LibGuides: Business Administration: Indigenous Business

Indigenous Business Resources - Welcome

This guide is meant to connect you with business information about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, with a local and national focus.

We hope to bring awareness to Indigenous business as an overarching subject relating to the specific business disciplines at Asper (e.g. Finance, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, etc.).

How to Use this Guide

Click the tabs in this welcome box to find general information about language, critical thinking, and our land acknowledgment.

Scroll down to the content or click the links below to jump to sections:

At any time, use the "Back to Top" button on the right to return to the top of the page.

For reference links, click through the tabs in the footer box for search tips, territory maps, community profiles, legal resources, and U of M links.

If you have questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to reach out to the subject librarian.

The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibway-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Red River Métis. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

Encountered harmful language regarding Indigenous peoples while using the Libraries?

The University of Manitoba Library recognizes that our catalogue and resource descriptions contain language that reflects the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which they were created. In particular, for resources about persons and groups, this language is often outdated and harmful. These descriptions also incorporate controlled vocabularies, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, which include some headings that are offensive or inappropriate. We use international standards for description, but support and actively participate in efforts to update and change these practices as we strive for descriptions that are inclusive, respectful, and do not cause harm. We acknowledge the critical importance of community consultation in these efforts, and as residents on Treaty 1 territory on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation, we commit to working together with our local communities to make these changes.

If you encounter language in the University of Manitoba Library catalogue records or other resource descriptions that you find offensive or harmful, or if you have questions about this statement or our work, we welcome your feedback via acqdaf@umanitoba.ca. We are committed to reviewing and adding to catalogue records and other resource descriptions as appropriate, where we can.

If at any time you feel the need to speak with someone, a national crisis line is available for Residential School Survivors and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-925-4419. In addition, the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Student Centre has a dedicated Student Counsellor. You can book a session by contacting the Indigenous Student Centre at (204)474-8850 or emailing isc@umanitoba.ca.

Indigenous Terminology (UBC)
If you're new to learning about Indigenous groups, you might need some help navigating the different terminology. This guide from the UBC Indigenous Foundations resource (authored by UBC First Nations & Indigenous Studies Dept.) covers some broad terms and offers advice on how to use language respectfully. A great primer for beginners!

You will notice that some of the resources in this guide have been published by colonial institutions/organizations, and may not have authors who self-identify as Indigenous. This content is still relevant to a business context and has educational value, but you are encouraged to read with a critical lens. Ask yourself some questions like:

Who authored this resource?

How are Indigenous voices and perspectives centered in this resource?

What is the purpose of this resource? (e.g. does it advance the goals of reconciliation set out by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action

What is the historical relationship between the publishing organization and Indigenous communities?

Evaluating and thinking critically about these resources will help you make good use of them and enrich your learning.

First Nations Community Economic Development Guide for Ontario – Case Studies 5 case studies from the First Nations community economic development guide (Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs)
Fly-In Fly-Out Labour and Airport Infrastructure in Canada’s North: A Case Study on the Rankin Inlet and Mayo Airports Case study published by the Conference Board of Canada (2022)
From Vision to Venture: An account of five successful Aboriginal Businesses 5 cases published by the Conference Board of Canada (2008). See chapter 2.
Indsights: a window into the Indigenous economy Case studies from CCAB/Humber College. Currently there are 10 case studies available.
Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies The Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies produces a series of business cases that focus on Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. Currently, there are 59 case studies available for use in business programs.
True to Their Visions: An Account of 10 Successful Aboriginal Businesses 10 case studies published by the Conference Board of Canada (2009). See Chapter 4.

