b'INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENTThe Indigenous Business Defini-tions report is a collaborative effort by National Indigenous Economic#31 Direct the AFN to work with NACCA in the Organizations (NIEOs) to standard- development of a national economic process, ize Indigenous business definitionsincluding an Indigenous growth strategy to advance across Canada. By adopting aeconomic sustainability and perpetual access to nationally recognized Indigenouscapital for First Nations.business definition, we will ensure that procurement opportunities and#62 Direct the AFN to work in partnership with financing for Indigenous Peoples are directed to Indigenous businesses. NACCA to advocate that the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and Federal Government source The proposed First Nations Pro- 5% of total procurement products and services from curement Institution would provideIndigenous businesses and service providers.culturally appropriate wraparound services to support First Nations businesses (on and off reserve) in ac-cessing procurement opportunities. The Institution would also provideCommunity Futures Network of British Columbiaspecialized services for government and corporate entities to help themCommunity Futures Network of British Columbia supports small business better connect with First Nationsdevelopment and rural economic diversification in British Columbia. Each of our businesses. Importantly, these efforts34 Community Futures offices provide flexible and affordable small business loans, business coaching/training services and business management tools for will support the Government of Can- people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a rural business.adas efforts to achieve the minimum five per cent Indigenous procurementEntrepreneurial Development Programs for Persons with Disabilitiestarget across the whole of govern- provide support for persons with disabilities who are ment by 2024. interested in being self-employed or already operate a business.The direction for an Indigenous-ledThe programs provide support for eligible procurement institution is supportedparticipants by:by two important policy initiatives:Providing access to skills development training.the United Nations Declaration on theProviding business coaching and training.Rights of Indigenous People (United Nations2007 & UNDRIP ActJuneNot sure where to start?? Call 604-289-4222 21, 2021) and the National Indige- Ext 229 or email edp@communityfutures.canous Economic Strategy (2022).The journey to include IndigenousWe actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth and Peoples as meaningful participantsare partners in building vibrant and sustainable communities. www.communityfutures.cain the Canadian economy will require a change to the status quo. It is imperative that Articles 3 and 20 of UNDRIP, which respectively state that Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determination and the right to maintain and develop their politi-cal, economic and social systems or institutions, are respected. There must Contact us| TF 866-665-3201 | 250-624-3535 also be recognition of the Consti- tricorp@citywest.ca tution Act, 1982Section 35(3), onPrince Rupert, BC | www.tricorp.ca land claims, settlements and treaty rights. It is from these foundational points that the development of a First Nations Procurement Institution can advance Indigenous procurement. Owning, leading and directing the in-stitutions and infrastructure required to support self-determination and will help rebuild Indigenous economies. The National Indigenous Econom-ic Strategy (2022) recognizes this specifically in Calls #94 and #95 as it relates to procurement. Issue #1, 2023INDIGENOUS PROSPERITY 23'