Latest news with #NACCA
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
We're back!! Indigenous Prosperity is Here To Stay
Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day - NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin OTTAWA, ON, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - We're back. Collectively, Indigenous people are now an economic power to be reckoned with. The statistics show as much: the $56 billion that Indigenous businesses add to the Canadian economy each year, or tens of billions in assets held by Indigenous economic development corporations. What brings it home for me though are the people. This past May, at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's (NACCA) sixth annual Indigenous Prosperity Forum, I looked around the room at all the young Indigenous business owners attending. The youth were confident, ascendant. Digital creators, artisans, carpenters, business managers: all these young people have assumed their place in the broader economy, just as their ancestors intended. And the youth also saw their responsibility to give back to their communities—all the more where they benefit from the same rights that their parents and grandparents fought hard to reclaim in prior generations. Make no mistake: those rights have driven our re-empowerment. Indigenous people have won almost every case involving resource rights we have brought before the courts. Governments at every level will recall this if they try short-circuiting our rights to expedite approvals for major resource projects. Indigenous leaders are again reminding them of our treaties and their constitutional obligations. Federal and provincial governments say they want to move as swiftly as possible. They can do so only by involving our leaders—early and often. We've already shown that Indigenous people are business-minded, yet our bottom-line also involves responsibilities to our communities and our lands. So why not work with us to ensure we can meet them? To succeed, a major project on Indigenous land will need to rest on three pillars: equity partnerships, impact benefit agreements, and resource revenue-sharing with governments. First, major projects need to bring in economic development corporations as equity partners, to ensure that communities also have a stake in a project's success. Second, the conclusion of Impact Benefit Agreements will help ensure that local economies can also benefit from jobs and contracting opportunities. Third, Crown parties will need to share their government resource revenues with the governments of impacted communities, who will need to steward their territories long after the projects have ended. As an additional crucial measure, Canada also should include an Indigenous member to the federal selection committee for major projects. One thing is certain: we are back. We're an economic force, and we're not going away. The upcoming cohort of youth entrepreneurs is strong, smart, committed—an inspiration to other youth in our communities as they reclaim their pride and self-reliance. Canadian historian Professor Ken Coates framed it well at the Indigenous Prosperity Forum: "the work being done now is building a Canada for 2050 and 2075. Indigenous prosperity is imminent, and it's been an honour to watch the transformation." Indeed, it's been an honour to watch. Now let's transform Canada's economy together. 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. SOURCE National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
We're back!! Indigenous Prosperity is Here To Stay
, /CNW/ - We're back. Collectively, Indigenous people are now an economic power to be reckoned with. The statistics show as much: the $56 billion that Indigenous businesses add to the Canadian economy each year, or tens of billions in assets held by Indigenous economic development corporations. What brings it home for me though are the people. This past May, at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's (NACCA) sixth annual Indigenous Prosperity Forum, I looked around the room at all the young Indigenous business owners attending. The youth were confident, ascendant. Digital creators, artisans, carpenters, business managers: all these young people have assumed their place in the broader economy, just as their ancestors intended. And the youth also saw their responsibility to give back to their communities—all the more where they benefit from the same rights that their parents and grandparents fought hard to reclaim in prior generations. Make no mistake: those rights have driven our re-empowerment. Indigenous people have won almost every case involving resource rights we have brought before the courts. Governments at every level will recall this if they try short-circuiting our rights to expedite approvals for major resource projects. Indigenous leaders are again reminding them of our treaties and their constitutional obligations. Federal and provincial governments say they want to move as swiftly as possible. They can do so only by involving our leaders—early and often. We've already shown that Indigenous people are business-minded, yet our bottom-line also involves responsibilities to our communities and our lands. So why not work with us to ensure we can meet them? To succeed, a major project on Indigenous land will need to rest on three pillars: equity partnerships, impact benefit agreements, and resource revenue-sharing with governments. First, major projects need to bring in economic development corporations as equity partners, to ensure that communities also have a stake in a project's success. Second, the conclusion of Impact Benefit Agreements will help ensure that local economies can also benefit from jobs and contracting opportunities. Third, Crown parties will need to share their government resource revenues with the governments of impacted communities, who will need to steward their territories long after the projects have ended. As an additional crucial measure, Canada also should include an Indigenous member to the federal selection committee for major projects. One thing is certain: we are back. We're an economic force, and we're not going away. The upcoming cohort of youth entrepreneurs is strong, smart, committed—an inspiration to other youth in our communities as they reclaim their pride and self-reliance. Canadian historian Professor Ken Coates framed it well at the Indigenous Prosperity Forum: "the work being done now is building a Canada for 2050 and 2075. Indigenous prosperity is imminent, and it's been an honour to watch the transformation." Indeed, it's been an honour to watch. Now let's transform Canada's economy together. 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.
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Inaugural Board Announces Creation of the First Nations Procurement Authority
OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - A coalition of five national First Nations economic institutions has created a national not-for-profit organization to support First Nations businesses' access and success in securing government and corporate procurement opportunities. The First Nations Procurement Authority (FNPA), established on May 1, 2025, will provide targeted outreach, training, and support to verified First Nations businesses interested in pursuing these opportunities. "An institution like this is urgently needed in Canada," says Mark Dokis, Chair of the First Nation Procurement Authority. "For too long, outdated vendor lists, lacking connections, and cumbersome processes have prevented government and corporate buyers from connecting with authentic First Nations businesses. Our goal is to reverse that trend." First Nations businesses are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in Canada yet continue to face unique barriers to entry. "Many Indigenous businesses are blocked from opportunities that others take for granted," says Jody Anderson, a director of the FNPA. "Lack of experience with procurement processes, issues with bonding on reserves, and lingering stereotypes all limit their participation." Beyond this, fraudulent claims to Indigenous identity enable bad actors to exploit set-asides and quotas as authentic First Nation businesses navigate unfamiliar systems without dedicated supports. "We're calling for transformative change," Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said at the Indigenous Prosperity Forum in May. "A dedicated agency, led by First Nations, to certify and support genuine First Nation entrepreneurs." The FNPA received its mandate from the Assembly of First Nations in 2023. Its board includes one member from each of five respected Indigenous economic organizations: the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), AFOA Canada, the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO), First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), and First Nations Financial Management Board. A representative of the Assembly of First Nations will attend board meetings as an observer. Modelled after successful Indigenous procurement institutions in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, the FNPA will be national in scope and regional in operation. First Nations businesses will have access to free registry and certification services, training, and promotion. Government and corporate members will be able to take part in training and services for a reasonable fee. The FNPA has resulted from years of thought and research. Once operational, it will promote real opportunities for First Nations businesses – and unleash their contribution to Canada's economic prosperity. Inaugural Board Alisha Carter – Secretary Jody Anderson – Director Mark Dokis – Chair Bailey Quinn – Treasurer Ray Wanuch – Director 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.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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 NACCA: CANDO: AFOA Canada: FNFA: FMB: FNPA: National Indigenous Business Definition - NACCA National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association SOURCE National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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
