Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award Recipient Bridges the Digital Divide
TORONTO, ON – Dec. 17, 2025 – Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) honours Darion Ducharme with the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award for his dedication to providing technology support and information services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.
Recognizing a critical gap in digital skills — particularly among Indigenous Elders and youth — Ducharme founded the Winnipeg-based Teqare in 2021 to deliver hands-on digital literacy, cyber safety, financial life skills, and AI education training, helping others safely navigate the digital world with confidence.
With a strong focus on supporting remote and urban Indigenous communities and frontline organizations, Teqare’s efforts to bring digital empowerment and scam-prevention education to communities have provided practical digital skills to hundreds of schools, 70 First Nations, and thousands of participants.
“I’m honoured to receive the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award,” said Ducharme. “Teqare was built to empower our communities with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe, protect their families, and succeed in today’s digital world. This recognition isn’t just about me; it reflects the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the communities we serve. I’m grateful for the support that has helped Teqare grow, and I’m committed to continuing this work, so every community has access to the tools and training they deserve.”
The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Indigenous business leaders under the age of 35 who are driving economic growth and creating positive change in their communities. Ducharme, a member of Lac Seul First Nation, has distinguished himself as a leader motivated by service, community, and fostering opportunities for the next generation.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Darion Ducharme on being named the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur,” said CCIB President and CEO Tabatha Bull. “Through the company he founded and leads, Teqare, Darion is bridging the digital divide. He embodies Indigenous innovation and care for community, helping create empowering environments for Indigenous people in the digital space. Darion is a brilliant example of the next generation of Indigenous business leadership, and we look forward to celebrating him at our Central Awards Dinner in Toronto in February.”
Sponsored by EY Canada, the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award comes with a $10,000 prize to benefit the business.
“Darion’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities with essential digital skills is truly inspiring. By grounding Teqare in service to the community, Darion is helping to build a future where everyone can thrive in the digital age,” said Alycia Calvert, EY Canada Chair and CEO. “EY Canada is proud to sponsor the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award, which celebrates leaders like Darion, who are making a meaningful difference in their communities.”
The award will be presented to Ducharme at CCIB’s Central Business Forum & Awards Dinner in Toronto on Feb. 26, 2026.
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About Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
CCIB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s economy. As a national, non-partisan association, its mission is to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness. CCIB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information, visit www.ccib.ca.
For more information, contact:
Chris Overton
Director, Marketing & Communications
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
coverton@ccib.ca
T: 416.961.8663 ext. 828
