RedDoor Collective and Laurier sign MOU to explore Global Indigenous Innovation Centre in downtown Brantford 

June 5, 2025
For Immediate Release

BRANTFORD – RedDoor Collective, an Indigenous-owned creative production facility located on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and Wilfrid Laurier University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaboratively explore the creation of a Global Indigenous Innovation Centre and Immersive Shared Reality Cinemas in the heart of downtown Brantford.

The partnership aims to leverage infrastructure in the One Market building at Laurier’s Brantford campus – including a former cinema – and RedDoor’s expertise in Indigenous media production, immersive storytelling, and community-based training. RedDoor’s vision is to build an ecosystem where Indigenous knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship thrive.

The Innovation Centre proposed by RedDoor Collective would include a nearly 10,000 square foot soundstage employing the latest equipment and emerging technologies. The Shared Reality Cinemas would offer audiences a powerful new way to come together and experience Indigenous storytelling: immersive, interactive and grounded in community. 

“This partnership is a commitment to exploring a shared vision of innovation, education and excellence,” said Gary Joseph, founder and executive director of RedDoor Collective. “We envision a platform for Indigenous youth, creators, researchers and entrepreneurs, bringing together academics, industry leaders and community organizations to co-create new models of success. For the RedDoor Collective, this agreement is about exploring the potential to build something that will outlast us all — where our communities lead the creative and economic future, not just participate in it.”  

Jointly, Laurier and RedDoor aim to promote Indigenous-led cultural and creative programming in ways that support Laurier’s commitment to Indigenization, reconciliation and community engagement. The partners will also look at ways to facilitate experiential learning, research and co-curricular opportunities for students.

“At Laurier, we are committed to reconciliation and mutually beneficial engagement with Indigenous communities,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. “This initiative with RedDoor Collective represents an exciting opportunity to co-create something transformative in One Market. We are inspired by RedDoor Collective’s vision for partnership and development of space where Indigenous knowledge, creativity and innovation drive opportunities in collaborative education and the creative economy.”

With the MOU signed, RedDoor is actively engaging additional partners to shape the next phase of development. 

“This is only the first step,” said Joseph. “And we welcome those who will walk with us as we aim to create something the world has never seen before.” 

About RedDoor

Thru the RedDoor is an Indigenous-owned creative production facility located on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. RedDoor Collective was created to carry our voice beyond our community’s borders, with a focus on innovation, training and Indigenous storytelling. RedDoor supports creators through immersive technology, community development and global partnerships. 

About Wilfrid Laurier University 

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to academic excellence. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the future but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. Community is at the heart of everything the university does. Laurier inspires students to engage in campus life and the broader community, leading to high levels of student satisfaction and engaged alumni who carry the Laurier legacy throughout the world. As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact. 

Learn more about Laurier’s 20,000+ students in Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener and Milton at wlu.ca.