b'COVER STORYnotes FNFA CEO Ernie Daniels. Since theThis includes Horizon Maritime in Atlanticsupply chain and were reclaiming that deal was announced, Daniels has receivedCanada and Cormorant Utility Services inIndigenous space within the corporate several inquiries in other sectors. What isOntario, which have also become stan- sector, Blondin says.being recognized is that the Indigenousdard-bearers for Indigenous partnership. economy is an emerging economy withinMoving beyond the status quo in termsLeaders like Risley and Chief Paul have the established economy of Canada.of how partnerships with Indigenousunquestionably played a key role in We are not going anywhere and therescommunities have been done in the pastcreating Indigenous partnerships through huge potential. is essential for nationwide transforma- corporate shareholding, in part by spear-tion. Fiona Blondin, Cormorant Utilitysheading an approach that embodies both CalltoAction92oftheTruthandnew director of Indigenous strategy, seescourage and patience. Creating that Reconciliation Commission speaks ofthis Indigenous-first transformation as notpath for a paradigm shift in Indigenous creating long-term sustainable benefitssimply good business but as recognitionpartnerships takes patience and vision from economic development programsof what Indigenous people have alwaysfrom a uniquely Indigenous perspective, involvingIndigenouspeoplesandoffered Canada. We were the originalremarks Blondin.their resources. Risley embodied #92 long before #92 existed, through vocal acknowledgment that change was needed and a stoic commitment to what a commu-nity deserved. John Risleys partnership with Clearwater is certainly the crowning achievement that Ive seen in business and Indigenous relationships in a very long time, Duguid comments. Its theSUPPORTING harbinger of whats to come. INDIGENOUS RAISING THE BARClearwater sets the bar globally in waysCOMMUNITIESthat are uniquely Indigenous. Indigenous rights are increasingly relevant in todays globalized world and this is still largely uncharted territory in terms of best practices. Clearwater is a global brand with significant investment from across the world, and its story is as much of a commodity today as its seafood. What comes with the Clearwater brand is not only premium seafood, but an example showing how strong leadership can make historic headway for Indigenous relations. Whats clear is that Indigenous partner-ship in national industries is good busi-ness, not just to Canadians, but to global investors, Daniels says. International commodification of Indigenous brands will be a boon to the communities that own a stake in global industries, and coun-tries are taking notice of this new way to do business. Indigenous businesses are a commodity, and we want to take advan-tage of that, says Chief Paul. At the same time, [we want to] develop a good rela-tionship with these countries. While the Clearwater acquisition repre-sents a crowning achievement, the outlook of Indigenous business for the future looks just as bright. Risleys effort to make room for Indigenous shareholders at the table is also being seen in his other projects; he has taken his vision for Clearwater and spread it to his other ventures. Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 23'