Story shared by Hayley Roulstone 

This year marks the second anniversary of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy (NIES), a groundbreaking Indigenous-led document outlining 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity for achieving economic prosperity for all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. The NIES is built on four Strategic Pathways: People, Lands, Infrastructure, and Finance. Each pathway has a vision that defines desired outcomes, with Calls to Economic Prosperity recommending specific actions to achieve meaningful engagement and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the broader national economy.  Co-created with over 25 National Indigenous organizations, the NEIS embodies its message: everything within the Strategy was sourced from Indigenous Peoples and businesses. The First Nations University of Canada, the Mastercard Foundation and the McConnell Foundation all provided support. This blog, the third in our “From Awareness to Action” series, explores ways businesses across Turtle Island can implement these Calls to Economic Prosperity and contribute to Indigenous economic inclusion, building on our previous discussions of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls to Justice. 

People and Finance 

Indigenous Peoples create businesses at nine times the rate of average entrepreneurs in Canada and are the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in Canada, yet Indigenous Entrepreneurs are underrepresented (CCIB, 2019). Indigenous economies have experienced significant growth in recent years, with Gross Domestic Income reaching $56.1 billion in 2021, a substantial increase from previous years (Scotia Bank, 2024). We can continue to include Indigenous People in the national economy by engaging with Indigenous entrepreneurs and moving beyond transactional “partnerships” and instead, build relationships built on shared ownership and respect. In line with Calls to Economic Prosperity 4, 5, 92 and 91, helping Indigenous Businesses access resources and capital is Reconciliation. Often, businesses may enter into what some may call “partnerships”. At Rise, we appreciate opportunities to share guidance about participating in Right Relations and the opportunity to participate in reciprocal relationships that increase capacity across Nations. 

Cascadia Seaweed, a leading Canadian kelp cultivator, is partnering with First Nations located in British Columbia to create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities in coastal communities. By obtaining licenses from First Nations and empowering Indigenous ownership throughout the seaweed value chain, Cascadia Seaweed is prioritizing Indigenous partnership and social impact. This collaboration aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 89, which encourages businesses to modernize agreements with Indigenous communities for long-term sustainability. As the global seaweed industry continues to grow, projected to reach USD$28 billion annually, Cascadia Seaweed’s model demonstrates the potential for successful partnerships between businesses and Indigenous communities. 

Call to Action 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) urges governments and businesses to prioritize Indigenous procurement. This involves setting specific targets for Indigenous business inclusion and, at a minimum, adhering to the federal government’s mandated 5% Indigenous procurement target. By actively seeking out Indigenous businesses and suppliers, organizations can contribute to economic reconciliation, support Indigenous communities, and foster a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. 

Lands and Infrastructure 

Investing solely in Indigenous businesses is not enough. Supporting the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders requires investment in community infrastructure, such as expanding broadband access and ensuring clean water access (Calls to Economic Prosperity 60 and 64). For instance, NorthwesTel, previously owned by Bell, is now set to be acquired by an Indigenous consortium called Sixty North Unity for nearly $ 1 billion (CBC News, 2024). With the Government of Canada aiming for 100% broadband access by 2030, businesses can play a role in closing the gap for the 363 First Nation communities currently lacking both broadband and standard cellular services (Assembly of First Nations, 2024). 

Although we have seen an incredible change in the past decade, the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada remains significant. While 68% of non-Indigenous Canadians have completed a postsecondary certificate, degree, or diploma, only 49.2% of Indigenous People have achieved this level of education (Melvin, 2023). Reconciliation necessitates acknowledging the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and its impact on Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Funding Indigenous participation in STEM fields and post-secondary institutions (Calls to Action 14 and 16) can help bridge this gap. These investments empower Indigenous communities, foster economic opportunities, and contribute to a more equitable education landscape. As Jennifer Brennan states, “The work of [National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute (NIEPI)] will demonstrate a reality that all Canadians should understand: when Indigenous youth prosper, we all prosper.” 

By aligning with the NIES Calls to Action, businesses can take concrete steps towards meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. We urge all organizations—businesses, non-profits, and government entities alike—to align their efforts with the Calls to Prosperity and take action wherever possible. 

The image above is from the National Indigenous Economic Strategy Report – learn more here.

Resources: 

“The Digital Connectivity Gap” Assembly of First Nations (2024).

“Sustainable aquaculture supporting regenerative agriculture” Cascadia Seaweed (2024).

“Northwestel to be sold to Indigenous consortium from the 3 territories” CBC News (2024).

“Business Reconciliation in Canada Guidebook” CCIB (2019).

“True reconciliation in action on BC’S coast” by Tatum Bergen (2022).

“Postsecondary educational attainment and labour market outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Canada, findings from the 2021 Census” by Alexandria Melvin (2023).

“Economic reconciliation and the $100-billion potential of the Indigenous economy in Canada” Scotia Bank (2024).