Expanding horizons: Indigenous-owned tech company gaining traction in the United States

Founded in 2003 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, Animikii Indigenous Technology Inc. is expanding its business contacts and sales in the United States (US) within the information and communications technologies (ICT) and professional services sectors. As an Indigenous-owned business and certified B-Corp, Animikii provides digital services that reduce technological barriers. They also contribute to the well-being of Indigenous communities by developing tools to empower data sovereignty, management, and governance, in a culturally respectful and informed way. As part of their offerings, Animikii also provides custom-designed software solutions, including Pathfinding Services and First Phase software. They’ve also launched Niiwin, a cloud-based data design tool that enables developers to build applications while ensuring data sovereignty. 

Finding new opportunities through trade events 

Animikii's growth and global expansion was sped up by their involvement in the virtual Canadian Indigenous Business Accelerator program and Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles. Supported by the Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux (TCS), and funding from its CanExport SME’s program, Animikii participated in the TCS-led Indigenous Businesses Trade Mission to Reservation Economic Summit in both 2023 and 2024, a key event for Indigenous-owned businesses. These large-scale missions offer unparalleled opportunities for visibility, and entry into the US market, enabling Animikii to gain key industry connections, secure new sales and expand their global reach.

Here’s how the company benefitted: 

During the Reservation Economic Summit, Animikii received comprehensive support from the TCS. This included participation in the Buy Native and Indigenous-to-Indigenous business matchmaking sessions, promotion at the Canada pavilion on the trade show floor, and access to networking events organized by the Consulate General of Canada to the US, in Los Angeles. This support helped Animikii connect with potential buyers, Indigenous business partners, and key decision-makers, leading to a contract with the Open Environmental Data Project in Alaska. Undertaken in collaboration with the Universities of Notre Dame and Virginia, the initiative focuses on environmental research related to permafrost deterioration and its impact on Indigenous communities. 

Through the completion of the Canadian Indigenous Business Accelerator program that ran from January to March 2024, Animikii also gained knowledge and access to key contacts required for successfully expanding business in the US. 

Animikii has identified promising business leads in the US and is evaluating a potential location to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest region. 

Our role in Animikii’s success 

The success of Animikii in securing this contract underscores the vital role that the TCS and targeted business programs at trade events play in helping Indigenous businesses thrive internationally. Our Trade Commissioners have also consistently supported the company. The TCS Regional Office for British Columbia and the Yukon offered guidance on CanExport SMEs applications, providing feedback that helped refine their proposals, and the Consulate General of Canada to the US in Seattle, played a key role in supporting Animikii’s participation in its 2024 Indigenous Business Accelerator program in the US Pacific Northwest.  

The company is also benefiting from participation in Innovation Canada’s Accelerated Growth Service (AGS), which helps entrepreneurs and businesses access the government support they need to grow and scale. Support from the TCS and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) are positioning Animikii for continued success. 

A word from Animikii Indigenous Technology 

"The support we've received from the Trade Commissioner Service has been instrumental in our expansion into the US market. Participating in events like RES and the Indigenous Business Accelerator program has opened doors for us, leading to valuable connections and contracts. This support has been crucial in helping us achieve our mission of empowering Indigenous communities through technology." 

— David Pereira, Chief Operations Officer 

We can help your business go global. 

The TCS helps Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed in international markets through export advisory services, funding, accelerator programs, and tailored support at trade missions and events.  

We offer dedicated support to and help uncover opportunities for export-ready Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada to successfully expand into global markets. That includes connecting Canadian businesses with supplier diversity opportunities, tailored funding and events.  

Learn more about the Trade Commissioner Service and how we can help companies.