​How do we move from extractive to regenerative approaches in how capital flows through our ecosystems?

​This session is part of our 6-part Capital Conversations series, as part of the Capital Connect Program. Anonymized insights, resources, and ideas from all sessions will be shared publicly as a resource for the broader startup and innovation ecosystem.

​Join The Fireweed Institute and Volition for a dialogue-driven session that brings together founders, funders, and ecosystem builders to explore how Indigenous worldviews can help reimagine funding systems — grounded in reciprocity, relationship, and community wealth.

​Through a fireside conversation between The Fireweed Institute’s Jacqueline Jennings and Agnes Seaweed Wisden, and a participatory dialogue, we’ll examine:

• ​What makes traditional financing models feel “not built for us.”
• How reciprocity and community wealth frameworks shift the metrics of success
• ​What it looks like when non-extractive principles are integrated into funding and program design

​This is a space for shared reflection and future-building. Together, we’ll surface key opportunities for building a more relational and inclusive funding ecosystem heading into 2026.

​🗣️Featured Speakers

• ​Jacqueline Jennings – Co-Founder, The Fireweed Institute
• Agnes Seaweed Wisden – Project Manager, The Fireweed Institute and Owner, Sea Wisdom Designs

​About the Fireweed Institute

​This session is hosted in collaboration with The Fireweed Institute, home of the Fireweed Venture Accelerator—Canada’s first accelerator designed by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Fireweed’s programs centre Indigenous knowledge systems, kinship-based leadership, and community wealth building, supporting founders to grow in ways that honour both culture and commerce.

​👉 Who Should Join

​This session is for Indigenous founders, creators, and community builders and other historically marginalized founders, who care as much about how they grow as what they grow. Whether you’re a maker rooted in culture and craft, a matriarch leading with legacy and care, or a problem-solver driving local impact, you’ll find resonance here.

​We also welcome ecosystem builders and funders who are committed to learning from and alongside Indigenous founders. While our goal is for the majority participation of Indigenous founders and those who directly support them, we’re holding space for those who wish to listen, learn, and contribute.

​Please Note:

• ​Spots are limited to ensure meaningful dialogue and capture collective insights
• Registration requests are reviewed on a rolling basis

​Supporting This Session

• ​Charlene SanJenko – Lead Storyteller, The Fireweed Institute
• ​Melanie Ewan – Operations Director & Managing Partner, Volition

​With Gratitude

​This session is made possible through the generous support of The Fireweed Institute, BDC, and The Discovery Foundation.

​About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs  

​BDC works with entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. For more information on BDC products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit www.bdc.ca/ or join BDC on  social media.