PROCUREMENT is more than just buying goods and services—it’s a strategic tool your business can use to advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. When you partner with Indigenous- owned companies, you invest in their success and create a more inclusive economy.
Additionally, by increasing Indigenous procurement, your business gains access to diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, enhancing overall creativity and competitiveness.
With upcoming provincial policy changes aimed to increase Indigenous procurement, it’s essential for your business to be prepared.
Reconciliation in Canada is about healing relationships between Indigenous peoples, the government, and society as a whole. It’s an effort to address the injustices of the past—such as colonization, residential schools, and systemic discrimination—and create a more inclusive future. Furthermore, reconciliation isn’t just about acknowledging history—it’s about building genuine partnerships, trust, and mutual respect as we move forward.
A turning point in this journey was the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2008. The TRC collected stories from over 6,000 residential school survivors, shedding light on the deep and painful history that still impacts Indigenous communities today.
In 2015, the TRC published 94 Calls to Action—specific steps that different sectors, including businesses, are urged to take to help move reconciliation forward. Call to Action 92 explicitly highlights the role of businesses in this journey.
It calls on governments, public institutions and companies to take three key actions to foster economic reconciliation:
1. Meaningful Consultation and Respectful Relationships
Having open conversations with Indigenous communities and getting their free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) before moving forward with any economic development helps build collaboration and respect, treating them as equal partners in decisions that impact their lands, lives, and futures.
2. Equitable Opportunities and Indigenous Procurement Support
Indigenous-owned businesses, integrate them into your supply chains, and provide equitable access to jobs, training, and education for Indigenous peoples.
3. Education and Awareness
To foster intercultural awareness and build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples, offer your staff training on the history and impacts of colonialism, including residential schools, treaty rights, and Indigenous cultures.
Ultimately, economic reconciliation is about providing fair opportunities for Indigenous communities by addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, education gaps, and limited access to healthcare— challenges that have long affected Indigenous peoples.
As a business owner, you have a unique opportunity to be part of this solution by supporting Indigenous economic inclusion.
Governments and businesses across Canada are increasingly recognizing the value of Indigenous procurement.
The federal government, for example, has set a target to award at least 5 per cent of its contracts to Indigenous-owned businesses through a practice known as ‘set-asides.’ Manitoba is also implementing similar policies, including mandatory Indigenous participation, capacity building and training programs.
These upcoming changes could affect how your business operates. As a business owner, there are several practical steps you can take to prepare:
- Review Your Procurement Policies: Examine your current practices and identify opportunities to include Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Engage Indigenous Suppliers: Actively reach out to Indigenous businesses and consider setting aside specific contracts for Indigenous suppliers. Include them in your tendering process and look for ways to collaborate.
- Provide for Capacity Building: Many Indigenous businesses encounter challenges when scaling to manage larger contracts.
- Consider breaking down contracts into smaller components to create entry points for smaller businesses.
- Use resources like the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce’s Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) to ensure you work with at least 51per cent Indigenous-owned and controlled companies. The IBD will give you confidence that you’re engaging with verified Indigenous partners.
Since each Indigenous community follows distinct protocols and engagement processes, many businesses are unsure how to navigate these relationships effectively. A great first step is to reach out to the Chief’s office, as they can advise on the appropriate way to engage with their community. They’re often more than willing to assist and appreciate the respectful approach of seeking their advice.
Other ways to engage include attending community events and offering to support community initiatives. Manitoba has several excellent examples of how Indigenous procurement can drive economic reconciliation. Manitoba Hydro has involved Indigenous businesses in its projects, including work in construction, maintenance, and environmental consulting.
In northern Manitoba, Indigenous communities work on infrastructure and energy projects. In both examples, procurement has created meaningful opportunities for economic growth. Every business, including yours, plays a crucial role in the journey toward economic reconciliation. With new provincial and federal policies, including targets for Indigenous procurement, now is the time to prepare your business for a more equitable economy and a better future together.
