Request for Proposals (RFP)

Indigenous Content Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Opportunity ID: RFP-FTA-2026-IND
Issue Date: February 2, 2026
Closing Date & Time: February 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET

1. Summary of the Opportunity

Fashion Takes Action (FTA) is seeking the services of an Indigenous Content Subject Matter Expert (SME) or educational content creation consultant. The selected partner will lead the creation of newly funded educational programming with an Indigenous focus for FTA’s My Clothes My World program.

The goal is to develop resources that authentically reflect Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Indigenous worldviews on sustainability, and contemporary Indigenous fashion practices, ensuring cultural accuracy and alignment with community protocols.

2. About Fashion Takes Action

Founded in 2007, Fashion Takes Action is Canada’s leading non-profit organization devoted to advancing sustainability, ethics, and circularity in the fashion system. Our youth program, My Clothes My World, has reached over 45,000 students in Grades 4–12, teaching them about the social and environmental impacts of textiles.

3. Scope of Work

The SME will be responsible for the following core components:

  • Development of New Curriculum Unit: Create two lessons/modules and "Action Projects" focused on Indigenous perspectives on sustainability (e.g., Seven Generations Teachings, Two-Eyed Seeing).

  • Target Audience adaptation: Adapt materials for three age and grade groupings: Grades 4–6 (ages 9-12), Grades 7–8 (ages 12-14), and Grades 9–12 (ages 14-18).

  • Content Review: Review existing materials to ensure Canadian Indigenous content is accurately and respectfully represented.

  • Stakeholder Partnerships: Advise FTA on community engagement protocols and support connections with relevant Indigenous stakeholder organizations, as they relate to the development and dissemination of this new educational content.

  • Curriculum Alignment: Identify key Ontario-specific curriculum connections for the new materials.

4. Submission Requirements

Respondents are requested to provide a proposal that includes:

  1. Experience & Portfolio: Evidence of experience in Indigenous-led education, curriculum design, or sustainability content creation.

  2. Proposed Approach: A description of how you will integrate TEK and Indigenous methodologies (like the Two-Eyed Seeing approach) into the unit structure.

  3. Timeline: A confirmation of ability to meet project milestones (to be finalized upon selection, approximate deadline for finished materials will be early May 2026).

  4. Fee Proposal: A clear breakdown of fees for the duration of the project.

Project Budget: $12,000 – $14,000 +HST

5. Process Rules

  • Cultural Safety: This project is undertaken in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. FTA acknowledges that it operates from a settler perspective and is committed to learning from Indigenous communities.

  • Confidentiality: All responses will be held in confidence by Fashion Takes Action.

  • Inquiries: Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed to the FTA project lead prior to the closing date.

6. Submission Instructions

Submissions must be sent via email to education@fashiontakesaction.com with the subject line: 

"RFP Submission: Indigenous Content SME - [Your Name/Firm Name]"

7. Key Considerations: 

  • Educational Frameworks: The RFP emphasizes alignment with international standards like UNESCO’s Greening curriculum guidance.

  • Indigenous Diversity: The document clarifies that "Indigenous" refers to the distinct First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

8. Transparency of Opportunity 

At the core of our procurement philosophy is the belief that diversity of thought drives innovation. We recognize that a truly competitive process is only possible when every qualified vendor—regardless of size or tenure—has an equal seat at the table. To that end, we have executed a comprehensive outreach strategy designed to eliminate barriers to entry and ensure maximum visibility for this opportunity.

To that aim we’re sharing with you where we submitted this RFP - if you have any suggestions of where else we can post this - please let us know. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bSvJV3TeCwtj1jvlLBqujwHJb4deAvuXPouidyFbSZo/edit?gid=0#gid=0

9. Further Reading

To learn more about FTA, and our approach to this project and education in general, please review this document.