NIEDB Welcome Letter: Prime Minister Carney

On behalf of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB), it is my pleasure to congratulate you on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada. We look forward to your leadership and vision as we collectively work to advance economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

The NIEDB is the federal government’s sole advisory body dedicated to Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across the country, our mission is to provide strategic advice and policy recommendations to the Government of Canada to foster the full participation of Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian economy. Last year alone, the Board engaged with more than 20 federal departments, helping to shape policy and ensure coordinated action across government.

Since our establishment in 1990, the Board has worked closely with federal departments and officials to address systemic barriers to Indigenous economic prosperity and to promote innovative solutions that align with the principles of reconciliation and self-determination. Our recent work includes:

• The development of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy (NIES), in partnership with 20 Indigenous organizations which provides a practical, actionable roadmap for governments, institutions, and the private sector and aligns directly with your government’s emphasis on measurable results. We are particularly encouraged by the establishment of the National Indigenous Prosperity Institute at First Nations University, which is actively tracking progress on NIES Calls to Economic Prosperity.
• Advocating for a national Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, implementation of the 5% Indigenous procurement target, and accelerating the Addition to Reserve process.
• Calling for clear policies to address false claims of indigeneity—including within the public service.
• Publishing the 2024 Indigenous Economic Progress Report, which found Indigenous entrepreneurs contribute $48.9 billion annually to the Canadian economy, with Indigenous SMEs outperforming their counterparts in revenue growth.

We echo the priorities outlined in your 2025 Mandate Letter, including advancing Indigenous reconciliation, upholding the Honour of the Crown, and ensuring meaningful Indigenous participation in economic and regulatory decisions. We are concerned, however, about efforts to expedite regulatory approvals at the expense of Indigenous rights. Consistent with UNDRIP Articles 5, 18, and 19, Indigenous Peoples must be full partners in decision-making processes impacting the economy, major projects, and interprovincial trade.

In addition, the Board stands ready to contribute to broader national priorities such as the proposed Northern Transportation, Energy, and Fibre Corridor and Indigenous Peoples’ growing role in global trade diversification. It is critical that these initiatives be Indigenous-led and that infrastructure in the North, essential for security, access to markets, and clean energy, be guided by Indigenous priorities. Indigenous businesses must also be actively supported in trade and export efforts, including those tied to the clean energy transition. We strongly encourage the development of a national strategy with Indigenous Peoples to define roles, timelines, and measures of success, ensuring our collective benefit and progress.

Once again, congratulations on your election victory. We wish you every success in your role as Prime Minister and look forward to working together to support Indigenous participation in strengthening the Canadian economy.