b'CCAB Q&AI n d i g e n o u s b u s i n e s s e s n e e d t o e m b r a c e e x p o r t i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s , s a y s M a t t h e w F o s s , a n d C C A B i s p l a y i n g a k e y r o l e i n h e l p i n g t h e m o u tDEMYSTIFYING EXPORT By Shannon SutherlandI ndigenous entrepreneurs in CanadaAlberta, is also an executive fellow withWHAT ROLE DOES EXPORT are rapidly coming to the realizationthe University of Calgarys School of PublicAND TRADE PLAY IN that what they do well locally mayPolicy, and he brings more than 20 yearsACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY also resonate globally. Increasingof research and public policy experienceFOR INDIGENOUS-OWNED numbersareactivelyexploringto his role.SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED international growth opportunities, andENTERPRISES (SMES)CCAB is playing a key role in facilitatingThis is an opportunity to play a meaningfulIN CANADA?this trend, both through research andpart in economic reconciliation, Foss says.Trade is something that is and has been various initiatives aimed at educatingRight now, my challenge and focus are onpart of Indigenous cultures since time businesses on export and trade.better understanding the stories of theimmemorial. It is part of who we were and Aboriginal Business Report recently spokeentrepreneurs we work with at CCAB so Iwho we are. This is a fact that was recog-nized in the recently signed IPECTA agree-on the topic with Matthew Foss, CCABscan advocate for them effectively and helpment (Indigenous Peoples and Economic vice president of research and public policy.bring about positive changes so they canand Trade Cooperation Arrangement). (For Foss, a member of the Mtis Nation ofgrow and realize their potential.more on this agreement, turn to pg. 48.)68A CCAB PUBLICATION2023'