Partnerships in Procurement: Supporting Indigenous Business Growth through Improving Federal Secondary Procurement from Corporate Canada (Chegahno & Savic, 2021) (From Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business) This report builds on existing CCAB research and campaigns advocating for increased Indigenous procurement in federal and corporate supply chains. This report aims to provide clear recommendations on one component of procurement policy; how Corporate Canada, through its large-scale federal procurement contracts, can increase its subcontracting (“secondary procurement”) from Indigenous businesses to support efforts to meet the Government of Canada’s minimum 5% procurement target.
Barriers to economic development in Indigenous communities: report of Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (Garneau, 2022) Government of Canada publication. Report of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Building relationships and advancing reconciliation through meaningful consultation (Gray, 2016) Government of Canada publication. Report to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Characteristics of Indigenous-owned businesses (Gueye, Lafrance-Cook, & Oyarzun, 2022) Statistics Canada publication. Economic and Social Reports collection.
Redwashing Extraction: Indigenous relations at Canada's big 5 banks (Houle, 2022) (Published by Yellowhead Institute) How are banks responding to the rise of Indigenous rights? The “Redwashing Extraction” research team analyzed the role that the Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce have played financing resource extraction against the backdrop of their approaches to Indigenous relations more generally.
A new approach : co-development of a new fiscal relationship between Canada and First Nations (INAC, 2017) Government of Canada publication. Report issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

