Co-op Conversation: Developing an International Indigenous Co-operative Network

Описание: The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives' (CCSC) monthly Co-op Conversations is an online gathering for co-operative sector professionals to learn from others in the field and exchange information in a casual setting.

This month's Co-op Conversation featured Mary Nirlungayuk and her talk, "Developing an International Indigenous Co-operative Network". In 2025, Mary Nirlungayuk helped to spearhead an effort to develop an International Indigenous Co‑operative Network - envisioned as a collaborative platform rooted in Indigenous values, aimed at strengthening self‑determination, fostering knowledge exchange, and promoting solidarity among Indigenous co‑operatives worldwide. In this Co-op Conversation, Mary will share the story of how the idea for this network began. Importantly, Mary will focus on the importance of the network in addressing shared challenges such as isolation, colonial structures, and training needs, while amplifying Indigenous voices in the global co‑operative movement. Finally, the talk will present next steps for the development of this network.

About our Speaker
Mary is an Inuk leader and trailblazer in the co-op landscape. Over the past forty years, she has worked as an advocate for good governance. She is now serving as Corporate Secretary and VP of Governance & Member Relations at Arctic Co-operatives.

As these events consists of a presentation, a broad conversation, and small group conversations, for the recording, only the presentation and broad conversation are captured.