IISAAK OLAM Foundation

What IISAAK OLAM Foundation does

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is a Canadian Indigenous-led non-profit founded in 2017 and headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, with operating presence at the Clayoquot Campus in Tofino. The foundation's functional mandate is to support the establishment and stewardship of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) across Canada, serving Indigenous Nations, national Indigenous organizations (AFN, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis National Council), academic institutions, federal and provincial government funders, and conservation NGOs. It was co-founded by Eli Enns and Monica Shore, with leadership bench including Dr. John Borrows (Order of Canada) and Marilyn Baptiste (Goldman Environmental Prize).

The foundation's core offerings span four product lines: (1) Productive Retreats priced at $3,500-$5,000 per night; (2) Workshops at $1,500-$2,500+GST; (3) IPCA Advising (consulting to Nations establishing protected areas); and (4) keynote speaking. It also operates formal academic programs — the IPCA Planning Advanced Certificate with Vancouver Island University and the Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace with the University for Peace — alongside digital platforms including the IPCA Knowledge Basket (a curated digital library) and the čukʷaa haʔuk podcast. Underlying frameworks include the "Ethical Space" dialogue methodology and the We Rise Together report, which together form the foundation's primary intellectual property.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit structure combining charitable contributions/donations with earned revenue from professional services, retreats, and academic program fees. The foundation has expanded its footprint through the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre (2021), the First 30x30 Canada initiative (2023), and the forthcoming Naa'Waya'Sum Art Gallery and Carving Facility (opening November 2024). It operates with a lean team of 1-10 employees and is positioning itself as an ecosystem anchor for the Indigenous-led conservation movement, including a planned 2026 transition of its IPCA Planning Certificate to a new host institution.

Name

IISAAK OLAM Foundation

Legal name

IISAAK OLAM Foundation

Website

https://iisaakolam.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is a Canadian Indigenous-led non-profit founded in 2017 that supports Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) through retreats, workshops, academic certificates, and advising, serving Indigenous Nations, national Indigenous organizations, universities, and government funders across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous-led Conservation and Environmental Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

akta.pro primary industry

Stakeholder Engagement, Indigenous/Tribal Consultation & Social Impact (SIA) (EUAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM), Tribal Online & Distance Learning TCUs (Primarily Online/Hybrid) (EDAHANAI)

Keywords

• Indigenous protected areas
• Conservation advisory services
• Environmental education programs
• Indigenous-led conservation
• Nonprofit educational services

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a registered not-for-profit, IOF relies on donations and charitable contributions to support its operations and programs. Donations can be made through the Canadian Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre Association (CICICA), Canada's first Indigenous-led charity dedicated to supporting IPCAs.
2. Productive Retreats: IOF offers productive retreats at the IISAAK Learning Lodge, with fees ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 per night depending on the season. Additional add-on services include territorial welcome tours, lectures, knowledge exchanges, and water boat excursions.
3. Workshops: Virtual workshops offered at $1,500 + GST per 15-20 people for 2 hours, and $2,500 + GST per 15-20 people for 4 hours.
4. Keynote Speaking: Team members including Eli Enns and Terry Dorward are available for speaking engagements on Indigenous-led conservation, IPCAs, and reconciliation topics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is an Indigenous-led educational non-profit that supports Indigenous Peoples' leadership and capacity in establishing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). It delivers advisory services, land-based retreats at the Clayoquot Campus in Tofino, BC, workshops, keynote speaking, and co-developed university certificate programs, alongside the IPCA Knowledge Basket digital knowledge-sharing platform and the čukʷaa haʔuk podcast series.