U of M Theses

Creating a culturally relevant environmental management system for a Métis workplace (Thompson, 2009) Creating an Environmental Management System (EMS) at the Manitoba Métis Federation's (MMF) Home Office provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate the unique Métis environmental worldview into its operations. The MMF is the self- government representative of the Manitoba Métis Community and their Home Office is located at 150 Henry Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This research was carried out as participatory action research involving the MMF and its employees to design an EMS for their Home Office. An environmental survey and a focus group were conducted to help determine the unique elements of a Métis approach. The MMF's action plan and EMS were developed qualitatively from discussions with employees and management considering cultural relevance and their understanding of what was feasible in the organization. It was evident from the participatory research that employees and management of the Home Office strongly feel that the MMF has a responsibility to address its environmental impacts and are willing to participate in the design of their EMS. Contrasting the quantitatively rated environmental aspects with the results from the participatory research demonstrated the difference between what is quantitatively rated as feasible for the organization with what is preferred by the MMF employees. Replacing the heating system and windows were rated as moderate for feasibility but were tied as the most significant aspects participants would like addressed at the MMF Home Office. To accommodate for the differing priorities, an EMS should strive to meld both the feasibility rating and employee priorities into the plan. Certain actions, including replacing the heating system, and windows may be too expensive for the first year of the EMS but may become more feasible as the organization implements other actions to reduce their operating costs.
Entrepreneurship: a journey of economic self-determination (Loustel, 2011) There is an exciting movement afoot in Canada with rapid growth of Aboriginal participation in the economy through business development. Motivated to recover social and economic independence, Aboriginal people are asserting their rights and pressing for self-determination, using various models of development. In this thesis, economic development through the model of privately-owned enterprise is evaluated considering history, Aboriginal values and a female gender perspective. There is a brief highlight of the history of Aboriginal participation in the economy; the analysis focuses on influences which followed the 1969 Federal Government Statement on Indian Policy, known as The White Paper. The research in this thesis demonstrates that through privately-owned enterprise, Aboriginal entrepreneurs can assert Aboriginal values within a capital market system that does not easily accommodate personal held values; and through this assertion Aboriginal entrepreneurs can achieve business success, self-determination and contribute positively to social and economic well-being for Aboriginal peoples.
An evaluation of Aboriginal, government, and mining industry relationships and policies in Manitoba: Accessing land for mineral exploration and mine development (Ferguson, 2015) The thesis focused on evaluating how provincial policies have framed and informed the development of relationships among Aboriginal, government and mining industry representatives in Manitoba. The research was conducted during a time period where current events regarding uncertainties in land claims, delays in obtaining prospecting work permits and a need for clarifying Section 35 Crown consultation have amplified the need for further understanding of the interactions among the parties. The research adopted a qualitative approach that consisted of a literature review, key-informant interviews and general observations. Thirty interviews were conducted from August to November 2014. The results revealed that the existing relationships among the parties were frustrating. These frustrations were attributed to a breakdown in the implementation and application of provincial policies and procedures. Uncertainties in land claims and protected area designation have continued to deter investment into the mineral sector. A lack of communication, understanding of cultural backgrounds, and willingness to allow time for proper consultation was noted by the respondents. Failure to recognize these aspects within policy has taken a toll on enhancing lasting relationships. Policies need to be updated and should clarify the roles and responsibilities of each interested party.
For-benefit corporations and urban Indigenous community economic development: a case study of the Métis Economic Development Organization (MEDO) in Manitoba, Canada (Paradis, 2017) Despite long standing efforts at income assistance and community development, the income gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians continues to grow (Adelson, 2005, p. 53). Indigenous people are also overrepresented in the “poorer populations” of Canada’s urban communities (Peters & Walker, 2005). This research is a case study of the Métis Economic Development Organization (MEDO), a Winnipeg-based For-Benefit company designed to support the Métis community in Manitoba, Canada through its elected government, the Manitoba, Métis Federation (MMF). Given that Winnipeg has the largest Métis population in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2013b), this research highlights MEDO’s place within the spectrum of approaches to urban Indigenous community economic development. Through participant interviews, a narrative is presented which emphasizes the challenges in overcoming (and embracing) certain stereotypes, a strong separation between business and government, and the role planners may have in fostering a healthy environment where for-benefit enterprises may flourish and empower urban Indigenous people in Winnipeg, MB.
Indigenous entrepreneurial capital: a grounded theory study (Sharpe, 2021) Rationale: Economic development among Canada’s Indigenous peoples is considered an essential part of reconciliation, evidenced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 92. A key driver of economic development is entrepreneurial venturing, and yet an understanding of Indigenous entrepreneurship has yet to be clarified. Knowledge of how Indigenous practitioners’ view their participation in these activities is beneficial for scholars to understand the sector, and beneficial to practitioners being part of the conversation. Parameters, regulatory, social, or otherwise, should be informed by Indigenous views if Call to Action 92 is to be respected. Aim To explore Indigenous participants’ viewpoints on their participation in entrepreneurship and how they define their activities in comparison to academic definitions. Outputs and conclusions Ten case studies were developed, covering a range of entrepreneurs and their activities. Topics for these case studies were derived from priorities described by participants which enhanced and informed the resulting model. The model emerged from application of grounded theory processes within the context of Two-Eyed Seeing, an Indigenous research approach that balanced western and Indigenous perspectives. The model, generated from the practitioners’ viewpoints on defining Indigenous entrepreneurship, revolved around the core category of engaging with entrepreneurial capital, which itself was derived from four subcategories: social capital, cultural capital, human capital, and financial/economic capital. This model interpreted participant efforts to define Indigenous entrepreneurship (IE) and led to the tentative definition drawn from participant worldviews of IE as Indigenous entrepreneurship is defined as an holistic process intertwining identity, experiences, and multiple bottom lines, reflected in how practitioners engage with entrepreneurial capital that sees the journey as being as important as the goals.
Indigenous fisheries and food security: Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba, Canada (Islam, 2016) This thesis addresses food insecurity from an Indigenous fisheries lens and presents a conceptual model by integrating three different but inter-related domains (ecological, cultural, and business) that impact Indigenous food security. Under the broader umbrella of fisheries and food security, the thesis addresses four objectives: (i) to investigate the co-existence of commercial and subsistence fisheries, (ii) to assess food security among commercial and subsistence fishing households, (iii) to explore the meaning of traditional food by engaging Indigenous youth with an objective to revitalize culture, and (iv) to examine the role of the fisherman’s co-operative as a social enterprise to address community economic development. The study was conducted over a period of 14 months (from September 2013 to December 2014) in Norway House Cree Nation, northern Manitoba, Canada. Community members are engaged in both subsistence and commercial fishing. The two kinds of fisheries co-exist, and potential problems of overlap are handled by temporal separation; spatial separation; formal mechanism of monitoring of net ownership; and informal communication for conflict resolution consistent with Cree values. The study found that extensive sharing of fish and other traditional foods by commercial fishers reached almost half of the total population in the community and contributed to improving food security. I used a participatory research approach to engage Indigenous youth to explore the meaning of traditional food. Participants produced a collaborative artwork on the theme of “what traditional food means to you?” This art work functioned as a boundary object, initiating discussion about food security planning in the community. Norway House Fisherman’s Co-op operates as a social enterprise mainly because of fish sharing and its role in business diversification for community economic development. The Chief and Band Council requested an exploration of ways to add value to their existing commercial fisheries. Based on the findings, further development can rely on: (i) better use of existing fish resources, such as the by-catch, (ii) fishing related economic development, such as value-added fish products, and (iii) use of options regarding regulatory bodies, such as eco-certification.

