Future in Focus: National Indigenous Peoples Day

• Op-Ed Time to Get Serious: Cut Real Deals for Indigenous Economic Development Now JP Gladu Principal Mokwateh
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• Op-Ed Money as Nutrients Teara Fraser Founder and CEO Iskwew Air
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• Op-Ed “Canada Strong” Needs a Strong Indigenous Economy  Senator PJ Prosper Mi’kmaw lawyer Nova Scotia
  IndigenousCompetitivenessSMEs

Indigenous economies are one of Canada’s greatest strengths—rooted in deep knowledge, cultural resilience, and powerful visions for sustainable prosperity.

To build a truly inclusive and competitive future, we must invest in Indigenous governance, entrepreneurship, and economic infrastructure.

Our new Future in Focus: National Indigenous Peoples Day explores some of the following themes:

• Indigenous Governance as Economic Infrastructure – From environmental assessments to land stewardship, Indigenous governance systems are ready to lead. Supporting them with capital and legal authority will unlock new growth across sectors.
• Building Trust in Indigenous Business – A robust Indigenous economy starts with recognition and verification. Certifying Indigenous-owned businesses and crafts ensures trust, integrity, and fair access to procurement and trade opportunities.
• Money as Nutrients, Not Just Currency – Reframing capital as a life-giving resource helps redirect investments to where they’re most needed—fueling Indigenous innovation, restoring relational economies, and enabling long-term prosperity.
• From Surviving to Thriving – Indigenous entrepreneurs continue to defy systemic barriers. It’s time to flow resources to women, youth, and communities often excluded from traditional funding structures—and create the conditions for bold Indigenous enterprise.
• Reimagining National Strength – There is no “Canada Strong” without strong Indigenous economies. Advancing Indigenous economic self-determination is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic one for resilience, sustainability, and shared growth.

Now is the time to transform how we fund, govern, and grow Indigenous economic development. Let’s act boldly—backing Indigenous leadership, flowing capital with intention, and building a future economy that thrives for everyone.