Product overview

IISAAK OLAM Foundation is an Indigenous-led, educational non-profit that operates as a portfolio of interconnected programs and initiatives rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include Productive Retreats (land-based learning experiences at Clayoquot Campus), IPCA Advising services, Keynote Speakers, and Workshops/Knowledge Sharing programs. Supporting these are educational programs: the IPCA Planning Advanced Certificate (in partnership with Vancouver Island University) and the Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace (with University for Peace). The digital presence includes the IPCA Knowledge Basket online platform and the čukʷaa haʔuk podcast series. Major initiatives include the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre (with satellite Clayoquot Campus), the Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP), and First 30x30. The organization serves Indigenous Nations, governments, communities, and non-Indigenous supporters through in-person, virtual, and land-based programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IPCA Knowledge Basket: Digital platform for reciprocal knowledge sharing and collaborative learning for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives
• Clayoquot Campus
• Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre
• Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP)
• IPCA Planning Advanced Certificate

Products and services

• Productive Retreats Tailored land-based retreats at Clayoquot Campus (Tofino, BC) for Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous organizations to strengthen capacity and share knowledge about IPCAs. Includes stays at IISAAK Learning Lodge (12-room guest lodge) with add-on services like territorial welcomes and knowledge exchanges.
• IPCA Advising Advisory services for Indigenous Nations and governments navigating planning and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) within their territories.
• Keynote Speakers Internationally recognized speakers including Eli Enns and Terry Dorward available for speaking engagements on Indigenous-led conservation and IPCAs.
• Knowledge Sharing Studio / Workshops Virtual workshops for Indigenous Nations covering Intro to IPCAs, Alternative Economies, Financing IPCAs, Housing, and Food Sovereignty. Also offers workshops for non-Indigenous organizations on reconciliation and supporting Indigenous-led conservation.
• IPCA Planning Advanced Certificate Canada's only post-secondary program dedicated to IPCAs, delivered in partnership with Vancouver Island University. Currently paused at VIU with transition planned for September 2027.
• Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace Certificate program delivered by University for Peace (Costa Rica) in partnership with IISAAK OLAM Foundation, examining intersection of Indigenous-led conservation, climate resilience, and conflict transformation.
• IPCA Knowledge Basket Digital knowledge-sharing platform holding and sharing resources to inform, guide, and advance Indigenous-led conservation initiatives including IPCAs. Free access to resources.
• čukʷaa haʔuk Podcast Series Audio and video series exploring historical, legal, socio-cultural, and narrative dimensions of IPCAs in Canada. Hosted by Eli Enns, produced by Jeremy Williams (River Voices Productions).
• Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre Network for connection, collaboration, and co-learning supporting IPCAs in the Pacific region. Includes WISP, IPCA Planning Certificate, UPEACE Certificate, Productive Retreats, and Mamuukniš Curriculum Project.
• Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP) Program of Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre strengthening Indigenous-led stewardship across BC and Pacific west coast. Includes Estuary to Old Growth (E2OG) annual gathering and Seasonal Regional Circles.
• Clayoquot Campus First land-based campus of Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre in Tofino, BC. Home to Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens, Carving Lodge, čukʷaa haʔuk cafe, and IISAAK Learning Lodge (12-room guest lodge on 12 acres). Supports Indigenous-led conservation initiatives through educational programming.
• First 30x30 Indigenous-led initiative leveraging carbon and nature finance to support Indigenous governments in designing projects that generate long-term revenue for land restoration and protection.
• All Our Relations Dialogues Virtual dialogues series supporting Assembly of First Nations on species management and conservation planning from First Nations perspectives. Series running since 2021.

