What Indigenous Perspectives Society does

Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) is a not-for-profit charitable organization headquartered in Langford, British Columbia, founded in 1994 (originally as Caring for First Nations Children Society, rebranded in 2014) that delivers accredited training and education programs focused on Indigenous cultural competency. Its core offerings include Cultural Perspectives Training (a blended in-person and online full-day program at C$250 per person), Aboriginal Social Worker Training (CARF-accredited, delivered online), Gladue Writer Training (co-developed with Royal Roads University and Dr. Jane Dickson of Carleton University), C-92 federal legislation training, Indigenous Adoption and Permanency Online (IAPO), and shorter seminars and conferences priced at C$75–C$375 per participant. Programs are delivered through a blended learning platform that combines in-person facilitation, online modules, and discussion forums; no proprietary AI/ML capabilities are described.

IPS serves professionals and organizations that interact with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia and beyond, including provincial and municipal government agencies, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, child and family service organizations, courts and probation services (Gladue writers), and non-profits. The business model blends per-seat revenue from open cohort training, quote-based contracted training for private organizations (with stated one-month lead time), and charitable donations. A Corporate Supply Arrangement with the Province of British Columbia (CS-000917) provides preferred-vendor access to provincial procurement, while CARF Three-Year Accreditations (2014, 2016, 2019) underpin regulatory credibility.

Revenue, headcount, and growth metrics are not publicly disclosed. Staff includes Executive Director Rachelle Dallaire and a roster of Indigenous facilitators and Elders, with some employees working remotely across provinces (e.g., Karman Lippitt in Ontario), indicating operational reach beyond BC. The organization positions itself as a credentialed, community-informed provider rather than a scaled technology platform.

Name

Indigenous Perspectives Society

Legal name

Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education

Website

https://ipsociety.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Indigenous Perspectives Society is a BC-based not-for-profit (founded 1994) that delivers accredited cultural competency, social work, and Gladue-writing training to government agencies, Indigenous organizations, and professionals across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Training Fees - Public Cohorts: IPS delivers training sessions open for individual registrations through its public registration platform. Participants pay course fees to attend scheduled public training sessions (e.g., Cultural Perspectives Training, Gladue Writer Training, Understanding History, etc.). Minimum 10 participants required for public cohort sessions.
2. Private/Contracted Training: IPS delivers customized, privately contracted training to organizations, government agencies, and businesses. Training is arranged upon request with at least one month lead time for course preparation. Corporate Supply Arrangement (CSA CS-000917) with the Province of BC enables direct procurement of training services by government.
3. Donations and Charitable Giving: IPS operates as a charitable not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration Number: 140988452RR0001) and accepts donations through its website. Fundraising campaigns support capacity-building training for underfunded communities and organizations.
4. Events and Community Fundraisers: IPS organizes and hosts fundraising events (e.g., theatre fundraisers, clothing swaps) and community events (e.g., Perspectives to Action, West Shore Indigenous People's Day) that generate donations and community engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Indigenous Perspectives Society delivers culturally focused professional development training programs for individuals and organizations working with Indigenous communities. Core offerings include Cultural Perspectives Training (full-day immersive course combining in-class and online learning), CARF-accredited Aboriginal Social Worker Training (8-week online program), Gladue Writer Training (online program co-developed with Dr. Jane Dickson and Royal Roads University), Indigenous Adoption and Permanency Online, and C-92 Federal Act Training. Training is delivered publicly through scheduled cohorts and privately through organizational contracts throughout British Columbia, Canada, and internationally.

Product overview

Indigenous Perspectives Society operates as a training and education organization offering a portfolio of culturally-focused professional development programs for individuals and organizations working with Indigenous communities. The core offerings include Cultural Perspectives Training (full-day immersive course combining in-person and online learning), Aboriginal Social Worker Training (CARF-accredited 8-week program), and Gladue Writer Training (online program in partnership with Royal Roads University). Supporting programs include Understanding History, Dispelling Myths and Stereotypes, Building Local Relationships, Recruitment and Retention Training, Leadership & Governance Best Practices, Understanding and Healing Lateral Violence, Conflict Transformation, and specialized training for Indigenous Child and Family Serving Agencies including C-92 Federal Act training. The society also offers the Indigenous Adoption and Permanency Online course, Supporting Two Spirit Youth workshops, and the Linda Lucas Legacy Award for Indigenous youth. The training model combines in-class/virtual sessions with self-guided online modules, and services are delivered publicly through scheduled cohorts or privately through organizational contracts throughout British Columbia, Canada, and internationally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cultural Perspectives Training: Full-day immersive training examining colonization, its history, mechanics, and ongoing presence in contemporary policy and practice
• Gladue Writer Training
• Aboriginal Social Worker Training
• Linda Lucas Legacy Award
• Indigenous Caregivers of B.C.

