Our Approach: Development by Communities, for Communities

Empowering Indigenous leadership through partnership, not a directive.

At i2i, we believe the most powerful and lasting development is rooted in the voices, values, and visions of Indigenous communities themselves.

Our approach ensures that Indigenous leadership drives every step of the journey—while we walk alongside as trusted partners.

What guides us:

Community-Led Development

We support bottom-up, locally driven models where communities define success and lead implementation - on their terms.

Cultural Integrity

Traditional knowledge and cultural identity are not barriers to development—they are the foundation. We integrate these with modern tools for holistic, respectful growth.

Strategic Partnerships

We bring together a network of aligned partners to support communities with access to technical, financial, and governance expertise—without overpowering local leadership.

Long-Term Focus

We’re not here for quick wins. We support communities to build sustainable economies and create clear leadership pathways—especially for youth and future generations.

Economic Justice

Development must deliver real and fair returns to Indigenous communities. We promote models that share wealth, grow community-owned enterprises, and uphold sovereignty.

Community-Defined Impact

Success looks different in every community. We support communities to define and measure progress on their own terms—and strengthen systems for accountability and governance.

Respectful Relationships

We prioritize humility, fairness, and mutual respect in every engagement. Our role is to serve, support, and walk in step with Indigenous leadership—not ahead of it.