Cooperative Economic Development
About
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Who We Are
Turtle Island Group (TIG) is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led coalition of Nations, communities, and economic development entities working together to build sovereign, sustainable, intergenerational prosperity. We are rooted in our governance systems, teachings, and laws, all guided by the responsibility to steward lands, waters, and future generations.
Our strength is collective. TIG unites Indigenous rightsholders across Turtle Island, collaborating across colonial borders to advance shared economic power, environmental balance, and Nation-to-Nation decision-making.
Why We Exist
For generations, Indigenous Peoples have faced systemic barriers to participating fully in the economic opportunities taking place on and around our territories. Decision-making, capital access, and project benefit flows have too often been structured in ways where Indigenous voices were included late — or not at all.
Turtle Island Group exists to shift this structure — respectfully, collaboratively, and constructively.
We build frameworks where Indigenous Nations lead from the beginning, define priorities early, and drive outcomes that support community benefit, environmental responsibility, and intergenerational prosperity.
We create models where development is not done to Indigenous communities, but built with them and led by them.
How We Work
We partner with Indigenous Nations, trusted industry leaders, investors, research institutions, and aligned organizations to develop initiatives that:
- Advance Indigenous-led economic development
- Create durable, Nation-driven revenue streams
- Protect lands, waters, ecosystems, and culture
- Mobilize investment into community-based solutions
- Support long-term governance and capacity building
We focus on scalable, investable, repeatable models that strengthen sovereignty.
Our Guiding Values
Sovereignty — Indigenous decision-making driving every stage of development
Stewardship — responsibility to land, water, and all living beings
Solidarity — collective strength among Nations across Turtle Island
Self-Determination — economies that serve our People & future generations
Our Future
We are building an economic landscape where Indigenous Nations are not participants in someone else’s plan, but authors of our own future.
The decisions we make today must stand for seven generations ahead.
Turtle Island Group is creating that future, grounded in sovereignty, driven by shared prosperity, and guided by the responsibilities entrusted to us since time immemorial.