Books and Ebooks

Journals & Periodicals

Aboriginal Business Magazine Scope: National, business news affecting Indigenous communities Coverage: Money/finance, education, politics, land, business/entrepreneurship, resources (energy/mining), environment
Aboriginal Business Quarterly (Inukshuk Publishing) Scope: National, Northern focus most recent issue 2020
Aboriginal Business Report – Industry Magazine (CCAB) Scope: National, business news affecting Indigenous communities Publisher: Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Current to Spring 2023
Canadian Indigenous SME Business Magazine Scope: National Coverage : entrepreneurship, SME Current to Feb 2023
Indigenous Archives – Business Elite Canada Scope: Natonal, general Canadian business magazine with significant Indigenous coverage Current to April 2023
Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development Edited by Dept. of Native studies professor emerita and former director of IBEP at Asper, Dr. Wanda Wuttunee
Journal of Aboriginal Management The Journal of Aboriginal Management (JAM) is the only professional journal in Canada for Indigenous Professionals in the management, finance and governance fields. Includes interviews with leaders, articles from experts that profile community-based initiatives and best practices, as well as advertisements from professional organizations that are at the top of their field.
Makook pi Selim BIV’s Indigenous Business Magazine Scope: BC/National focus, special magazine published by Business in Vancouver Current to issue 3, Spring 2022
SAY Magazine Scope: lifestyle publication covering First Nations, Metis, Inuit; has a business section that covers entrepreneurship and economic stories Scope: Current to Spring 2023

Entrepreneurship

Resources
Programs

Be the Drum (Native Women's Association of Canada) #BeTheDrum is an Entrepreneurial Outreach and Navigation Program developed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). It is designed to build skills of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people entering the spheres of business, management, and entrepreneurship.
Community Futures Manitoba - Indigenous Business Development Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs by offering business information and resource materials, assistance with business plan preparation, business advisory services, and training in the form of workshops and seminars.
Indigenous Business Development (Govt. of CA) Programs that support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
Indigenous Entrepreneurs - Business Development Bank of Canada Business Development Bank of Canada is a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. BDC offers financing, advisory services and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Kakivak Association Kakivak Association is a community and economic development organization serving Inuit, by providing business, employment and training services to enhance the strengths of communities in the Baffin region.

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program Indigenous Services Canada program that provides access to capital and business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
Futurpreneur Indigenous Program At Futurpreneur Canada, we support Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 18-39, helping them launch or buy their own business. With up to $60,000* in financing, an expert mentor for up to two years, and access to resources, we’re here to help young entrepreneurs bring their business plan to life.
Pow Wow Pitch Pow Wow Pitch is a grassroots community of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, purpose-built to provide a safe, collaborative, supportive and empowering platform for inspiration, education, mentorship, celebration, and reconciliation through entrepreneurship. We enhance, develop and accelerate growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Our programs are rooted in community leadership through volunteerism as a reflection of respect and reciprocity.
SOAR Circles - Digital Gathering of Indigenous Entrepreneurs SOAR is a grassroots initiative powered by Indigenous-led organizations, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and aligned industry partners working together to unite and support Indigenous entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and grow together. We enhance, develop, and accelerate growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources grounded in Indigenous values and teachings.

Financial Trusts

National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
The NACCA is a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada.

There are three types of Indigenous Financial Institutions. Click below for definitions and examples.

Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFI)

“Autonomous, Indigenous-controlled, community-based financial organizations. IFIs provide developmental lending and business financing to support services to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit businesses and communities in all provinces and territories. Support includes business loans, non-repayable contributions, financial and management consulting, and business start-up and aftercare services.”

