b'WELCOME MESSAGEWelcome toIndigenous ProsperityBy Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, and Jean Vincent, ChairG reetings, Nations Procurement Organization (FNPO) in partnership We are delighted to welcome you to the latestwith four national Indigenous organizations. The new FNPO edition of Indigenous Prosperity. This edition is awill work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that celebration of the remarkable achievements and ongoingFirst Nations businesses have an opportunity to access and efforts of the network of Indigenous Financial Institutionssecure larger procurement contracts from the Government (IFIs) that serve Indigenous entrepreneurs from coast toof Canada as it works to achieve its minimum target of five-coast to coast. per-cent procurement from Indigenous businesses by 2030.Our associations journey has been marked by significantAnother recent milestone is the creation of the Indigenous milestones. Presently, we are proud to announce that weBusiness Definitions, a living document that will undergo have secured an additional funding commitment from Inno- regular updates to identify legitimate Indigenous-owned vation, Science and Economic Development Canada for thebusinesses in Canada. This document serves as a tes-Indigenous Womens Entrepreneurship program. This tament to our commitment to clarity, transparency and reinforces our commitment to empowering Indigenousinclusivity in our business practices.women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth within our communities. The Indigenous Prosperity Foun- As we reflect on these accomplishments, we are reminded dation will also enter into a partnership with the Mastercardof the power of unity, resilience and determination. We are Foundation to provide support to Indigenous youth toinspired by the potential of our communities and the prom-access technology, financial literary tools and opportunitiesise of a prosperous future.to advance their entrepreneurial dreams. To Indigenous entrepreneurs, we extend our heartfelt admi-In late February 2024, NACCA hosted another successfulration for your courage and passion. Your entrepreneurial parliamentary event in Ottawa. From all political parties,spirit fuels our mission and strengthens our resolve. On 17 members of Parliament attended our reception to learnbehalf of NACCA and the strong, capable network of IFIs, more about the importance of long-term sustainable fund- we stand with you, ready to support your journeying from the Government of Canada to support the worktowards prosperity.of the IFI network. This event was truly a testament to the collective strength, success and unity of our network. Together, we are building a legacy of Indigenous Prosperity. In our continuous pursuit of improvements and progressTogether, we are shapingin the business ecosystem, we have launched the Firstthe future.MPs Scot Davidson, Greg McLean, Dan Muys, Laila Goodridge, Jaime Battiste, Jamie Schmale, Daniel Blaikie, Sebastien Lemire, Glen Motz, Mel Arnold, Ryan Turnbull, Lori Idlout, Jenny Kwan, Louis Plamondon, Leslyn Lewis, Andreanne Larouche and Rechie Valdez alongside NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin.6INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #1, 2024'