What Canadian Mountain Network does

Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC), formerly Canadian Mountain Network, is a Canadian not-for-profit research network incorporated in 2019 under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and headquartered at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. BKC operates a Knowledge Braiding Framework that integrates Indigenous knowledges, Western science, and Canadian federal science priorities to advance conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being. Its core programs include 13 Place-based Knowledge Hubs and 3 Distinctions-based Knowledge Hubs (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), a multi-pathway Training Program (Youth Development, Academic, Guardian Training, Emerging Indigenous Scholars, Leaders Initiative), a Knowledge Mobilization Program with Impact Connectors, and a Massive Open Online Course on Indigenous Engagement launching in 2026. The network engaged 320 researchers and collaborators, 179 trainees, and 181 partner organizations across Indigenous communities, universities, federal departments, and NGOs, with 90% of projects being Indigenous-led, co-led, or focused on braiding knowledges.

BKC's business model is government-grant funded rather than commercial. It was launched in 2019 with Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program support and transitioned in 2024 to a five-year Strategic Science Fund grant (2024-2029) from the Government of Canada. The organization generates no product revenue; all programs, training, and knowledge outputs are provided at no cost to Indigenous communities, researchers, and partners. Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, anchored by the annual Braiding Knowledges Gathering, Federal Science Priorities Advisory Panel, and direct engagement with Indigenous organizations. The five-person core staff is augmented by contractors for communications, design, and content creation, with the broader network comprising university-based researchers, Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders recognized as Principal Investigators, and a Board of Directors and Indigenous Circle of Advisors providing governance.

Name

Canadian Mountain Network

Legal name

Braiding Knowledges Canada

Website

https://braidingknowledgescanada.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Braiding Knowledges Canada (formerly Canadian Mountain Network) is a Canadian not-for-profit research network that braids Indigenous and Western knowledge systems through 16 Knowledge Hubs, training programs, and knowledge mobilization initiatives, serving Indigenous communities, universities, and federal government departments across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Research Network Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Educational Support Services (61171), Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Forestry & Indigenous Land Stewardship Services (IMAMAJAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM), Technical & Scientific Expert Networks (BPAHALAH)

Keywords

• Indigenous knowledge research
• Knowledge braiding methodology
• Environmental research network
• Indigenous-led research
• Knowledge mobilization

Headquarters

HQ city

Edmonton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Five-year grant from Government of Canada's Strategic Science Fund Program (2024-2029) supporting research, training, and knowledge mobilization initiatives led by not-for-profit organizations
2. Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Funding: Previous funding from Government of Canada's NCE Program (2019-2024) that launched CMN as the first national research network to directly fund Indigenous organizations to lead projects
3. Partnership Funding: Funding and support from partner organizations including Mitacs for student stipends, ECO Canada for workforce training, and various government and Indigenous organizations

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Braiding Knowledges Canada (formerly Canadian Mountain Network) is a not-for-profit research network that operates 13 Place-based Knowledge Hubs and 3 Distinctions-based Knowledge Hubs across Canada to support Indigenous-led and co-led environmental research on conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being. It delivers multi-pathway Training Programs, a Massive Open Online Course on Indigenous Engagement, Impact Connectors for federal science priorities, and a Knowledge Mobilization Program that advances Reconciliation through Research by braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

