b"LOCAL SUPPORTBUY s a t r a d e w a , r p r o m p t s C a n a d i i a n sa l At o b u y l o c a l l y I n d i g e n o u s r e t a l e r s r e m i n d u s t h e r e s n o t h i n g m o r e l o ct h a n b u y i n g I n d i g e n o u s g o o d sINDIGENOUS! By Bryan HansenA sglobalsupplychainsuncertain world, they offer somethingismakingheadlines,supporting falter and political tensionsmany are looking for: stability, values- Indigenous business becomes both a rise, Canadians are beingdriven leadership and a model for long- practical choice and a principled one.urged to buy local, supportterm stewardship.domesticbusinessesandCanadian Council for Indigenous invest in economic resilience. But forWhen people say Buy Canadian, theyBusiness (CCIB) has long championed many, those conversations are missingcant mean it without us, says Benthe inclusion of Indigenous entre-a vital truth: Indigenous economiesAnderson, CEO of Swank Businesspreneurs in the broader economy. arentjustpartoftheCanadianSolutions, founder of IndigenousTech. Its most recent strategy emphasizes economy, they may be key to savingai and a citizen of Norway House Creemeaningful partnerships, inclusive it. So when people are encouraged toNation. Our Nations have always beenprocurement, and policy shifts that Buy Canadian, they should also aim tohere. Our economies never stopped. move beyond performative inclusion. Buy Indigenous.The goal isnt just to invite Indigenous Across the country, Indigenous entre- A movement to Buy Indigenous isntbusinesses to the table, but to recog-preneurs are building sustainable,about visibility, its about recalibration.nize theyve been building tables of community-rooted businesses thatIts a recognition that Indigenous sover- their own all along.blend innovation with cultural conti- eignty is not a threat to Canadian iden- In that spirit, what does it mean to nuity. These arent just creators oftity but a strength of it. At a time whenBuy Indigenous in 2025? Why does it goods and servicesthey are sover- authoritarian rhetoric is spreadingmatter? And how might it shape the eign economic forces. And in todaysbeyond borders and cultural erasurefuture of Canadas economy?CANADAS STRENGTHIn the face of rising political vola-tility and global economic shake-ups, At TD, we're proud to support organizations likemany Canadians are realizing some-Future Generations Foundation through the TDthing Indigenous Nations have known Ready Commitment. In 2023, we pledged supportall along: true security starts close of $5 million over 5 years to further theto home. For those homes built on foundation's mission. treaty lands, that means honouring the original economies that have always We're listening, learning, andexisted here.acting on our commitment to continue supportingAcrossthecountry,Indigenous communities are not only stewarding Indigenous communities. the land; theyre creating stable, scal-Its part of our commitment to a moreable economies rooted in values like inclusive tomorrow. sustainability, reciprocity and inno-vation.Fromcleanenergyproj-Visit TD.com/Indigenous to learn more.ects and high-tech infrastructure to cultural tourism and online market-places, Indigenous-led ventures are quietly shaping the future of Canadas Naomi RacetteExecutive Director,The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the propertyeconomy. Anderson puts it plainly: Future Generations Foundation of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. Supporting Indigenous businesses isnt charity. Its nation-building.24A CCIB PUBLICATIONSummer 2025"