Kuponya Innovations, an affordable housing initiative for Indigenous communities in Northern Canada led by Enactus Wilfrid Laurier University, has been recognized as the 2025 CWB Indigenous Inclusion Project Accelerator Best Project.
This unique housing solution offers northern communities a rapid-assembly “house-in-a-box” constructed with future-proof materials. Through a training program and assembly guide, local laborers can build these homes, and the project also creates opportunities to increase green construction skills for future employment.
By receiving the Best Project Award, Kuponya Innovations has been awarded $4,000 in prize money to further develop the project and create even more impact in these communities.
“CWB proudly supports Enactus students who are building relationships with Indigenous peoples and entrepreneurs across Canada,” says Lacey Jansen, Manager, Community Engagement at CWB. “We believe promoting Reconciliation and learning new perspectives will create inclusive future leaders and provide more opportunities for individuals and communities to prosper.”
The CWB Indigenous Inclusion Project Accelerator is aimed at advancing Reconciliation through collaboration, mutual understanding, and systemic equity. By participating in the Project Accelerator, Enactus teams receive the tools, resources, and guidance needed to develop and implement initiatives that promote the social and economic inclusion of Indigenous peoples and/or entrepreneurs.
Five additional Teams received $2,500 in funding to invest in their projects, directly impacting 208 Indigenous peoples and entrepreneurs. The runner-up and second runner-up had equally impressive projects that are creating positive impact:
- Runner-Up: Shki-Miikan, University of Ottawa – Empowers Indigenous communities by helping them publish cultural children’s books, enhancing the visibility of Indigenous culture, providing income, and giving Indigenous creators control over their livelihoods.
- Second Runner-up: One Circle, Lambton College – Addresses insecurity, economic development, and employment in Indigenous communities across Canada by providing sustainable agriculture skills and entrepreneurial tools.
Learn more about the PC Financial Resilience and other Project Accelerators for 2024-2025.