b'IGFThe Indigenous Growth FundUnlocking the Indigenous economy and advancingeconomic reconciliation I n April 2021, NACCA and thevelopment Bank of Canada, Exportthree highly respected leaders within Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI)Development Canada and Farm Creditthe Indigenous business community network reached a long-awaitedCanada, its open-ended structure Helen Bobiwash, Michael Rice and milestone: Canadas newest andallows accredited investors to investKim Baird. All members are catalysts largest Indigenous social impact funddirectly in economic reconciliation.of Indigenous entrepreneurship in their made its first close of $150 million.In June 2022, the IGFs first privaterespective regions. The Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF)corporate investor, Block, invested inHelen Bobiwash, from Atikameksheng enables IFIs to increase their lendingthe Fund.Anishnawbek in Ontario, is a certified to Indigenous entrepreneurs. In doingINVESTMENT COMMITTEE professional accountant with signif-so, it also stimulates regional econom- Soon after the IGF was launched,icant experience in developing tools ic growth, catalyzing further demandthe Funds Investment Committeeto support Indigenous entrepreneurs. among new and expanding Indige- was formed. The Committees role isHelen has worked with NACCA over nous businesses. Once the IGF is fullyto approve loan capital to be madethe past few years to develop its used, it will increase IFI lending by $75available for IFIs to grow their exist- unique and popular Indigenous Wom-million annually, with loans to roughlying portfolios according to its newlyens Entrepreneurship Program.500 businesses. established policies and procedures.Michael Rice is a Mohawk of The IGF is an investment fund. WithThe Investment Committee is com- Kahnaw:ke in Quebec. For over 35 initial investments from the Gov- prised of four members: Frank Richter,years, Michael has specialized in ernment of Canada, Business De- the IGFs Managing Director, as well asacquiring capital and developing insti-14INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #2, 2023'