Product overview

Braiding Knowledges Canada (formerly Canadian Mountain Network) is a not-for-profit research network offering a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a unified tech product. Its core offerings include 13 Place-based Knowledge Hubs and 3 Distinctions-based Knowledge Hubs for environmental research, a comprehensive Training Program with multiple pathways (Youth Development, Academic, Guardian Training, Emerging Indigenous Scholars, Leaders Initiative), a Knowledge Mobilization Program, Impact Connectors for federal science priorities, and a Massive Open Online Course on Indigenous Engagement launching in 2026. The organization facilitates the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems for conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Place-based Knowledge Hubs Thirteen geographically and thematically balanced Knowledge Hubs that are Indigenous-led or co-led, focusing on conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being of All Our Relations. They are funded through competitive proposal processes and serve as place-based research platforms for Indigenous communities and academic partners across Canada.
• Distinctions-based Knowledge Hubs Three distinctions-based hubs advancing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit-led knowledges, training, and impact priorities, supporting Indigenous self-determination in environmental and cultural research across Canada.
• Training Programs A talent and capacity-building program with multiple pathways: Youth Development Pathway, Academic Pathway, Guardian Training, Emerging Indigenous Scholars, and Leaders Initiative, supporting Indigenous students, scholars, guardians, and leaders in knowledge braiding practices.
• Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development Online course launching in 2026 developed by the Faculty of Native Studies at University of Alberta, providing foundational knowledge on ethical engagement with Indigenous communities for researchers, students, and partner organizations.
• Knowledge Mobilization Program Program to mobilize braided, co-produced knowledges that advance equity, self-determination, reconciliation, and transformation in environmental, social, and economic policy and decision-making, supporting Impact Connectors and Federal Science Priorities Advisory Panel engagement.
• Impact Connectors Thematic initiatives integrating knowledge braiding practices into federal science priorities, including Cumulative Effects Assessment, Environmental Monitoring, Protected Areas, and Biodiversity and Species at Risk.
• Land-Based Learning Camps Indigenous-led learning experiences encompassing research methods and knowledge braiding practices, including ceremonies, harvesting workshops, and intergenerational programs delivered across Canada.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of research projects are Indigenous-led, co-led, or focus on braiding knowledges
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of AlbertacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost institution for BKC headquarters. Provides administrative infrastructure, office space (CCIS 3-170), and academic partnership through faculties including Native Studies. Co-development partner for MOOC on Indigenous Engagement.
• Fisheries and Oceans CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government partner supporting research and knowledge mobilization aligned with federal science priorities. Board representation from DFO Director Dr. Emily McAuley.
• Environment and Climate Change CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal science partner contributing to environmental research initiatives and knowledge braiding programs.
• Natural Resources CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner supporting research aligned with natural resource management and environmental priorities.
• Assembly of First NationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Indigenous organization partner for First Nations distinctions-based research hub and climate advisory initiatives.
• Métis National CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Indigenous organization partner for Métis-specific knowledge hub (Métis Nature Priorities) and biodiversity policy advocacy.
• First Nations Information Governance CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting OCAP principles and Indigenous data sovereignty in research governance.
• Parks CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for protected areas research and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
• McGill UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting Co-Research Director Dr. Murray Humphries (McGill Northern Research Chair). Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment provides research infrastructure.
• University of CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting Canada Research Chair Dr. Myrle Ballard in Weaving Indigenous Science and Sustainability Science.
• University of VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner with Board Vice Chair Lawrence Ignace as PhD candidate. Supports Indigenous research methodologies.
• Colorado State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partner with Professor Dr. Julia Klein serving on Research Management Committee. Leads Mountain Sentinels Collaborative Network.
• MitacscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for student stipend programs supporting graduate students involved in BKC research.
• ECO CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for skills development and workforce training including BEAHR Indigenous workforce training program and certification opportunities.
• Indigenous Leadership InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting Indigenous protected and conserved areas (IPCAs) and Indigenous guardians programs.
• Indigenous Services CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner supporting Indigenous community engagement and research initiatives.
• Impact Assessment Agency of CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner contributing to cumulative effects assessment and environmental monitoring impact connectors.
• Nature Conservancy of CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization partner with Board representation from Senior Director Lynne Hately.
• ArcticNetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch network partner for northern and circumpolar research collaboration.
• Mount Royal UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner contributing to knowledge sharing network.
• Vancouver Island UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner with Financial Administrator Charity Oisamoje holding MBA from VIU.
• The Gordon FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation partner supporting Indigenous-led research and conservation initiatives.
• Canadian Parks CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting park conservation and Indigenous partnership initiatives.
• Fulbright CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational educational exchange partner supporting research collaboration.
• Indigenous Resource NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous organization partner supporting resource management and research capacity.
• Reconciling Ways of KnowingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization focused on reconciliation and knowledge sharing in research.
• Indigenous Centre for Cumulative EffectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting cumulative effects assessment methodologies incorporating Indigenous knowledge.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/braidingknowldg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@BraidingKnowledges
• Facebookfacebook.com/BraidingKnowledges
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/braidingknowledges
• Instagraminstagram.com/BraidingKnowledges

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Mountain Network