Who We Are
Why AWTIJ Exists
Across the marine sector, powerful new technologies are being developed to monitor ecosystems, improve maritime operations, and strengthen ocean stewardship. Yet many of these innovations remain confined to short term pilots or isolated deployments.
AWTIJ works to change that.
By bringing together Indigenous leadership, applied marine technology, and operational partnerships, AWTIJ helps transform innovation into durable systems that support monitoring, stewardship, and maritime readiness in real environments.
The organization operates at the intersection of community leadership, government priorities, industry innovation, and defense aligned capability.
Indigenous Procurement Eligibility
AWTIJ Energy Inc. is a registered Indigenous business listed on the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) and is eligible to supply goods, services, and technology under the federal Mandatory Minimum 5% Indigenous Procurement Target.
Organizations seeking to meet their Indigenous procurement commitments are encouraged to connect with us.
View our Indigenous Business Directory active registration here:
Meet Awtij
Mission
To protect and sustain in shore waters through Indigenous led marine innovation, ensuring communities have the tools, knowledge, and sovereignty to monitor and manage their ocean resources for the well being of the next seven generations.
Vision
AWTIJ envisions a future where coastal and inshore waters are monitored, protected, and stewarded by the people who live and work there.
In this future:
Indigenous leadership plays a central role in ocean stewardship
Monitoring systems provide reliable long term intelligence
Innovation moves beyond pilot projects into sustained capability
Communities, governments, and partners collaborate through trusted platforms
The goal is not simply better technology.
It is a stronger marine capability that supports stewardship, security, and sustainable ocean management for generations to come.
Our Values
Sovereignty
Communities should have the knowledge, tools, and authority to manage the waters they rely on. We support Indigenous leadership and local capability as central pillars of sustainable ocean governance.
Integrity
Trust is essential in ocean governance and collaboration. We operate with transparency, accountability, and respect for partners, communities, and the waters we serve.
Innovation
We embrace new ideas, technologies, and approaches that strengthen marine capability. Innovation, when grounded in real-world needs, can unlock powerful solutions for ocean monitoring and protection.
Collaboration
No single organization can address ocean challenges alone. We work alongside communities, governments, industry, and research partners to build solutions that are stronger together.
Generational Impact
Our work is guided by long-term thinking. We aim to create systems and partnerships that strengthen ocean stewardship not just today, but for the next seven generations.
Stewardship
We believe that caring for the ocean is a responsibility shared across generations. Our work prioritizes the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Leadership & Team
AWTIJ brings together Indigenous leadership, marine technology expertise, and operational experience across ocean innovation and maritime capability.
Michael (Ken’niwahkwahrita'a) Maracle-Polak
Co-Founder | President
Drew Bernard
Co-Founder | Vice President
Darlene Bernard
Chief Strategic and Partnership Advisor
