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TORONTO – Indigenous participation in both public and private procurement is critical to speeding up reconciliation efforts, states a new report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB).

The third report from A Way Forward: Ontario’s Path Towards Economic Reconciliation, Equity, and Inclusive Growth calls for embedding inclusion and accountability across public, private and not-for-profit procurement systems.

Early engagement, cultural understanding and dedicated support are essential to ensuring opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, the report adds.

“Without equitable access to procurement, economic reconciliation isn’t real,” said Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.  “By understanding the barriers facing Indigenous businesses and helping them navigate complex procurement systems, public institutions, private companies, and not-for-profits can support Indigenous self-determination and build shared prosperity.”

Key recommendations include:

• Enforcing Indigenous participation commitments when bids include Indigenous content requirements and ensuring accountability extends beyond economic metrics.
• Enhancing access to cultural competency training at every level of an organization to raise awareness of Indigenous inclusion and support Indigenous businesses in navigating complex procurement systems, whether public or private, through mentorship, education, and access to digital tools and networks.
• Engaging early with Indigenous communities and building trust through workshops, training, and alignment with Indigenous governance and economic development plans.
• Expanding onboarding and mentorship supports to ensure Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly those operating on reserve or through community-owned ventures, can navigate procurement systems.

“Indigenous businesses are deeply rooted in community, and procurement can be a powerful economic tool to generate lasting, positive impacts,” said Angela Mark, director of research for the CCIB. “When Indigenous entrepreneurs are meaningfully included in procurement opportunities, it leads to economic growth and prosperity that strengthens communities across Canada. This report provides actionable recommendations to create a more inclusive procurement space, fostering greater Indigenous participation that benefits all Canadians.”

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