Success Stories

Stone Inukshuk, or traditional Inuit stone wayfinding marker on gravel beach. Small drifts of snow at base of marker and waves crashing against the shoreline behind Inukshuk. The sky is blue with storm clouds in the distance near the horizon.

The Board believes that amplifying Indigenous voices and successes will encourage greater investment and economic development in Indigenous communities across Canada, leading to a more prosperous and resilient future for all involved.

Storytelling is a cornerstone of Indigenous cultures, serving as a means of preserving traditions, transmitting knowledge, fostering resilience, and strengthening community bonds. It is a vital aspect of Indigenous identity and a powerful tool for cultural continuity and empowerment.

Sharing stories about thriving Indigenous businesses, whether in traditional sectors like arts and crafts, or in modern industries such as technology and renewable energy, is a way to illustrate the diverse skill sets, innovative approaches, and strong cultural values that Indigenous entrepreneurs bring to the table.

Naawi-Oodena: The largest urban reserve in Canada

Naawi-Oodena is an urban reserve in Manitoba jointly controlled by Treaty One First Nations. The land was occupied by the Canadian military for many decades. The Treaty One Senior Management Team presented to the NIEDB in September 2023 and shared lessons from Treaty One’s 20-year journey to secure the land for the seven Treaty One First Nations.

Success Stories Archive

More stories will be added to this space in the near future. Please check back soon for updates.

The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) Success Stories

The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This approach fills gaps in other funding programs that might create a barrier to Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities.

The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative supports clean energy projects in First Nations communities throughout British Columbia. It ensures ownership, revenue sharing, local employment, and business development benefits for First Nations are built into the process. The Initiative also helps create opportunities for First Nations communities to become more self-sufficient while reducing their dependency on conventional diesel power generation.

Partnerships adding Strength to Indigenous Businesses

Mentorships offered by Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI) support Indigenous entrepreneurs and foster enduring partnerships.