b'FNPOPresently, the government requires In-digenous businesses to be registered Together werein the federal Indigenous Business Directory. At the time of registration, businesses must provide informa-building a future wheretion on the Indigenous status of the business owner as well as corporate structure and governance. Indigenous everybody has a fairServices Canada is to review that information to ensure the Indigenous shot and can thrive. partner maintains majority control of the business. Regular audits are also to be undertaken.A non-profit corporation, the FNPO - Elaine Chambers will engage First Nations people from diverse ages, genders and geogra-phies in key staff and board roles. Its the federal government achieve itsopportunity from the federal govern- regional structure will ensure that staff Indigenous procurement target of fivement. Its cornerstone will be a nationalhave a detailed knowledge of commu-per cent by 2030. Were going tocentralized First Nations Businessnities and regional economies and will work together collectively to fill a veryCertification service and directory,be able to connect Indigenous busi-important need. Five per cent rep- which will promote visibility of Firstnesses to governments and corporate resents an opportunity for millions Nations businesses and simplify themembers in their areas.of dollars to businesses in process for paying corporate and gov- For far too long, First Nations people our communities. ernment members to access a verifiedhave been shut out of the Canadian Research conducted by the coalitionlist. The FNPO will also offer trainingeconomy. The First Nations Procure-revealed that the barriers to Firstto both First Nations businesses andment Organization will help address Nations businesses obtaining govern- government or corporate procure- this wrong, setting procurement on ment contracts are many and varied.ment bodies. Thirdly, the organizationthe path it should have taken from These include systemic bias, complexwill facilitate partnerships between the First Nations business commu- the beginning. In the words of Elaine and restrictive administrative pro- nity, governments and the corporateChambers, a founding NACCA Board cesses and a lacking capacity of Firstsector. Finally, it will advocate, servingmember and the general manager of Nations businesses to respond. Tooas a voice for First Nations businessesdna Nye Ventures: Together were often, government officials prefer toto help ensure that public policies andbuilding a future where everybody has work with businesses that they alreadyprocurement systems become morea fair shot and can thrive. Reconcilia-know, putting Indigenous businessesfair, equitable and accessible.tion requires nothing less.at a deep disadvantage.The FNPO was in the research and planning stages for five years, then obtained support from a resolution ofRainy Lake Tribal Area Businessthe Assembly of First Nations in July& Financial Services Corporation2023. Designed and led by Indigenousis an Aboriginal Financial Institution organizations, the FNPO will offer(AFI), that provides Treaty #3 First participating Indigenous businesses aNations with access to financing for single window from which to accessFirst Nation-owned businesses, for procurement opportunities while alsostart-up or expansion of a business.helping the federal government meet its target. Ultimately, the FNPO willWe also provide related help governments and corporate Can- services in the areas of:ada honour reconciliation and realize the rights guaranteed in the UnitedBusiness Management Skills Nations Declaration on the Rights ofSupport DevelopmentIndigenous Peoples.The FNPO is an institute that can livePlanningTraining and breathe, advocate and lobby to ensure that the government lives by its mandate, and can make surerltabfsc@advisoryservices.cathat the organizations are supporting Indigenous businesses on the groundwww.rltabfsc.ca | 807-274-8531 to align with those targets and seeIssue #1, 2024INDIGENOUS PROSPERITY 9'