Latest news with #IndigenousBusiness
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Nhulunbuy event spotlights Indigenous business leaders and opportunities
East Arnhem Indigenous business leaders have come together in Nhulunbuy to build networks and share ideas for growing success in the region. Impact North's Räl-Manapanmirr event brought together Yolngu entrepreneurs, Aboriginal corporations, government entities, and community leaders on May 30 at the Gove Boat Club. In the morning session on taking 'real steps towards reconciliation', Buymarr Getaways founder Nathan Djerkurra told the crowd that success for his business meant 'rebuilding our community'. 'We're doing this so that people can live back on our home,' he said. Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Glenda Abraham said failure was a normal part of running businesses, but key to success was a long term vision. 'We need to have a mindset that grant funding is our seed investor, and then programs need vision and sustainability,' Ms Abraham said. 'For every business that continues, six will fail. For me, it's not a failure but learning to take away and bring back. 'Our dollar is plummeting, which opens up an opportunity for export. People around the world are interested in Indigenous fashion, food and tourism. This is the time that they can come and spend.' In an afternoon Q&A session, co-founder of Dhapirrk Security Michael Maymuru said enjoying what you do was an important first step. 'If you don't like doing it, you will have an uphill battle,' he said. 'Living in two worlds and walking in two worlds is very important.' The event aimed to create a dynamic space for knowledge sharing and mutual learning under the banner of Räl-Manapanmirr – meaning working together hand-in-hand.
Globe and Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
NACCA Promotes Indigenous Business and Community Participation in the Defence Supply Chain
OTTAWA, ON , May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) announces its support for a bold new pilot program promoting the participation of Indigenous communities and businesses in Canada's defence supply chain. The Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Pilot is a joint initiative of NACCA and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers ( CANDO ). On May 28–29, the two Indigenous economic organizations will bring 25 Indigenous businesses to CANSEC 2025, Canada's leading defence, security, and emerging technology trade show. The businesses will have an opportunity to build relationships and profile their goods and services at CANSEC's Indigenous Pavillion. "Indigenous businesses are ready, willing, and able to supply to defence projects—which are often located on or near their territories," says Shannin Metatawabin , NACCA's CEO. "But the bidding process is still complex and unfamiliar, and those essential relationships with the sector still need to be built." The Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Pilot will be a three-year effort focused on building Indigenous capacity to participate in defence procurement. Through an annual call for applications, the pilot will provide cohorts of 30 to 50 Indigenous business owners, community leaders, and development officers access to tools, training, and mentoring in defence procurement. "This pilot will connect Indigenous businesses and communities to an industry that is known to be difficult to access, while demonstrating its practical approach to cultivating opportunity," says NACCA board chair Elaine Chambers . "And this is only the beginning. To assist First Nation businesses, the First Nations Procurement Authority was just established on May 1, 2025 . Part of its mandate will be to take over initiatives like the Defence Supply Chain Pilot for First Nations businesses, making the introductions now occurring at CANSEC a regular feature." Founded on May 1, 2025 , the First Nation Procurement Authority (FNPA) is a not-for-profit corporation that will offer outreach, training, and support to help verified First Nation businesses access government and corporate procurement opportunities. With a clear mandate from the Assembly of First Nations, the FNPA is governed by Canada's five most prominent national Indigenous economic organizations: NACCA, AFOA Canada, the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, First Nations Finance Authority, and First Nations Financial Management Board. The FNPA is modelled after successful institutions supporting Indigenous procurement in Australia , New Zealand , and the United States . Once it becomes fully operational, the FNPA will serve as a vital resource for governments and corporate Canada to procure from verified First Nation businesses in a wide range of sectors. Quick Facts The Government of Canada has mandated that federal departments and agencies allocate at least 5% of the total values of their contracts to Indigenous businesses by 2030. An Indigenous business is one that is comprised of at least 51% ownership and control by First nations, Inuit or Metis individual. Despite there being more than 60,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada , only 2900 are registered withing the Indigenous Services Canada managed Indigenous Business Directory. The IFI network has provided $53,000+ loans totaling $3.3 billion to businesses owned by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The IFI network has provided $53,000+ loans totaling $3.3 billion to businesses owned by First Nations, Métis , and Inuit. About NACCA NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada . These efforts increase social and economic self-reliance and sustainability for Indigenous people and communities nationwide. Related Links
