The energy was electric at SOAR, the 2026 NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum, as we gathered to celebrate a monumental milestone: 30 years of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and the Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) network. The forum opened with a powerful sense of history and global connection during the “Sovereignty in Motion” panel. Moderated by Mark Dokis (NACCA), this opening discussion brought together leaders from Aotearoa, Australia, and Canada. Alongside a stirring keynote from the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, the panel explored the intersections of economic sovereignty and procurement, reminding us that the “kindred spirit” of Indigenous commerce is a global force.

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Gatineau, QC, May 7, 2026 – The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and Alto have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a collaborative framework to connect Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers to opportunities emerging from one of Canada’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: the high-speed rail network along the Toronto to Québec City corridor. The MOU reflects a shared commitment to advancing Indigenous leadership, economic participation, and reconciliation in Canada’s future economy through involvement in major projects.

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The Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program (IEP) is seeking a third-party graphic design firm to collaborate with on two distinct, high-impact deliverables. Both projects require a keen eye for detail, a deep respect for Indigenous branding, and the ability to work within established NACCA brand guidelines while creating something fresh and functional.

1. Frontline Workers Conference (FLWC) – Logo & Theme

NACCA’s bi-annual conference is a cornerstone event for the frontline workers of the IFI network. IEP requires a cohesive event logo and visual theme that captures the spirit of this gathering and inspires those who work on the ground to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.

2. The IFI Marketing Toolkit

To further empower the IFI network, we are developing a comprehensive Marketing Toolkit. The goal is to create digital and print templates that are not only aesthetically striking but also highly functional. These designs must allow for the seamless integration of individual IFI graphic assets, ensuring each institution can tailor the materials to their specific community needs.

Deadline for submissions is May 13th, 2026 at 8pm EST

View the RFP below:

IEP IFI Marketing Toolkit

By Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)

Indigenous businesses are the growth story Canada keeps pretending not to see. They are scaling fast, running tight books, and already anchoring the supply chains the whole country relies on. These are not “up‑and‑comers”. They are the engine under Canada’s economy, and the only real question is whether we let them run at full power or keep riding the brakes.

Backed by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and 51 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), Indigenous entrepreneurs are quietly doing something the rest of the economy is struggling to pull off: real growth, in real communities, with real discipline. In 2022, this network lent 109.7 million dollars. By 2025, that had climbed to 176 million dollars. That’s a 60.1 percent jump in three years, driven by Indigenous people building businesses in places most commercial banks still treat as “too hard.”

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The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (“NACCA”) is dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada, driven by a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). Our mission is to ignite economic progress for all Indigenous communities by empowering entrepreneurs and advancing prosperity. We champion Indigenous economic development through unified representation, transparent reporting of IFI accomplishments, strategic partnerships, and targeted programs and services tailored to the specific needs of IFIs.

Visit our Careers page to learn more about available positions and how you can become part of the NACCA team!

The Support Officer, IEP is primarily responsible for the processing of Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program (IEP) applications, claims, payments, legal documents, and related reporting information from assigned regions and apply approved policies and procedures related to the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP), Aboriginal Capacity Development Program (ACDP), Aboriginal Development Lending Assistance (ADLA), and Interest Rate Buy-Down (IRB). This role will provide client services to Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) within assigned regions and maintain frequent communications by providing support and guidance to assigned members of the IFI network on current IEP policies and procedures, along with any other support IFIs may require. Continue reading

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is proud to partner with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) on the next phase of the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) under the Indigenous Tourism Fund. Today in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), Minister Rechie Valdez joined NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin, NACCA Board member Matthew Tapper and community partners at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre to highlight continued federal investment in Indigenous‑led tourism destinations that are rooted in culture, language and land.

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The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is inviting qualified audit firms to submit proposals to provide external financial statement audit services for NACCA and its related entities for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2027, March 31, 2028, and March 31, 2029.

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