In a recent interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Rhode Thomas, Executive Director at The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology, discussed how his upbringing in Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and his deep connections to Wikwemikong Unceded Territory have profoundly shaped his leadership style and commitment to Indigenous innovation. Rhode emphasized the importance of embedding cultural values into his work, drawing on the cycles of nature to guide relationship-building and ensuring that community engagement is rooted in respect, reciprocity, and reflection. His approach to leadership is a blend of traditional wisdom and modern strategy, aiming to position Indigenous voices at the forefront of technology and innovation, particularly within the broader context of reconciliation efforts in Canada.
Rhode Thomas is a member of the Cayuga Nation (Haudenosaunee), Bear Clan, raised in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. As the Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology, he is at the forefront of bridging the digital divide within Indigenous communities, championing a future where technology and innovation are leveraged for empowerment, sustainability, and self-determination.
Rhode’s holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from George Brown College, a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Law & Policy from Trent University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Queen’s University. His academic achievements are complemented by over five years of student leadership experience and commitment to nurturing Indigenous leadership and collaboration in the educational sector.
Rhode’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the understanding that leadership is inherently communal and relational, applying a holistic and collaborative approach to community involvement. This approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful consultation and engagement are not only vital to the success of community-building ventures but are also crucial to broader reconciliation efforts across Canada. He is dedicated to ongoing learning and personal growth, embodying the principle that leadership is not merely an individualistic endeavor but one that flourishes through strong interpersonal and community relationships.
With a passion for advocacy for Indigenous learners established through education and volunteering, an interest in tech and innovation soon took hold when learning of the impacts of technology on Indigenous governance and ways of being. Rhode strives to lead and inspire in the realm of Indigenous digital participation, encompassing the thoughtful approach to digital transformation in skills & talent; infrastructure; knowledge & applications; and governance within Indigenous communities to become better equipped to navigate the new frontiers of digital colonialism.
He is committed to dismantling the barriers to digital participation through tech education and research, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are both respected and integrated into innovative community-led solutions, paving the way for technological empowerment within Indigenous communities to support collaborative innovation, cultural integrity, and digital sovereignty.
Can you share how your upbringing in Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and your family ties to Wikwemikong Unceded Territory have influenced your leadership style and commitment to Indigenous innovation and technology?
Growing up in the community grounded me in the cultural values and principles that guide our ways of being. These values were often woven into everyday life, whether through intentional teachings or through the natural flow of our interactions. This foundation has led me to seek ways to embed these principles into my work. For instance, I have utilized the cycles of nature, such as the seasons, to guide relationship-building. Just as we plant seeds, nurture growth, and harvest the results, I approach partnerships with a similar mindset: initiating, cultivating, and eventually reflecting on the shared experiences. This cyclical and holistic understanding is one of many ways my upbringing shapes how I navigate my work and contribute to the technology sector. This is deeply informed by the respect, reciprocity, and reflection inherent in our traditions, which I strive to incorporate into every aspect of my professional life.
How has your experience in student leadership and your work with the Indigenous Student Alliance of Ontario shaped your approach to community-building and advocacy for Indigenous learners?
Pursuing higher education outside of my home community was challenging, particularly when academic and financial commitments limited my ability to return home. Indigenous student associations provided a sense of community, yet they often lacked the capacity to fully support Indigenous learners due to their volunteer-driven nature. Recognizing this gap, I co-founded the Indigenous Student Alliance of Ontario (ISAO) to better support these efforts to create a “home away from home” for Indigenous learners across Ontario’s universities. This experience underscored the importance of collective advocacy and community-building. As the facilitator of this process, I learned the value of engaging diverse voices to co-create solutions that address shared needs, which has continued to inform my approach to advocacy and community engagement.
At The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology, what strategies do you use to ensure meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities, and why is this approach critical to the success of your initiatives?
While formal engagement tactics are essential, I place significant emphasis on informal engagement to gain deeper insights. Active listening and observation, even outside the scope of work, are key to understanding the nuances of community interactions and experiences. For instance, the idea to establish the ISAO was born from listening to peers discuss the challenges they faced, such as burnout from volunteering and the lack of dedicated representation. By embodying a continuous, day-to-day engagement approach rather than relying solely on one-off consultations, I ensure that our initiatives at The Centre are grounded in the lived realities of the communities we serve. This approach is critical to building trust and ensuring that our projects are both relevant and impactful.
How do you see the role of Indigenous innovation and technology evolving in the broader context of reconciliation efforts across Canada, and what impact do you hope your work will have in this area?
Innovation and technology are now at the forefront of societal change, influencing nearly every aspect of our lives. As reconciliation efforts evolve, so too must our approach to addressing the impacts of colonization in this rapidly changing landscape. Issues like data sovereignty, which have long existed, are now being exacerbated by digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence. My hope is that through our work at The Centre, we can ensure that Indigenous voices are central to these conversations and that our communities are not only participants but leaders in shaping the future of technology in ways that respect and uphold our rights and values. By doing so, we contribute to a more equitable and just digital future.
Given your diverse academic background and ongoing commitment to personal growth, what advice would you offer to young Indigenous leaders who are looking to make a difference in their communities and beyond?
I offer two pieces of advice that are closely linked. First, develop a strong sense of self by continually reflecting on the question, “Who am I in relation to…?” My leadership journey gained clarity and direction as I worked to answer this question in numerous ways, one of which helped me reclaim and strengthen my Haudenosaunee identity. Continual reflection allowed me to explore who I was in relation to my family, friends, community, and even myself. This process of self-exploration helped me identify and address areas in my life that required healing and, in doing so, built the resilience and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of leadership.
Second, prioritize grounding yourself regularly. In a world that demands constant productivity, it is easy to neglect the need to nurture and care for our well-being and the work we have done to establish our strong sense of self. Staying grounded enables us to lead with authenticity and balance, ensuring that we remain connected to our values and our communities.