IFI Example: Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD)

Aboriginal Capital Corporations (ACC)

“Aboriginal-owned and controlled business lending organizations that are capitalized by the Federal Government to deliver financing and advisory services for Aboriginal business development

ACC Example: Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation (TWCC)

Aboriginal Community Futures Development Corporations (ACFDC)

“ACFDCs are capitalized by the Federal Government through regional development agencies (RDAs) and provide local communities with a variety of services, including business development loans, technical support, training, and information.”

ACFDC Example: Dakota Ojibway Community Futures Development Corporation (DOCFDC)

Aboriginal Development Lenders (ADL)

“ADLs that are capitalized either by the private sector or the provincial/territorial governments provide debt and equity and a variety of business support services, including federal, provincial, and territorial programs to status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Metis businesses and communities.”

ADL Example: Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC)

Definitions source: NACCA

Chamber of Commerce/Business Directories

Page Authors

The Indigenous Business Guide was created by John Bryans (Social Sciences Librarian) and Shirley Delorme Russell (Indigenous Librarian Intern). The guide is based on a previous version created by Amanda Wheatley.

Ask Us

Reference Links

You can look for books, journal articles, and other materials using the Library Search.

Let's say I'm interested in "Indigenous Employment in Natural Resources."

Use a combination of keywords to create what we call a search string.

Use keywords for each concept you’re researching.
For example: Indigenous, employment, natural resources

Use similar keywords, or synonyms, to broaden your search.
For example: Indigenous OR First Nations OR Aboriginal OR Metis OR Inuit

Use Boolean Operators to join your keywords. Boolean Operators are commands we give the search engine to combine (or string together) keywords into a search string. Here are some common Boolean Operators you can use:

AND – combines different keywords and narrows your results
OR – combines synonyms and broadens your results
“” – tells the search engine to combine 2 or more keywords to search an exact phrase

Search string example: (Indigenous OR “First Nations” OR Aboriginal OR Metis OR Inuit) AND (employment OR workforce OR “job market”) AND barriers
Tip: use all CAPS for your Boolean Operators, put your similar/synonym keywords in brackets.
Enter your search string in the basic search box.

Indian Act

“The Indian Act is the principal law through which the federal government administers Indian status, local First Nations governments and the management of reserve land and communal monies. The Indian Act does not include Métis or Inuit peoples. The Act came into power on 12 April 1876. It consolidated a number of earlier colonial laws that sought to control and assimilate Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian culture. The Indian Act has been amended many times over the years to do away with restrictive and oppressive laws. However, the Act has had historic and ongoing impacts on First Nations cultures, economies, politics and communities. It has also caused inter-generational trauma, particularly with regards to residential schools.” Source: Canadian Encyclopedia

Link to Indian Act (Government of Canada)

Warning: The Indian Act is full of outdated and harmful language. Read it critically. For support or more information see "Harmful Language at the Libraries".

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons (UNDRIP)

“The Declaration is a comprehensive statement addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples. The document emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their self-determined development, in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.”

Source: United Nations

Duty to Consult

First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada have unique rights that are guaranteed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 recognizes and affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. As a way to protect these rights, the doctrine of the duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups, was developed by Canadian courts. Furthermore, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, endorsed by Canada in 2010, provides that member states must consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples on certain matters, such as “legislative or administrative measures that may affect them,” in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent.

As stated by the Supreme Court of Canada (Supreme Court), the general purpose of the duty to consult is to foster reconciliation. Thus, the duty to consult doctrine is of fundamental importance to Indigenous communities and Indigenous governments, as well as to federal, provincial and territorial governments, private industry stakeholders and Canadian society as a whole. Source: The Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples (Brideau 2019, p.1)

See: Duty to Consult Framework (Govt. of MB.)

Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP)
At the Asper School of Business, Indigenous Business Education Partners offers a welcoming community as you explore your leadership potential in the world of business. IBEP members can receive tutoring, mentoring, financial aid and more.
Indigenous Studies Guide (U of M)
For more information about Indigenous folks, consult the UML Indigenous Studies guide.
Department of Indigenous Studies
For more than 40 years, the Department of Indigenous Studies (formerly Native Studies) has been an international leader in the field, committed to creating outstanding research, teaching and service relating to the historical and contemporary position of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Business Administration: Indigenous Business