Quantifiable outcome

• 59 Indigenous-led conservation proposals funded by federal government since 2018
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2022CRP brought together numerous partners from across Canada to transform and decolonize the conservation sector and support Indigenous Nations with IPCA establishment. IPCA Knowledge Basket was declared a legacy project of CRP.
• Indigenous Leadership InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2022Co-created the IPCA Knowledge Basket digital platform alongside IOF and CRP members. Contributed wisdom, knowledge, and stories to advance Indigenous-led conservation.
• Pacific IPCA Innovation CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021IOF founded the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre in 2021 as a network for connection, collaboration, and co-learning to support IPCAs along the Pacific Coast of North, Central, and South America. The Centre serves as a virtual and place-based network for research, education, training, and knowledge sharing.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in delivering Canada's only post-secondary program dedicated to IPCAs - the IPCA Planning Advanced Certificate. Program launched in 2022 and delivered at VIU until 2026.
• University for Peace (Costa Rica)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers the Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace in partnership with IOF. Program examines intersection of Indigenous-led conservation, climate resilience, and conflict transformation.
• Canadian Indigenous Conservation Innovation Centre Association (CICICA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCICICA is Canada's first Indigenous-led charity dedicated to supporting IPCAs and IPCA Innovation Centres. IOF and CICICA co-lead the Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP).
• First 30x30 CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst 30x30 Canada is an Indigenous-led non-profit initiative co-founded in 2023 by Nature for Justice, IOF, and Nature Focus Development. Supports Indigenous governments to design projects generating long-term revenue for land restoration and protection through carbon and nature finance.
• World Wildlife Fund of CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in IPCA Knowledge Basket initiative supporting Indigenous-led conservation knowledge sharing.
• Ducks Unlimited CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in IPCA Knowledge Basket initiative supporting Indigenous-led conservation knowledge sharing.
• RJC EngineersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner through MITACS partnership supporting Eric Wilson's position. Partnership recognizes interdependence of community and ecosystem health. Hosted reconciliation webinar for engineers.
• West Coast Environmental LawminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental law organization supporting IPCA movement and publishing educational content about Indigenous-led conservation.
• University of Victoria - Civil EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner through MITACS research partnership supporting IPCA infrastructure and systems design work.
• Tsawout First NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webinar for engineers, contractors, and architects organized with RJC Engineers.
• Halalt First NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webinar for engineers, contractors, and architects organized with RJC Engineers.
• Roots to Roofs Community Development SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webinar for engineers organized with RJC Engineers.
• River Voices ProductionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFilm production company led by Board Director Jeremy Williams producing documentary content including the čukʷaa haʔuk podcast series.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP): National coalition co-stewarding the IPCA Knowledge Basket with IISAAK OLAM Foundation. Directly collaborates on Indigenous-led conservation capacity and shares the same stakeholder base of Nations, scholars, and conservation NGOs.
• Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE): Produced the 2018 We Rise Together report, co-chaired by IISAAK OLAM Foundation co-founder Eli Enns. The body that established the foundational framework for IPCAs in Canada and a key conceptual predecessor to IOF.
• Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI): Co-creator of the IPCA Knowledge Basket digital platform with IISAAK OLAM Foundation. National Indigenous-led organization advancing Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship with overlapping Nation-by-Nation engagement model.
• Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks: Canada's longest-running IPCA implementation (35+ years) and operational partner of IISAAK OLAM Foundation. Represents the on-the-ground model that IOF's advising and retreat services are designed to replicate for other Nations.
• Canadian Biospheres Reserves Association: Monica Shore served as Executive Director from 2018-2019. Comparable as a national non-profit delivering education and convening around UNESCO-recognized conservation areas with Indigenous co-stewardship components.

Regional players

• Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative: Transboundary corridor conservation organization with growing Indigenous co-stewardship programming. Operates in overlapping Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain geographies with similar land-based education programming.

Broad incumbents

• CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society): Canada's largest conservation charity with national parks and protected-area advocacy. Operates adjacent to IPCA work but through Western conservation frameworks — the natural incumbent that IOF's Indigenous-led model differentiates against.
• Assembly of First Nations (AFN): National political organization representing First Nations; IOF supports AFN on IPCA-related initiatives and species management dialogue. Far broader mandate than IOF, but a key ecosystem counterparty with overlapping stakeholders.

Emerging players

• Indigenomics Institute: Founded by IOF board director Carol Anne Hilton. Focused on Indigenous economic participation in major projects and finance — closely adjacent to IISAAK OLAM Foundation's First 30x30 carbon/nature finance work and shared leadership pipeline.
• Nature for Justice: Co-founder of First 30x30 Canada alongside IISAAK OLAM Foundation. Focuses on nature-based solutions and Indigenous-led climate finance — directly comparable on the carbon and nature finance mechanism within the IPCA economy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCprk7LpNZxB35sdFUjD9qqA
• Facebookfacebook.com/iisaakolam
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iisaak-olam-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about IISAAK OLAM Foundation