Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day – NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin

June 20, 2025 – Ottawa, ON, CANADA

We’re back.

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Collectively, Indigenous people are now an economic power to be reckoned with. The statistics show as much: the $56 billion that Indigenous businesses add to the Canadian economy each year, or tens of billions in assets held by Indigenous economic development corporations.

What brings it home for me though are the people. This past May, at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association’s (NACCA) sixth annual Indigenous Prosperity Forum, I looked around the room at all the young Indigenous business owners attending. The youth were confident, ascendant. Digital creators, artisans, carpenters, business managers: all these young people have assumed their place in the broader economy, just as their ancestors intended.

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June 18, 2025

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As a new session of Parliament begins, the government has ambitious plans for economic renewal, defence and infrastructure investment. Canada is preparing to rebuild, invest, and grow. But unless Indigenous businesses are directly included in government procurement, we’ll once again miss a generational opportunity.

Enter the First Nations Procurement Authority (FNPA), a new not-for-profit corporation created by five national Indigenous economic organizations on May 1, 2025. Its purpose is simple yet transformative, to certify, support, and connect genuine First Nations businesses with government and corporate buyers.

Not just another organization, the FNPA is Canada’s best chance yet to ensure that First Nation businesses can share in the over $23 billion that government spends on procuring goods and services annually. Continue reading

Le rapport annuel 2023–2024 de l’Association nationale des sociétés autochtones de financement (L’ANSAF) est maintenant disponible. Il met en lumière une autre année de croissance, d’impact et de résilience. Ce rapport témoigne des efforts collectifs de plus de 50 institutions financières autochtones (IFA) d’un océan à l’autre.

Ensemble, ces IFA ont accordé plus d’un millier de prêts, représentant des millions de dollars en soutien aux entreprises autochtones. Le rapport annuel présente des données précieuses et des mises à jour sur les programmes, tout en illustrant l’impact concret de l’entrepreneuriat autochtone. C’est ici que des entreprises prennent vie, que des emplois sont créés et que les communautés se renforcent.

À l’avant-garde de la réconciliation économique et de l’autodétermination autochtone, le rapport 2023–2024 de L’ANSAF témoigne de la force de la finance dirigée par les Autochtones et des réalisations du réseau national des IFA.

Lisez le rapport complet ici

NACCA is seeking a highly organized, adaptable, and professional Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This role is critical in ensuring the seamless operation of executive schedules, communication, and internal coordination. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between the Executive Team and internal/external stakeholders, supporting NACCA’s mission through high-level administrative excellence.

Why NACCA?

• Attractive compensation package with excellent benefits, including;
  • Health, Paramedical, Vision, Dental, and Employee Family Assistance Program.
  • Defined Benefits Pension Plan.
  • Supportive workplace environment and benefits focused on Indigenous culture and sensitivity.
• Ongoing Professional Development.
• Scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Paid Time Off including:
  • 14 Statutory Holidays for Full-Time Employees.
  • Sick Time.
  • Competitive Vacation Time/Pay.
  • Personal Days.
  • December Holiday Period.

Learn More & Apply

Ottawa, ON – A coalition of five national First Nations economic institutions has created a national not-for-profit organization to support First Nations businesses’ access and success in securing government and corporate procurement opportunities. The First Nations Procurement Authority (FNPA), established on May 1, 2025, will provide targeted outreach, training, and support to verified First Nations businesses interested in pursuing these opportunities.

“An institution like this is urgently needed in Canada,” says Mark Dokis, Chair of the First Nation Procurement Authority. “For too long, outdated vendor lists, lacking connections, and cumbersome processes have prevented government and corporate buyers from connecting with authentic First Nations businesses. Our goal is to reverse that trend.”

First Nations businesses are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in Canada yet continue to face unique barriers to entry. “Many Indigenous businesses are blocked from opportunities that others take for granted,” says Jody Anderson, a director of the FNPA. “Lack of experience with procurement processes, issues with bonding on reserves, and lingering stereotypes all limit their participation.”

Read the full statement here:
English 
French

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2025

Ottawa, ON – The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) announces its
support for a bold new pilot program promoting the participation of Indigenous communities
and businesses in Canada’s defence supply chain.

The Indigenous Defence Supply Chain Pilot is a joint initiative of NACCA and the Council for the
Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). On May 28–29, the two Indigenous
economic organizations will bring 25 Indigenous businesses to CANSEC 2025, Canada’s leading
defence, security, and emerging technology trade show. The businesses will have an
opportunity to build relationships and profile their goods and services at CANSEC’s Indigenous
Pavillion.

“Indigenous businesses are ready, willing, and able to supply to defence projects—which are
often located on or near their territories,” says Shannin Metatawabin, NACCA’s CEO. “But the
bidding process is still complex and unfamiliar, and those essential relationships with the sector
still need to be built.”

Full English News Release Here
Communiqué de presse complet en français ici

Gatineau, QC – The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is pleased to confirm the resounding success of the 2025 Indigenous Prosperity Forum, held on May 7 and 8 at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec. This was our best attended forum of the six held to date—with overwhelmingly positive feedback.    

Under the theme IGNITE Indigenous Prosperity, this year’s forum drew over 400 delegates. Indigenous lenders, economic thought leaders, and entrepreneurs came together with partners and policy makers to highlight advances in Indigenous economic self-determination.  This year included international participation, with Indigenous representation from an expert with 35 years experience supporting Māori tribes, landowner organizations, and businesses in New Zealand.  

 The two-day event featured dynamic keynote addresses—including a message from Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak—as well as active participation of Indigenous youth business owners and NACCA’s youth advisory council.   

Read the full English Press Release here.

May 14, 2025
For immediate release

Ottawa, ON, – The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is thrilled to announce its ten-year funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada. The first of its kind between the federal government and an Indigenous economic organization, the agreement signed on May 5, 2025, represents a milestone on Canada’s journey to a transformed fiscal relationship with Indigenous peoples.

“This agreement testifies to the proven value of the Indigenous Financial Institutions network and the deepening trust of our government partner,” says Shannin Metatawabin, NACCA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Providing an average of $83 million per year, the funds will enable our long-established network of 50+ developmental lenders to continue promoting jobs, services, and empowerment for businesses in Indigenous communities across the country.”

Read the full English Press Release here