We charge Indigenous entrepreneurs a subscription fee to access the Verified Indigenous Marketplace, as well as transaction fees on sales facilitated through the platform. This revenue stream enables us to cover operational costs and platform maintenance while reinvesting in further development and expansion.

- Licensing and partnership agreements: We enter into licensing agreements with organizations and institutions interested in utilizing our AI Language Learning Platform and Indigenous IP Protection Technology. Additionally, we seek strategic partnerships with government agencies, cultural organizations, and educational institutions to expand our reach and impact.

- Consulting and coaching services: We offer consulting and coaching services to Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations seeking personalized support and guidance in business development, language revitalization, and cultural preservation. These services are offered on a pay-as-you-grow basis, ensuring accessibility and affordability for our target audience.

At Four Economics, we have developed a comprehensive plan for achieving financial sustainability while continuing to deliver impactful solutions to Indigenous communities. Our strategy involves diversifying revenue streams, leveraging partnerships, and optimizing operational efficiency to cover our expected expenses and ensure long-term viability.

One of our primary revenue streams is derived from the sales and transactions facilitated through our Verified Indigenous Marketplace. By charging subscription fees to Indigenous entrepreneurs for access to the marketplace and transaction fees on sales, we generate recurring revenue to support platform maintenance, marketing efforts, and business development activities. Additionally, we offer premium features and services to sellers, providing opportunities for upselling and increasing revenue per user.

Furthermore, we monetize our AI Language Learning Platform through licensing agreements with educational institutions, government agencies, and language revitalization organizations. By offering subscription-based access to our platform and charging licensing fees for customized solutions, we generate revenue while expanding the reach and impact of our language revitalization efforts. Additionally, we explore opportunities for content partnerships and co-development projects to enhance the platform's value proposition and attract new customers.

In addition to direct sales and licensing revenue, we offer consulting and coaching services to Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations seeking personalized support and guidance. By leveraging our expertise in business development, language revitalization, and cultural preservation, we provide value-added services on a pay-as-you-grow basis, ensuring accessibility and affordability for our target audience. These consulting and coaching services serve as a supplementary revenue stream, contributing to our overall financial sustainability.

Furthermore, we actively pursue grant funding and investment opportunities to fuel our growth and scale our impact. We engage with philanthropic foundations, government agencies, impact investors, and corporate partners to secure grants, sponsorships, and equity investments. These funds are used to support specific projects, research initiatives, and operational expenses, complementing our earned revenue streams and enabling us to pursue strategic opportunities for expansion and innovation.

To date, our plans to fund our work have been successful in securing initial seed funding, grant awards, and strategic partnerships. We have received grants from philanthropic foundations and government agencies to support the development and launch of our technology platforms, as well as sponsorships from corporate partners to fund pilot projects and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, we have successfully raised investment capital from impact investors and venture capitalists to accelerate our growth and scale our impact on a global scale.

In summary, our plan for financial sustainability involves a combination of revenue streams, including direct sales, licensing agreements, consulting services, grant funding, and investment capital. By diversifying our revenue sources and optimizing our operational efficiency, we are confident in our ability to cover expected expenses and achieve long-term viability while continuing to deliver meaningful impact to Indigenous communities worldwide.