NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a membership-driven national association for a network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions, or AFIs. NACCA supports the AFI network, which offers financing to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit businesses and communities. NACCA is committed to the needs of AFIs and the Aboriginal businesses that they serve.
Inaugural Board Announces Creation of the First Nations Procurement Authority
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 “For too long, outdated vendor lists, lacking connections, and cumbersome processes have prevented government and corporate buyers from connecting with authentic First Nations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.”
News Release: NACCA Promotes Indigenous Business and Community Participation in the Defence Supply Chain
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