Products and services

• Cultural Perspectives Training Full-day immersive course examining colonization history, inter-generational trauma, privilege, racism, and how to build relationships with Indigenous communities. Combines 7 hours in-class training with 8 hours of online training completed over 4 weeks. Designed for professionals and community members working with Indigenous peoples.
• Gladue Writer Training Online training program co-developed with Dr. Jane Dickson (Carleton University) and Royal Roads University that teaches professionals how to write Gladue reports for Indigenous peoples in the Canadian criminal justice system. Promotes holistic and restorative approaches. Participants receive a co-branded IPS/Royal Roads University certificate.
• Aboriginal Social Worker Training CARF International accredited training program designed for Delegated Aboriginal Agencies to meet delegation goals and commitments with the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development. Delivered in-person and online. First accredited by CARF in 2014 with three consecutive three-year accreditations.
• Indigenous Adoption and Permanency Online (IAPO) Eight-week asynchronous online program training participants in Indigenous adoption practices, requiring 3-5 hours of work per week. Since 2008, IPS has trained over 390 participants in the Adoption Online Course.
• C-92 Training: Federal Act for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Online training program introducing the federal legislation An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, covering jurisdictional implications and implementation for Indigenous Child and Family Serving Agencies.
• Dispelling Myths and Stereotypes Interactive 3-hour workshop examining roots of stereotypes and biases about Indigenous Peoples, developing tools to challenge misinformation and build culturally intelligent responses.
• Understanding History Training module focusing on the legacy of colonization, inter-generational trauma, and historical context affecting Indigenous peoples.
• Building Local Relationships Training addressing how to develop and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and peoples.
• Understanding and Healing Lateral Violence 3-hour seminar providing insight into lateral violence within Indigenous communities through circle, group exercises, and individual reflection. Priced at $75 per person at IPS with a minimum of 10 participants.
• Leadership & Governance Best Practices Training Training program focusing on governance best practices for Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Recruitment and Retention Training Training to build agencies' capacity to recruit and retain Indigenous peoples, focusing on screening in rather than screening out candidates.
• Conflict Transformation Training Training seminar focusing on conflict resolution and transformation skills for working with Indigenous communities.
• Supporting Two Spirit Youth Workshop on Two Spirit identity covering history, resurgence, and how to create respectful and welcoming spaces for Two Spirit youth. Designed for front-line service providers.
• Gladue for Probation Officers Specialized Gladue training developed for probation officers preparing reports and working within the Canadian criminal justice system.
• Consulting Services Professional consulting services provided by Indigenous Perspectives Society to support organizations in developing Indigenous cultural competency and reconciliation strategies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 390+ participants trained in Adoption Online since 2008
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Stream of Consciousness and Sunset LabsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 November 2018Stream of Consciousness and Sunset Labs supported IPS's 'Perspectives to Action' event on November 7, 2018, bringing together speakers, performance artists, and a short film to explore responses to the TRC Calls to Action.
• The MakehouseminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 October 2018The Makehouse (Victoria-based creative business) sponsored a Pre-Loved Clothing Swap fundraiser for IPS and donated profits to the organization. The event generated $685, with IPS receiving $335 after venue expenses.
• Province of British ColumbiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 August 2018IPS has a Corporate Supply Arrangement (CSA) for Learning and Development Services with the Province of British Columbia (CSA number CS-000917). This enables government ministries and agencies to procure IPS training directly. Included offerings: Cultural Perspectives Training (hosted and private), Understanding History, Dispelling Myths and Stereotypes, Building Local Relationships, and Recruitment and Retention of Indigenous Peoples.
• Royal Roads UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 December 2017IPS partnered with Royal Roads University (RRU) for Gladue Report Training. After a comprehensive review, IPS Gladue Report Training meets both organizations' standards of excellence. Participants completing Gladue Report Training receive a certificate bearing both IPS and Royal Roads University logos.
• National Film Board (NFB) Wide AwakeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2017IPS partnered with NFB Wide Awake (Aabiziingwashi: NFB Indigenous Cinema on Tour) to host the Victoria premiere screening of 'Birth of a Family' documentary. This event launched IPS's Creating Excellence through Training and Leadership fundraising campaign.
• Dr. Jane Dickson (Carleton University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 August 2017IPS developed Gladue Report Training in collaborative partnership with Dr. Jane Dickson, Associate Professor of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University. Dr. Dickson is a highly-respected scholar and researcher in Indigenous people and criminal justice, having authored over 70 Gladue reports and evaluated Legal Aid Saskatchewan's Gladue Pilot Project. She provides advanced Gladue training at the graduate level and has trained Cree and other Indigenous communities for over 20 years.
• Lifelong Connections PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 July 2017Lifelong Connections is a partnership initiative of the Ministry for Children and Family Development in collaboration with: Adoptive Families Association of BC (AFABC), Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS), Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Child & Family Services, Métis Commission for Children and Families of BC, Métis Nation BC, Northwest International Family & Community Services Society (NIFCS), and Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS). Provides up to $4,500 for community events raising awareness of permanency for Indigenous and Métis children and youth.
• Anglican ChurchminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2017The Anglican Church sponsored IPS's Button Blanket Project, a 10-week creative journey of Reconciliation to bring community together and honour collective commitment to reconciliation. Four button blankets with images of Whale, Eagle, Raven, and Wolf were created to hang in IPS's training room.
• Victoria FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVictoria Foundation built the IPS website and is acknowledged as providing generous support for the organization's digital infrastructure.
• Vancouver Island Green Business CollectiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVancouver Island Green Business Collective certified IPS with Green Business Certification and helps keep the organization accountable to environmental sustainability practices.
• Surfrider Foundation Vancouver IslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSurfrider Foundation Vancouver Island recognized IPS as a finalist in the EcoStar Awards and partners in environmental accountability initiatives.
• Community Co-hosts for EventsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPS co-hosts events with a broad network including: Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Royal Roads University, University of Victoria, Camosun College, Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, Island Métis Family & Community Services Society, ISPARC, Métis Nation of Greater Victoria, Power to Be, Sooke Family Resource Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Vancity Credit Union, West Shore Parks & Recreation, Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services, Hulitan Family & Community Services Society, NIL TU,O Child and Family Services Society, and BC Government Employees Union.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Canadian Roots Exchange: National Indigenous-led non-profit focused on youth-led reconciliation education and programming for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people. Comparable in its Indigenous pedagogy and reconciliation-training focus, though it concentrates on youth exchange programming rather than professional/adult workforce training like IPS.
• Yellowhead Institute: Toronto-based Indigenous-led research and education organization focused on Indigenous public policy, land rights, and governance. Partially comparable to IPS in its Indigenous education and policy focus and in providing resource materials to Indigenous-serving institutions, though primarily research/policy rather than direct workforce training.

