b'THE TALKING STICKThere are a lot of exciting and new proj- autonomy. Ensuring Indigenous voices ects coming up in 2025 and beyond, andremain respected at every stagefrom this will take a considerable amount ofstartup to exitwill be critical for long-skilled workforce. Not to mention thatterm growth and sustainability. the running assets that exist now will still need to have their regular routine main-tenance performed. This skilled work-force will be all coming from the same pool of tradespeople. This will prove to be a major challenge in 2025 and onward. We need to encourage more youth into the trades as it will become one of our most precious resources in the coming years. DAVID SWAN Film Producer & Operator SwanSong ProductionsI n our present political climate, we may begin to worry about the business SHAUN HOWDLEsupports that we had with the Trudeau President & CEOgovernment. With him now resigning, STC Industrial Group of Companies questions may surface on how far our supports will go with new incoming federal political leaders. Will we receive I n 2025, the most significant challengethesamefinancialandeconomic for Indigenous businesses will besupports that we had during the Trudeau navigating the tension between rapidyears, or will we face systemic hurdles growth opportunities and maintainingagain that we have fought so hard to sustainability. While the demand forprevent working against Indigenous Indigenous participation in major proj- people all these years? Weve defi-BROOKE WOBODITSCHects is growing, businesses face hurdles Chief Executive Officerin scaling upparticularly in finding andnitely come a long way, and we need ScribeWire Inc. retaining skilled talent and in accessingto always remember those milestones affordable capital. The labour shortageand achievements that have been made: is compounded by economic uncertain- our federal language law, our history U ncertainty around evolving tradeties and the complexities of adaptingblanketed in the provincial school curric-relationshipsespecially with theto evolving technologies. ulum, the federal Indigenous family and new U.S. administrationwill be top ofchildrens act, to name a few.However, mind for Indigenous business leaders.Additionally, differentiating our busi- much more still needs to be done to Changes to cross-border policies cannesses in increasingly competitivefulfil the Calls to Action from the Truth directly affect export opportunities andmarkets requires innovative strategiesand Reconciliation Commission.market access, demanding vigilance andand partnerships. Indigenous busi-agile strategies.nesses must also remain vigilant aboutFor todays labour market, our current political and economic shifts that couldand possible future social and economic Government procurement processesimpact funding and project pipelines.climate has really had the standard alsoposechallenges:awardingWe have seen a trend recently withlowered on work ethics and employ-contracts solely based on lowest costsome large U.S.-based organizationsment motivation. Look at any reality can undercut the unique economic andeliminating or cutting back their ESGshow on TV today that largely reflects social value Indigenous businessesinitiatives, many of which would supportthis. A common phrase I hear all too bring, especially when they often lackIndigenous business, so we must ensureoften in these shows is, "I have to do historical data or comparable funding.our businesses are resistant against thatwhat is good for me." We are a social Access to capital and tech resourcestrend should it come to Canada.species, and we need to work collec-remains a pressing concern: self-fundedtively to be successful.tech development may lag behind moreTo thrive, Indigenous business must heavily financed competitors.invest in workforce development, adoptPart of this has come as the result of technology, and continue building resil- the deregulating of corporate opera-Lastly, as Indigenous entrepreneursient partnerships. Indigenous busi- tions, and/or removal of a lot of facto-exploremergersoracquisitions,nesses are positioned to succeed, butries and industrial jobs. These have theres a fear that such success mayonly if we embrace adaptability whilebeen replaced with precarious customer compromise cultural values or founderstaying rooted in our values. serviceworkorhighereducation Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT71'