The 2025 NIEDB Annual Report
Press Release
On behalf of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB), I am pleased to present our 2025 Annual Report.
This year has been transformational for Indigenous economic development in Canada. Amid ongoing trade tensions and tariff challenges with the United States, and following a focused effort by Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney to accelerate major projects, the Board continued to advocate that Indigenous businesses and communities are essential to Canada’s economic resilience and growth. Economic and political developments on the national and global stage illustrate the importance of building strong, inclusive partnerships that recognize Indigenous Peoples as key economic actors.
In 2025, the NIEDB engaged with 45 government departments, industry agencies, and community leaders, including the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and leadership from the Cree Nation, the Métis Settlements General Council, Fort McKay First Nation, and Kahnawà:ke First Nation. These conversations were critical in advancing our shared vision of Indigenous economic inclusion.
Throughout the year, the Board held its quarterly meetings in communities across Canada, including Métis Crossing in Alberta, Kahnawake in Quebec, and at the ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub in Ottawa. These engagements allowed us to hear directly from Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders about successes, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring that our recommendations to government are grounded in the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples.
The Board was pleased to welcome three new members to the NIEDB this year: Chief Darcy Bear of Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Althea Wishloff (Gitxsan First Nation), General Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners and Dr. Matthew Pike (Nunatsiavut Inuk), Senior Manager of Indigenous Relations at Rio Tinto. Each brings exceptional expertise and vision that will strengthen the Board’s work in advancing Indigenous economic self-determination.
Indigenous procurement continues to be an important focus of the Board’s work. We continue to advocate for the creation of an Indigenous-led and developed Indigenous Business Directory, and for meaningful inclusion in major projects under Bill C-5.
It is essential that the federal government consult legitimate Indigenous entities and apply the National Indigenous Business Definition to ensure equitable participation. This definition provides a clear, standardized framework for identifying Indigenous owned and controlled businesses, helping prevent misrepresentation and ensuring that procurement opportunities genuinely benefit Indigenous communities. Applying this definition across all federal departments and agencies is a critical step toward economic integrity.
We remain steadfast in calling for government and private organizations to align their priorities and projects with the Calls to Economic Prosperity outlined in the National Indigenous Economic Strategy (NIES). The NIES provides a comprehensive, Indigenous designed roadmap for economic reconciliation, outlining practical steps to strengthen Indigenous prosperity, workforce development, infrastructure, and community wellbeing. Implementing this approach is a strategic investment in long-term economic growth for the entire country.
Indigenous voices must be present at every stage of major project development. We were proud to see three NIEDB members—Chief Terry Paul, Victoria LaBillois, and Chief Darcy Bear— appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council of the newly launched Major Projects Office. Their leadership will help shape a more competitive and inclusive Canadian economy and reflects a renewed commitment to Indigenous-led development.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear: to champion Indigenous economic inclusion, advocate for community-driven capacity funding, and ensure Indigenous participation in major projects from the outset. Together, we will continue this collaborative journey toward achieving socio-economic parity for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
ILR5