Regional players

• First Nations University of Canada: Saskatchewan-based Indigenous university offering degree, certificate, and continuing-education programs with an explicit Indigenous pedagogical mandate. Comparable to IPS as an Indigenous-led education and training institution, but serves a different geography and operates a formal university credit-granting model.
• Métis Nation of Ontario: Provincial Métis government providing a range of training, education, and community programs for Métis citizens and the agencies that serve them. Comparable to IPS in offering Indigenous-targeted professional training and serving Indigenous child and family serving agencies, though concentrated in Ontario.

Direct peers

• Reconciliation Canada: National Canadian non-profit advancing reconciliation through education, dialogue, and training programs. Comparable to IPS in its mission of advancing TRC Calls to Action and offering reconciliation-focused training, workshops, and community engagement programs to organizations and individuals.
• Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. BC-based consultancy delivering Indigenous cultural awareness and competency training to corporate, government, and educational clients. Directly comparable to IPS's Corporate segment and to Cultural Perspectives Training, with similar TRC/UNDRIP-driven curriculum and private contracted delivery model.
• Native Education College: Vancouver-based Indigenous post-secondary institution offering certificates, diplomas, and continuing-education programs for Indigenous learners and the organizations that serve them. Directly comparable Indigenous-led education provider serving overlapping BC community/agency audiences, though operating a longer-format credential model versus IPS's shorter professional training.
• San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training: BC-based Indigenous cultural safety training program serving health and social service professionals. The closest functional peer to IPS in the Indigenous cultural competency training space, with overlapping curriculum (cultural safety, anti-racism, trauma-informed practice) and overlapping government/health-sector customer base in British Columbia.

Broad incumbents

• First Nations Health Authority: BC's First Nations Health Authority, which delivers Indigenous cultural safety and humility training (including San'yas) to BC health organizations. Overlaps with IPS on Indigenous cultural competency training for BC public-sector and health-adjacent professionals, but operates at much larger scale as a health-system authority.

Others

• The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Canadian post-secondary arts and leadership institution with longstanding Indigenous arts, cultural leadership, and community-based programming. Adjacent to IPS in offering Indigenous cultural education programming, but with a fundamentally different delivery model (residencies, conferences) and broader arts focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/IPSociety_ca
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Caring4FN
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Caring-for-First-Nations-Children-Society/213276862075584
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indigenous-perspectives-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/indigenousperspectivesociety

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Indigenous Perspectives Society