Projects

Dreams Tree Community Investments has spent significant time visiting treaty and unceded territories across Turtle Island, listening to and learning from Indigenous communities, leaders, and Elders. Through this journey, we saw the need to create safe experiences in the community and build centres where people of all backgrounds can learn about Indigenous culture, history, and ways of being and doing things.

Our projects support Indigenous social enterprise, amplify Indigenous communities, and provide safe and immersive learning opportunities for all people. We know that the funding, knowledge, and community building from these projects will lead us to the Centres.

Centres of Excellence

These will be multi-nation spaces where Indigenous knowledge, language and culture will be shared.

They will be a gathering space for art, culture, health, science and story-telling. It could include a hotel and conference centre, museum and gallery for Indigenous history and art, spaces for business innovation, economic strategy development and technology, and programming spaces where people can teach, learn and create community.

  • Pigeon Lake First Nation

    Frog Lake First Nation

    Cold Lake First Nation

    Kehewin Cree Nation

  • Stoney Nakoda First Nations

    Bow Valley Area

  • Beaver First Nation

    Dene Tha Fisrt Nation

  • Gitxaała Nation

    Gwawaenuk

Goodwill Projects

Goodwill Projects focuses on giving back, bringing people to the community, and experiencing art and culture firsthand in a deep and meaningful way. These project investments are made on an ongoing basis and serve as the foundation for Dreams Tree Community Investments reciprocity focus.

Funds raised through Goodwill Projects will help us develop the Centres of Excellence.

  • The initial Goodwill Project supported a Metis tech startup, RUNWITHIT Synthetics, by providing a furnished downtown Edmonton office space, with the lease and internet paid for two years. This gift allowed them to expand their knowledge and invest in Indigenous innovation.

  • Hilda Francis has committed to producing 365 Stollery Medallion teddy bears in different colours for children at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Once produced, medallions can be purchased and gifted to children, and the revenue generated will be used to fund Amplify Reciprocity programs.

  • Harry Watchmaker, of Kehewin Cree Nation, has established a Medicine Shack as a place of healing and cultural preservation, blending traditional Indigenous medicinal knowledge with a welcoming community atmosphere. The shack is filled with natural herbs, teas, and remedies that Harry prepares himself, using techniques passed down through generations. Known for his compassionate approach, Harry’s Medicine Shack serves as a sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection to the land and Indigenous heritage.

  • Every guest at Compassion House selects a unique quilt to keep, offering them comfort during and after their stay. Each quilt reflects the individuality of the women who choose them. Through our partnership with the skilled artisans at the Fogo Island quilting workshop, we bring Irish-inspired quilts to Compassion House. Now, the beauty and tradition of the East Coast can wrap our guests in the warmth of these time-honored quilting designs.

Learner Investment

Business success is built on a strong labour force. We will support and bridge the gap between educational centers, students and organizations.

We work with secondary education institutions to create employability and tech training programs. Then, we aim to place Indigenous students with organizations passionate about inclusivity and diversity and embrace Indigenous cultural teachings. As a result, they can better support and understand the workforce.

  • We work in partnership with post secondaries to develop technical training and employability programs for Indigenous students. Supporting and bridging the gap between educational centers, students and organizations, our goal is to ensure students are placed with organizations that have been engaged in Indigenous cultural teachings to better support and understand the workforce.

  • The Beaver First Nation Children's Services Information series is a valuable community learning opportunity at educating families and guardians about the resources, support services, and programs available for children and youth in the community. Attendees can learn about initiatives that promote Indigenous cultural preservation, mental health resources, and opportunities for academic and personal development. By fostering open communication and providing direct access to resources, this information night strengthens community connections and empowers families to support their children's futures in a culturally affirming way.

  • Supporting Indigenous youth in reconnecting with their heritage through language is a priority of The Dream Tree Foundation. The Dene Language school empowered students to learn and preserve Dene Cree, enriching cultural understanding and identity within the community. By investing in language education, we help strengthen the roots of tradition and ensure that these valuable linguistic and cultural treasures are passed down to future generations.

Culture Investment

Supporting and encouraging Indigenous artisans, culture and language programs is a key focus of Dreams Tree Community Investments.

We support and invest in new, emerging and existing ventures to boost growth and opportunities, enhance economic reconciliation, and encourage entrepreneurialship. This helps promote Indigenous art, culture and language throughout Turtle Island. 

  • This mobile planetarium provides Indigenous learning experiences through teachings of the stars and traditional storytelling from George Desjarlais of Frog Lake First Nation. The dome can accommodate 35-40 people, offers protection from the elements and can be set up anywhere.: This mobile planetarium provides Indigenous learning experiences through teachings of the stars and traditional storytelling from George Desjarlais of Frog Lake First Nation. The dome can accommodate 35-40 people, offers protection from the elements and can be set up anywhere.

  • Indigenous beadwork often involves meticulous embroidery using colourful glass beads, first introduced to North America through European trade. Knowledge keeper and experienced beader Hilda Francis provides participants with the lessons and tools to shape their own art. Often spanning multiple days, Hilda uses the art form as a way of healing and storytelling and offers a bridge to a forgotten culture.

  • Irvin Speck is the hereditary chief of the Gwawa’enuxw First Nation and the creator of the Himanis Guardian Program. This program was born from a dream of rebuilding and reconnecting his community with their traditional territory in the southern Great Bear Rainforest. The vision for this program is to create a way in which Indigenous peoples have autonomy within their home territories; where restoration, reconnection and healing becomes the focus.

  • Supporting the journey of Indigenous athletes as they compete on a national stage at the Indigenous Games. Us sponsoring athletes went beyond funding - we saw it as a way to empower young leaders, celebrate cultural heritage, and strengthen community bonds. Our sponsorship helped cover travel, training, and participation costs, allowing these talented individuals to showcase their skills and pride, uplifting the next generation of Indigenous champions!