Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Sodexo Canada – released a report summarizing the CCAB Business Recovery Forum – a first of its kind virtual event held on September 16, 2020. Over 600 participants attended the event. The Forum was a direct response to Indigenous businesses’ concern over finding solutions on how to move forward through this economic crisis. “CCAB is pleased to release this report alongside our partner, Sodexo Canada and together we commit to applying what we heard to continue to support Indigenous businesses and ensure an economic recovery that includes Indigenous business.” Tabatha Bull, President and CEO CCAB.

Session outcomes indicated a need to strengthen a procurement relationship between Indigenous businesses and both government and corporate Canada. This will be vital for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worth noting from the data and participant feedback is that CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program appears to be of growing interest to Canadian organizations. PAR is a certification program that helps organizations build effective and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous businesses and communities. Complementing this feedback was the recurring theme throughout the Forum of a need for meaningful partnerships where Indigenous businesses are involved from the initial stage of a project and are not an afterthought.

Based on the feedback in the report, CCAB commits to:

• Working with government to advise them on simplifying the procurement process and reducing barriers for Indigenous business.
• Continue efforts with all government levels and all departments, so they understand and advocate for Indigenous business and an increased Indigenous economy to benefit all.
• Develop more research and collaborate with organizations, institutions, and governments to support Indigenous business and export growth.
• Further promote Supply Change™ and the Aboriginal Procurement Marketplace to connect Indigenous businesses with corporations committed to supporting Indigenous businesses through procurement and established vendor partnerships.
• Reinforce cultural awareness so that companies share rebuilding opportunities with Indigenous businesses and communities.
• Continue to collaborate with other Indigenous organizations to achieve socio-economic prosperity.
• Support outreach for the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program to establish real and meaningful Indigenous partnerships.
• Strive to communicate with and connect more people virtually and in meaningful ways.