Breaking trail
The role of sovereign Indigenous economic relations in building a more prosperous Canada
Canada is at a pivotal moment where economic dynamics are quickly shifting, with its growth depending on how First Nations, Inuit, and Métis nations are included in decision-making and partnerships. This report explores the essential role that sovereign Indigenous economic relations will play in building a more resilient and prosperous Canada. It offers a pathway for forming collaborative partnerships between governments, businesses, and Indigenous nations to advance economic reconciliation, emphasizing Indigenous leadership and inclusion as central to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
"…true economic reconciliation isn't just non-Indigenous organizations opening an opportunity for an Indigenous organization to come to the table, it’s when we're fully integrated and fully transacting at the same level…it's a continual journey."
- Justin Bourque, Founder and President of Âsokan Generational Developments, Vice President and Board Member, Athabasca Indigenous Investments
Framework for supporting sovereign Indigenous economic relations
To move the national conversation further, we propose a pathway for corporate Canada, policymakers, and non-Indigenous economic institutions to consider when approaching Indigenous nations and business entities to form economic collaborations. Applying this approach will assist a return to ways of working with Indigenous partners in a spirit of mutual reciprocity and will ultimately lead to greater shared prosperity.
1. Respectful relations begin by honouring Indigenous histories and rights
Building strong economic partnerships begins with understanding Indigenous histories and recognizing Indigenous rights as foundational to forming trust. Leaders who show up repeatedly in a spirit of reciprocity often reach a turning point, leading to stronger, longstanding relationships.
2. Supporting Indigenous-led solutions
Indigenous business leaders are increasingly launching enterprises and acquiring assets aligned with their community values. However, challenges remain, such as limited capital access and restrictive policy systems. Governments and industry play crucial roles in eliminating these barriers, which will require new approaches, including co-developing solutions with Indigenous partners.
3. Engaging as equal partners for shared success
Successful partnerships respect Indigenous values and governance, form sustained personal relationships, and approach investment with mutual benefit as a key objective. Equity partnerships are critical for Indigenous nation-building, leading to more predictable and durable collaborations.
4. Including Indigenous worldviews in economic policy
Incorporating Indigenous worldviews offers Canada a strategic advantage by focusing on multi-generational planning, environmental stewardship, and collective benefit. Honouring Indigenous ways of knowing can improve economic decision-making and strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness.
In a complex geopolitical landscape, rights-based partnerships with Indigenous nations are essential to Canada’s economic resilience. Embedding Indigenous partnership, consent, and equity participation into economic strategies not only advances reconciliation but also positions Canada for inclusive and sustainable growth. The time to act is now to realize our shared prosperity for future generations.
