Change begins with the personal steps we take to learn from one another, how we honour our histories, our relations, and the lands. We start here. We bring ourselves to the hard work of changing the systems around us to become receptive to initiatives, policies, and mindsets that put people and planet first.

To do this we need each other. The SI Practitioners Circle is a diverse cross-section of professionals who have expressed initial interest in creating an accessible social innovation ecosystem in Ontario and across Indigenous territories in the region.

Our first Circle of 23 amazing social innovators gathered at the beautiful Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning on traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples (Kingston, ON). This group journeyed from Timmins, Bawating (Sault St. Marie), Ottawa, Owen Sound, Crystal Beach, Guelph, London, Tkaronto (Toronto), and Kingston.

See the report back here.

The Circle is for systems change practitioners who identify as natural networkers and connectors within their areas of practice. Our work connects initiatives and people to opportunities across diverse sectors, industries, and issues in order to intentionally support breakthrough solutions within systems.

Together, we are seeking to enhance the quality of our connections with other social innovators. We are aiming for a deeper inclusive practice in order to be active agents for change across our spheres of influence.

We were thrilled to have Shyra and Rye Barberstock of Okwaho Equal Source facilitate and Elder Bernard Nelson welcome us to the lands. Special recognition and thank you to the amazing Ethel Côté of MécènESS. We also thank the support of Suncor Foundation and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation through Social Innovation Canada.

It doesn’t stop here. You are all invited to join in.  Stay tuned here for updates as we launch this work in the coming weeks.

– Jo Reynolds leads the Ontario hub for Social Innovation Canada, through her role with the Centre for Social Innovation. Get in touch directly at joanna@socialinnovation.ca