b'COVER STORYStrengthening our community is at the forefront of what we do . Ensuring our frontline workers are protected is something that will give our communities inner peace of mind to assist us all in navigating effectively during this pandemicDesiree Norwegian,Abraflexbring in more N95 masks, gloves, disin-fectants and other needed products. It hasnt been easy to compete for these supplies. Whether navigating red tape, predatory competition for supplies, or even finding the best way to get them out there, its proven to be a struggle, says Thompson, adding its up to busi-ness owners to use their capital and influ-ence to support Indigenous procurement. Thats just how I was raised. When I devel-oped this company, it was always with the mindset of wanting to inspire others and give back to Indigenous people.This sentiment is shared throughout the Indigenous community. Will Milroy with Medical Surgical Supplies Limited (MSS Ltd.) in Hay River, Northwest Territories, has also acted on supply chain challenges that have hindered the supply of critical goods. Since the middle of March, it was very clear that the normal supply chains have been under stress, especially for PPE supplies, he says. Prices were skyrock-eting and limitations on quantities really put significant stress on many communi-ties and businesses. Even with hospitals making their own pleas to manufacturers, availability of supplies and inventory was very tight.MSS began sourcing products from several new supply chains, but this, too, hasnt been easy. There are still some very unique challenges to finding new routes of procurement and supply chains from overseas, and it has been a very steep learning curve to figure out how to source product in a reliable and respon-sible fashion, says Milroy.ElevateGroupofCompanies,an Edmonton-based Mtis transport firm, is a CAB member lending a helping hand, 18A CCAB PUBLICATION2020'