Request for Proposals: AI Resources for Indigenous Communities

Posted December 17, 2025 in 
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of everyday life, but meaningful adoption requires more than just new tools. It requires clear guidance and resources grounded in Indigenous values, protocols, and data sovereignty.

We invite proposals from qualified consultants to develop a suite of free, accessible AI resources that support Indigenous Peoples in exploring and utilizing AI safely, ethically, and in ways that align with community priorities. This work responds directly to what we have heard through our research and engagement across First Nations in BC.

Why this work matters

Our research indicates that the use of AI in First Nations organizations is emerging, but uneven. Many are experimenting individually, while broader adoption is limited by barriers such as a lack of training, privacy concerns, and uncertainty around data sovereignty. At the same time, Indigenous youth are showing strong interest in AI for creative, cultural, and community-centred uses. There is a clear call for Indigenous-governed approaches to AI that reflect OCAP® principles and keep data under community control.

Who the resources are for

The resources will be publicly available on our website and designed to support:

  • Indigenous professionals and entrepreneurs exploring AI
  • First Nations leadership and staff advancing Nation-building and service delivery through digital innovation.

Scope and deliverables

Content should assume no prior knowledge of AI and use clear, approachable language. Interactive elements such as reflection prompts or simple activities should be included. Design and formatting will be handled separately.

Deliverables include:

  • An introductory guide on how to use the resources
  • At least three Indigenous AI use cases or stories
  • At least three practical AI guides (for example: writing, reporting, or data analysis)
  • Guidance on AI and data sovereignty aligned with OCAP®
  • A curated list of external learning resources
  • Two rounds of feedback

Timeline and budget

  • Project start: January 2026
  • Final deliverables: End of April 2026
  • Total budget: $35,000 CAD (inclusive)

How to submit

Submit proposals as a PDF to Kai@technologycouncil.ca

Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm (PST)

Proposals should include relevant experience, writing samples, a proposed approach and timeline, a budget, and details about the project team.

👉 For full details, please refer to the official RFP here.