Iskotêw Training

03/13/2026

What would an extra $500K in funding per year change for your community?

03/12/2026

The Funding Gap Nobody Talks About
Federal Indigenous funding went from $11 billion to $32 billion in the last decade.

Tripled.

ISC. ESDC. Natural Resources Canada. Provincial programs. Corporate reconciliation dollars. New funding streams opening every quarter.

But here's the part nobody wants to say out loud:

Most Nations are accessing maybe 10-20% of what they actually qualify for.

Not because the money isn't there. Not because the programs don't exist.

Because nobody has time to fill out the applications.

I've been doing grant writing for First Nations communities for over 30 years. I have never seen this much money available with this few people able to access it.

That gap is the problem I've been working on. More on that soon.

If your community is leaving funding on the table right now, drop a comment or send me a message. I want to hear what you're seeing on the ground.

03/08/2026

Today, we honour the women who carry the fire.
At Iskotêw Training, women are not just part of our story, they ARE our story. Our co-founder, Tinisha Young (Okimâwiw Iskwew, Chief Woman), built this organization from the ground up with one vision: to create real pathways for Indigenous youth in emergency services, safety, and leadership.
To every Indigenous woman who has ever been told the door wasn't open for her, we are here to build that door together. 🚪🔥
From the women stepping into firefighter gear for the first time, to the community leaders writing grants that fund their Nations' futures, to the knowledge keepers passing down teachings that no textbook can hold, your strength is the foundation of everything we do.
On this International Women's Day, we celebrate:
✅ The women who lead our communities
✅ The women who protect our families
✅ The women who write the grants that build our futures
✅ The women who show our youth what is possible
Iskotêw means fire in Cree, and Indigenous women have always been the keepers of that flame. 🌿🔥
To all the women in our Iskotêw family and across our Nations, Chi-Miigwech. Thank you. We see you. We honour you.

Send a message to learn more

02/09/2026

🚨 Limited spots available
Learn exactly how to write strong, fundable grants with confidence.

This live session breaks down what funders actually look for, common mistakes that kill applications, and how to position your project to win.

🎟️ Register now before spots fill up

02/03/2026

🚨 Grant funding isn’t luck. It’s strategy. 🚨

If you’ve ever wondered why a grant application was rejected or felt overwhelmed by funder guidelines, this session is for you.

📌 1 Hour Live Webinar
What You Need to Know to Write Winning Grants

Co hosted by Iskotew Training and iPlume Writing Inc.

🗓 February 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM MST

What you’ll learn
✔️ How funders actually assess grant applications
✔️ How to identify a strong fit before you apply
✔️ How to read grant guidelines with confidence
✔️ What funders look for in written responses
✔️ How to use AI responsibly to strengthen your writing

🎤 Hosted by Amanda Rogers and Maverick Hann

👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-you-need-to-know-to-write-winning-grants-tickets-1982050903608?aff=oddtdtcreator

This session is open to organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and anyone serious about improving their grant success rate

01/13/2026

Starting a business or non profit?

Iskotêw Training Inc. provides business startup services only for First Nations and Métis entrepreneurs anywhere in Canada.

We help with:
• Business registration and incorporation
• Non profit setup
• NUANS name searches
• Business plans
• Strategic plans

We focus on getting it set up properly from day one.
No ongoing management. No compliance. No upselling.

Our clients receive professional, funder ready documents at a fraction of the cost of traditional firms.

If you are ready to move from idea to official setup, message Iskotêw Training Inc. to learn more.

12/16/2025

Welcome to the Board, Kieran Young

The Iskotêw Foundation is proud to welcome Kieran Young, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, to our Board of Directors.

Kieran has been actively involved with Iskotêw Fire Training, supporting Indigenous workforce development and reconciliation through practical, community driven action. As a Board Member and Signing Authority, he brings a strong commitment to governance, accountability, and long term planning, helping ensure the Foundation remains grounded in community priorities while meeting professional and industry standards.

Beyond governance, Kieran has played a hands on role in promoting Iskotêw’s training programs across First Nations communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta. His work has focused on relationship building, outreach, and creating clear pathways into skilled trades and fire safety careers for Indigenous participants. He brings a deep understanding of community realities alongside experience in high pressure work environments, helping bridge the gap between training, employment readiness, and long term retention.

Kieran’s involvement reflects his belief that reconciliation is built through access to opportunity, skills development, and Indigenous led solutions. By supporting Iskotêw’s mission, he contributes to sustainable employment pathways while strengthening trust between communities and industry.

We are honoured to have Kieran’s leadership, perspective, and commitment at the board table.

12/11/2025

Tânsi, Hello

My name is Kuna Gadwam, and I'm excited (and honestly pretty honoured) to introduce myself as a new Director of the Iskotew Foundation. I'm from the Kehewin Cree Nation, and my heart has always been sheltered in family, community, and education. I completed my Bachelor of Education through the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program and am currently working toward my Master of Education.

The word "Iskotew" means "fire," and to me, it speaks to a deeper story that connects to our creation story, culture, traditions, spirit, language, and land. Our foundation is working to support Indigenous communities through training, safety, wellness, and opportunities, and I'm so grateful to introduce myself to that commitment now.

As Director, my goals are simple, but strong: to uplift our people, open doors for our youth, honour our knowledge systems, and keep community at the center of our work. When our people are supported in the right ways, we are supporting their development mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I have looked forward to this role and have enjoyed my work since February of this year. Thank you!

11/21/2025

I am planning a new training that shows you how to use AI as your personal grant assistant.

We will cover how to
• Search for grants with smart AI prompts
• Break down eligibility and guidelines
• Draft strong proposals and budgets faster

You can follow along on a laptop or keep it simple and do everything from your phone if that is easier for you.

Poll:
React to vote
👍 Yes I would join something like this
❤️ Maybe I just need more details
😮 I prefer one to one support instead
😢 Not right now

11/13/2025

Secure the Funding Your Community Deserves 💪🔥

At Iskotêw Training Inc., we believe every First Nation deserves access to funding and programs that build safer, stronger, and more self-sufficient communities.

We proudly offer grant writing services that help First Nation communities access millions in available funding across Canada, focusing on:
✅ Firefighting and emergency services
✅ Youth, education, and infrastructure projects
✅ Community safety and training programs

✨ Free consultations
✨ No upfront fees
✨ Commission only after approval

Our mission is simple. We do not stop until your project is funded.
Let’s secure the support your community deserves.

📅 Book your free consultation: iskotewtraining.ca

📧 Email: maverick@iskotewtraining.ca

11/10/2025

We Write the Grant, You Keep the Funding

At Iskotêw Training Inc., we make grant writing simple, ethical, and affordable for every community and organization.

We’ll research, write, and submit your grant, for any type of project:
🏠 Community programs & housing
👩‍💼 Business and entrepreneurship
🧑‍🎓 Youth, culture & education
🔥 Emergency services & FireSmart
🌿 Environment & infrastructure

Here’s the best part 👇
✅ No upfront fees
✅ We only charge if your grant is approved
✅ Our small fee is built into the grant, so you don’t pay out of pocket

That means you can go after funding with zero risk.
We succeed only when you do.

📞 Book your free consultation: iskotewtraining.ca

📧 Email: maverick@iskotewtraining.ca

11/06/2025

🎄 Holiday Indigenous Makers Market – Nov 21 @ Lakeland College!

Shop local, support Indigenous makers & students 💫
🕛 12–7 PM | 💰 Tables $50 | 🍲 Entry by donation

👉 Register: https://forms.office.com/r/YEtaMp9duF