Turning Allyship into Action: Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurs the Right Way

The past year has been remarkable for growth at the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In the last year alone, we’ve celebrated our 20th anniversary, launched our Indigenous Business Directory platform, and expanded our relationships with key partners such as CPA Manitoba to assist Indigenous entrepreneurs with starting their businesses. This is only the beginning.

Reconciliation is fundamental to our mission. For us, facilitating economic development within Indigenous communities is essential to this end. And importantly, we believe this requires broader participation on behalf of non-Indigenous businesses.

The business community is an essential participant in service of economic reconciliation; there are few sectors within the economy that can mobilize resources more effectively and at scale. But participation requires stronger and more meaningful engagement. While land acknowledgements are important, they don’t go far enough.

My experience working with Indigenous entrepreneurs over the years has taught me valuable lessons for creating lasting impact and, importantly, meaningful engagement. Below are some of the lessons that I’ve learned on the front lines of economic development.

Invest in Relationships, Not Just Partnerships

Indigenous entrepreneurship is different and requires trust beyond mere transactions. Business relations with Indigenous communities have been tainted by the legacy of colonialism, instilling skepticism and restraint among prospective Indigenous entrepreneurs. Efforts to rectify this past have been met only superficially.

Indigenous businesses seek long-term, respectful relationships, not token partnerships. Relationships begin with a genuine desire to connect before seeking anything commercial. Participate in Indigenous-led initiatives and engage with communities beforehand.

Understand the Unique Realities Indigenous Communities Face

Economic participation can be challenging for Indigenous communities. Standard procedures such as accessing credit present immense challenges for many, owing to the widespread infrastructure discrepancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Understanding this context and working to reduce these barriers in procurement, hiring, and funding policies is necessary for positive outcomes.

Leverage Your Procurement Power

Incorporating Indigenous suppliers and producers as part of the supply chain ensures that Indigenous businesses can be active participants in the economy. Supporting Indigenous businesses through intentional procurement practices is fundamental to this end. In addition, this not only ensures that businesses can reach their procurement targets but also achieve broader goals such as net-zero initiatives where Indigenous businesses are excelling.

The Mining Corridor: A Test of True Partnership

Critical minerals are essential to the modern economy, not just for their role in key technologies but also for the shift toward a net-zero economy. Largely, many of these minerals can be found near Indigenous communities. As the mining corridor opens across the province, there is a unique opportunity to set things right. The ICC is advocating for Indigenous communities to be front and centre in these conversations, businesses should follow suit.

Move from Symbolism to Action

Above all, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard is the most important thing. Self-reflecting on this issue is paramount: are Indigenous voices present at your board? In your workplace? In your procurement policies? Participation requires conscious effort, and it starts by acknowledging one’s own limitations.

In the days ahead, the ICC is expanding its partnerships, launching new campaigns, and preparing to host new initiatives to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially women. These efforts cannot be achieved alone, your participation matters. The future depends on it.