WLU Office of Research Services

Social innovation and social entrepreneurship are hot topics nationally, internationally, and right here at home, at Laurier. But what do these terms really mean? There seem to be multiple definitions, depending on who it is you ask. As we increasingly embrace these concepts and approaches, we should be asking critical questions about for what and whom are we are innovating – and why. How are questions of power, inequality, social justice and human rights being addressed? Is social innovation a strategy for a better world? Or is it merely neoliberal agenda in disguise?

This year’s speakers will present alternative understandings of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, and offer critical perspectives in response to the question: “What are the connections and tensions between social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and social justice?”

Jessica Bolduc | October 20, 2015, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

“Intersections between Social Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge”

Jessica is Anishinaabe-French from Batchewana First Nation, ON and she is the National Youth Representative for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. She is also the Executive Director at 4Rs Youth Movement, a collaboration of 14 national organizations working with youth to create capacities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people to come together to cultivate understanding and action in support of a better future. In her community, Jessica works with other young leaders to foster arts-based economies, social infrastructure and hub spaces for change makers in Northern Ontario. In the future she is hoping these initiatives will be a catalyst in the development of a more sustainable place to call home by strengthening inclusion and capacity of under-appreciated communities such as youth and Indigenous nations.

See the full list of speakers…