b'INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENTThere needs to be much more effort by corporate Canada around Indigenous business planning and procurement. There should be mandatory programs and legislated programsSam Damm, FoxWise Technologies &CLAW Environmental Servicesbuild things back better. The City of Toronto is trying toajourney;thingsdonthappenovernight.Idothink figure out how best to do that and help the entire economytheres light at the end of the tunnel, but think it needs recover, and equity is a big part of that lens. If we can giveto be incentivized or legislated, especially for the federal more support to Indigenous businesses, as they grow, theygovernment with provincial and municipal governments will hire more people; its a way of trying to improve thefollowing suit.economic conditions for everyone. As more businesses build their capacity, more contracts Im hopeful that with a focused effort, we will do better. ButmaynaturallybeawardedtoIndigenousbusinesses. dont be afraid to push us, because sometimes we need toSuccess breeds success. The more time that goes by, the be reminded that we could be doing more, adds Pacholok. more success is seen, and people feel more comfortable aboutdrivingIndigenousprocurement,Dammsays. However, the responsibility to drive progress should not lieIndigenous or not, small business is not easy, but the solelywithIndigenousbusinesses,saysDucharme:Itisrewards can be really satisfying.First Nations Market Housing Fundsupporting strong financial management, good governance, community commitmentContact us to find out how the Fund can partner with your community to: Developor expand market-based housing A home is not just a place of shelter andoptions on reserve, settlement lands or safety in which to raise a family, sharelands set aside in traditions, formulate, and realize your dreams. Owning a home also representsAttract private financing for easier access to an opportunity to participate in assethome ownership, rental or renovation building and generate personal wealthloans and support economic development and security. Accessnation building supports for aLydia Hwitsum, JD, Fund Chairvariety of services, including training, focused on creating and sustaining market-based housing info@fnmhf.ca 1-866-582-2808 www.fnmhf.ca 38A CCAB PUBLICATION2021'