Tia Larocque – Graham is a proud nehiyaw iskwew from Waterhen Lake First Nation. She currently resides in Saskatoon SK, and is the Director of Innovation for SIIT’s pawâcikêwikamik: The Innovation Collective. A plains Cree term for “the lodge to support those who dream”, the project aims to create pathways for the next wave of Indigenous changemakers by reducing barriers, offering education and mentorship opportunities, and providing access to the financial resources and infrastructure needed to grow a thriving Indigenous economy. The first Indigenous Accelerator of its kind in Saskatchewan.

With a focus on creating a sense of safety, building capacity, and promoting culture, Tia’s passion is increasing representation and giving people the confidence to show up in spaces that weren’t previously accessible to them. In her spare time, Tia enjoys chasing after her 5-year-old son Koen, and challenging herself to learn new things