National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute

Connecting Research, Communities, and the Future of Indigenous Economies

The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute (NIEPI) is an Indigenous-led research institute based at the First Nations University of Canada. We exist to help bridge the gap between national economic policy and the lived realities of Indigenous communities and people.

Our work focuses on measuring and advancing the 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity within the National Indigenous Economic Strategy. Through research, partnerships, and knowledge sharing, NIEPI works to ensure that the ideas behind economic reconciliation translate into meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities and people.

Projects

NIEPI leads and supports research initiatives that advance the goals of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy. Our projects explore ongoing and emerging areas of Indigenous economic development, governance, and policy; while creating opportunities for students and communities to participate directly in research.

From examining new economic concepts such as Air Sovereignty to building digital platforms that make research accessible to communities and youth, NIEPI’s work focuses on turning ideas into practical tools that support Indigenous prosperity.

107 Calls to Economic Prosperity

By using a cyclical scoping review methodology, NIEPI is measuring, monitoring, and reporting the 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity. In tracking each call, NIEPI provides communities, nations, and policy makers with evidence that can be relied on when advancing specific Calls to Economic Prosperity within the National Indigenous Economic Strategy. The results of the measuring, monitoring and reporting will form the foundations of our Ask Mishomis digital repository, allowing anyone to access the resources gathered.

Air Sovereignty

The Air Sovereignty project explores the idea that the airspace above Indigenous lands may carry responsibilities and jurisdictional considerations similar to those connected to the land itself. Within Indigenous legal and cultural perspectives, land is often understood as encompassing everything on, above, and beneath it, including water, air, and natural resources. This research initiative examines how that perspective may intersect with economic development, governance, and stewardship of airspace. Through this work, NIEPI is exploring emerging legal, environmental, and economic questions related to airspace and Indigenous jurisdiction. The project contributes to the broader Lands pillar of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy, which recognizes that land stewardship and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected.

Database

Ask Mishomis is a digital repository that will be built as a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) AI platform. Creating a AI-driven interface will allow the community and Indigenous youth to explore secure, accessible, indigenous governed research supporting Indigenous data sovereignty. This interface enables the public to quickly and accurately find information about the Calls to Economic Prosperity in technologically modern ways.

Youth Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in strengthening Indigenous economies, and young people are often at the forefront of innovation and new ideas. This initiative aims to provide mentorship, knowledge, and resources that help Indigenous youth explore entrepreneurship in ways that reflect their values, culture, and community priorities. Designed to foster self-determination and to strengthen Indigenous and First Nations economic development. The program will provide mentorship, skills training, financial literacy, and culturally grounded support to empower Indigenous Youth to create their own economic opportunities and pursue business ventures aligned to their community values. NIEPI is advancing plans to establish the Indigenous Prosperity Lab which will serve as a national hub, allowing young Indigenous entrepreneurs to access tools, networks and resources needed to transform their ideas into thriving businesses – directly contributing to the Calls to Economic Prosperity and the long-term vison of economic reconciliation.