March 27, 2025

Ignite Indigenous Prosperity – Building Canada’s Economic Future

In today’s uncertain global economy, where U.S. tariffs and volatility are straining Canada’s bottom line, a powerful solution lies in plain sight: supporting and investing in the Indigenous economy.

The Indigenous Prosperity Forum 2025

The Indigenous Prosperity Forum 2025 is a national gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, thought leaders and innovators from coast to coast to coast. More than a conference, it is a catalyst for shared vision, collaborative growth, and nation-building through economic reconciliation.

Indigenous Economic Development: Canada’s Opportunity

Economic reconciliation is more than recognition, it’s a pathway to self-determination, prosperity, and sustainable growth for Indigenous communities. Across the country, Indigenous entrepreneurs are launching and expanding businesses that generate employment, foster innovation, and support local economies.

And so much more opportunity remains. From improved procurement practices in the federal government to increased and achievable access to capital and visibility. Indigenous-owned businesses continue to be underrepresented in Canada’s economic landscape, yet they are growing and succeeding every day.

That’s where NACCA and a national network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) come in. For nearly four decades, NACCA’s network has provided culturally grounded financing, business support, and training to help Indigenous entrepreneurs succeed.

With renewed investment, NACCA is expanding key Indigenous-led programs, including:

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
A new Youth Entrepreneurship initiative

These initiatives are turning ideas into enterprises, aspirations into opportunities, and communities become places where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive.

What to Expect at the Forum

The Indigenous Prosperity Forum 2025 will focus on the key themes which in essence is intended to “Ignite Indigenous Prosperity”.

Procurement reform by Indigenous and for Indigenous
Youth-led innovation
Indigenous Tourism experiences
Indigenous economic solutions for Canada
Capacity building and financial empowerment
Community-based investing and partnerships

Attendees will hear from influential Indigenous thought leaders, economic experts, entrepreneurs and policy advocates who are shaping a more inclusive and resilient Canadian economy.

Buy Indigenous: A Meaningful Step Toward Reconciliation

As NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin recently wrote:

“Buying Indigenous and implementing the means required is a meaningful step toward reconciliation. It’s time to realize the vision of our ancestors, both First Nations and non-Indigenous people, prospering via economic exchange.”