Indigenous Entrepreneurs are Central to Economic Reconciliation

There has been much discussion lately about economic reconciliation, which is the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples, communities, and businesses in economic activity. This marks a significant and necessary shift, as Indigenous peoples have historically been systematically excluded from the benefits of resource development while disproportionately bearing the environmental, health, social, and economic burdens of such projects.

Indigenous peoples are finally claiming their rightful place at decision-making and profit-sharing tables, benefiting from development projects on their lands and driving generational change. However, amidst this rush by corporate Canada to sign partnership agreements with Indigenous Nations to quickly extract resources and bring products to market, an important contributor to Indigenous economies and Nation-building is being overlooked: the entrepreneur.

Thus far the discourse on economic reconciliation has largely been driven by lawyers, accountants, bankers, consultants, and industry and membership associations. Yet, it is the voice of Indigenous entrepreneurs that needs to be heard. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of any economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic resilience. Indigenous entrepreneurs, in particular, are pivotal in their communities, creating employment opportunities, diversifying their economies, and serving as leaders and mentors. However, they are often sidelined in corporate strategy and development planning because they are not the ones providing formal consent to projects.

While Nation-consent is a must, and the processes to obtain consent necessary, such a narrow focus is shortsighted. A paradigm shift is needed within corporate Canada to integrate Indigenous entrepreneurs and their perspectives into the early stages of development planning. Partnering with and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs offers several unique advantages in the push for greater development and economic reconciliation.

First, Indigenous entrepreneurs can quickly mobilize and employ local talent. Their agility allows them to create immediate job opportunities, directly addressing urgent economic needs. By prioritizing local hires, they ensure that economic benefits stay within the community, fostering a cycle of growth and prosperity. This rapid employment capability is crucial for meeting immediate project demands while making a significant economic impact in communities.

Second, Indigenous entrepreneurs support and collaborate with one another, creating strong networks of support within and across communities. By prioritizing partnerships with fellow Indigenous businesses, they build a resilient ecosystem where resources, expertise, and opportunities are shared. This collaborative approach not only accelerates individual business growth but also amplifies the economic impact. Their dedication to mutual success strengthens the overall economic fabric, driving greater prosperity and fostering a thriving local economy.

Third, Indigenous entrepreneurs move at the speed of business. They can quickly establish joint ventures and leverage expertise and resources from within and outside their communities. This ability to form strategic partnerships allows them to tap into new markets, capitalize on opportunities, and leverage diverse strengths. Moreover, while accessing capital has traditionally been a barrier, an increasing number of funds and resources are now available to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. By tapping into these resources, Indigenous entrepreneurs can overcome capital constraints, seize key opportunities, and drive economic growth and development within their Nations.

Fourth, securing letters of support from Indigenous entrepreneurs can significantly strengthen corporate bids on projects. These endorsements provide a compelling signal to decision-makers about the corporate entity's commitment to working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous partners, and that a project has support from a broad cross-section of rightsholders and community interests. Such support can be a decisive factor in competitive bidding. While it is vital to uphold the Nation-consent process, the additional backing from Indigenous entrepreneurs can enhance the bid's credibility and increase the likelihood of a successful and impactful project.

In the pursuit of economic reconciliation, Indigenous entrepreneurs must be central to the discussion. They are the drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and they are important partners in all phases of the project life cycle. Their success is crucial not only for the prosperity of their communities but for our nation as a whole. Prioritizing the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs in economic reconciliation efforts shifts the discourse beyond the one promoted by the professional industries that benefit greatly from the current structure. By doing so, we can build stronger, more resilient economies and ensure that economic progress is inclusive and benefits everyone.

Steven Vanloffeld, M.A., M.B.A is an Anishinaabe citizen of Saugeen First Nation, Ontario. He is Founder & CEO of eSupply Canada and Principal of INDsight Consulting.