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New centre in Winnipeg focusing on uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs to be the next business leaders
Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre is a new Indigenous-led centre focused on helping Indigenous entrepreneurs. Uploaded May 21, 2025. (Glenn Pismenny/CTV News Winnipeg)
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Ontario to Spend $2.2 Billion on Indigenous Role in Mining
The Ontario government will spend nearly C$3.1 billion ($2.2 billion) to encourage Indigenous participation in the mining industry, in a bid to ramp up critical minerals production across Canada's most populous province. Premier Doug Ford's government said Wednesday that most of the money will go to loan guarantees that enable Indigenous business groups to invest in Ontario mining projects. Funds will also go toward grants and scholarships for Indigenous students interested in careers in mining and resource development.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Indigenous-owned manufacturer breaks new ground in Ontario shipbuilding partnership
An Indigenous-owned manufacturer based in Windsor and Chatham is entering Canada's marine vessel market through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Wheatley-based Hike Metal — a deal both companies say could reshape the country's defence supply chain. ATMIS, which specializes in high-precision metal fabrication and robotic automation, has joined forces with longtime shipbuilder Hike Metal to collaborate on building small- and medium-sized marine vessels. The boats are expected to serve agencies such as the Canadian Coast Guard and other government or provincial enforcement bodies. 'We're looking to get into the marine area with our expertise in welding and pretty much all metal work,' said ATMIS President Andy Valentine. 'We're pretty excited to move that forward and to get into the defence space.' Valentine called the partnership 'very significant,' adding that ATMIS hopes its involvement will inspire other Indigenous businesses to pursue roles in Canada's advanced manufacturing sectors. 'One of ATMIS' goals is to aid in the whole truth and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples,' he said. 'We'd like to set up manufacturing facilities — we've already got partners ready to go in the Thunder Bay area and across the country — to spread our knowledge and give the opportunities that we're developing to others.' The two companies plan to combine ATMIS' defence-grade components and engineering capabilities with Hike Metal's long-standing shipbuilding expertise. Founded in 1958, Hike Metal is one of Canada's premier aluminum vessel builders, with a client list that includes the Coast Guard, police departments, and the Maid of the Mist tour boats in Niagara Falls. Hike Metal President Steve Ingram said both companies had been searching for new partnerships long before trade tensions started growing between Canada and the United States. 'We didn't even realize that we actually had that partnership right here — they're in Chatham and Windsor and we're in Wheatley, right in the middle,' said Ingram. 'To me, we couldn't have got luckier with the whole situation.' Ingram said the partnership opens the door to untapped markets, including work with the Department of National Defence. 'We're considered like a pillar-two supplier — there are very few shipbuilders in Ontario,' he said. 'This is going to wake people up ... and that can only bring in new jobs, which is what we're all looking for,' said Ingram. Andrew Glover, operations manager at ATMIS, said the company already provides advanced components for sectors ranging from space exploration to nuclear reactors, and believes the new partnership will help establish Indigenous businesses as key contributors to Canada's defence capabilities. 'We pride ourselves on being an Indigenous-owned business that is one of the most state-of-the-art manufacturers in Canada,' said Glover. 'When working with other prime contractors, it's very important for our company to be utilized in a way that's meaningful — that we contribute valuable product, create jobs, and help our local communities.' Though both companies are manufacturers, Glover said their strengths are complementary — with ATMIS focusing on high-tolerance fabrication and Hike Metal bringing vessel assembly expertise. Ingram agreed, saying ATMIS brings 'a very proactive ability' and an R&D mindset that could expand both companies into new areas. 'We're experts in aluminum welding and building vessels,' said Ingram. 'Can we expand from building boats to something else? We only have the future to look forward to, to find out.' The partnership will be showcased at CANSEC, Canada's largest global defence and security trade show, later this month.
