Chiefs of Ontario to Launch Business Directory in 2025 to Protect and Promote First Nation Businesses

Press Release

With support from Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

(Timmins, Ont. – September, 11, 2025) – Today, the Chiefs of Ontario in partnership with the Government of Ontario provided an update on the upcoming launch of the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Business Directory – Ontario’s first Indigenous-led and certified First Nation business directory.

Supported by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER), the platform is designed to register, validate, and showcase First Nation owned businesses across Ontario, serving as a trusted tool for procurement, economic opportunity, and community connection.

Although the full directory is still being developed, First Nation businesses owners who completed the initial application form will soon be invited to the certification and verification process.

Designed in full compliance with OCAP^{® (}Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles, this process will confirm each business as a legitimate First Nation-owned enterprise. Certification ensures the authenticity of the listings, builds trust with client and partners, and strengthens the directory’s role as a reliable source for procurement.

“This certification process is a critical response to the growing issue of First Nation identity fraud in business,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “By ensuring that only verified businesses are listed, this directory protects First Nation economic space and supports true economic reconciliation.”

By registering in the directory, First Nation businesses gain increased visibility, access to public procurement, contracting opportunities, and formal recognition. As a powerful marketing and validation tool, this directory will help businesses grow, scale, and build relationships with new clients across sectors.

“Our government is proud to invest in this important tool that raises the profile of First Nation businesses and creates opportunities for meaningful partnerships in Ontario’s growing supply chain,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “By creating clear pathways for industries to access certified First Nation businesses, we’re not only building lasting reconciliation – we are protecting Ontario’s economic future.”

Promoted across all Ontario ministries, the directory is positioned as a key resource for institutions and organizations seeking to strengthen supply chains, buy Canadian, and meet Indigenous procurement targets.

“Our government is building a modern, inclusive, and results-driven procurement system that reflects the strength and diversity of Ontario,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Business Directory is a game-changer that will connect public sector buyers with certified First Nations businesses in a transparent, meaningful way. This is just one way we are strengthening our supply chains, advancing reconciliation through economic opportunity, and making sure public dollars support jobs and prosperity in First Nations communities across the province.”

In today’s shifting economic landscape, the verified network of First Nation businesses offers government and organizations a strategic path to building more resilient, sustainable, and value-driven economies. By driving economic activity within and among First Nations, the directory helps lay the foundation for lasting self-determination and prosperity.

“The launch of the First Nations Business Directory is an important step in advancing economic reconciliation and supporting growth for local First Nations communities here in Northeastern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins. “By certifying and showcasing First Nation-owned businesses, this initiative will create new opportunities for investment and partnerships, helping to strengthen Ontario’s economic future.”

If you have filled in the initial application, you will be contacted to apply for certification, if you have not filled in the initial form, please visit: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/priorities/economic/ofnbd-listing/

For more information on how to access the directory, the certification process, or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Arvind Sharma, Director of Economic Development at Arvind.sharma@coo.org

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contacts:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Nemone Smith
Director of Communications
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Telephone: 416-458-1832
Email: nemone.smith@ontario.ca

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