In 2016, the annual economic value of Canada’s Indigenous economy was estimated at $32 billion. CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute Carol Anne Hilton — The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s keynote speaker for its upcoming luncheon on October 30 — looked at that number and knew it could be much more significant.
Hilton issued a challenge to all Canadians to bring that evaluation of $32 billion to $100 billion by the year 2024.
That might sound like a daunting task, but whether one dollar or $100 billion, it all starts at the same place; on the ground, at your local Indigenous-owned businesses.
You can contribute directly to that $100 billion goal by checking out even just one of these five great local Indigenous businesses:
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Native Canadian Chip Corporation – Have you tried Tomahawk Chips yet? One hundred per cent Canadian and Aboriginal owned, you can find these delicious chips at any Red River Co-Op in Winnipeg, or have them delivered right to your doorstep through Amazon.
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First Peoples Development Inc. – The FPDI is a local administrative organization for the national Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, providing oversight, support and guidance for many local programs addressing training and employment barriers for Indigenous peoples.
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Mother Earth Recycling – On the surface, Mother Earth Recycling just appears to be providing a much-needed service in mattress, box spring and e-waste pick-up and repurposing, but they also provide meaningful training and employment opportunities to the local Indigenous community, including youths.
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Swan Lake First Nation Gaming Centre – Located on Swan Lake First Nation 8a just 10 minutes west of Winnipeg, the Gaming Centre first opened in 2006 and still today carries on with the goal of creating revenue for community initiatives and providing employment opportunities for the members of Swan Lake First Nation.
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Indigeno Travel – With a goal of being the leading national Indigenous-owned travel and tourism agency in Canada, Indigeno Travel is headquartered in Winnipeg and offers corporate, leisure and specialty destination travel through partnerships with two of Canada’s leading travel agencies.
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On October 30, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce will co-host a ‘Before Business Mixer’ with the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m. at the Fort Garry Hotel, followed by our October Membership Luncheon with Carol Anne Hilton at 11:30 a.m., also at the Fort Garry Hotel.
Tickets for both events are still available, but space is limited, so get yours today!
