Anishnawbe Business Professional Association Calls on Federal Minister Patty Hadju to activate National First Nations Procurement Authority

Press Release

November 25, 2024 – Robinson-Superior Treaty, Fort William First Nation Territory,
Thunder Bay, Ontario: The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) is calling on the federal government to formally support the establishment of a First Nations Procurement Authority (FNPA) as proposed by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA). This initiative is crucial to addressing ongoing challenges within the federal procurement system, including concerns about Indigenous identity fraud and a lack of transparency. The ABPA believes that the FNPA is essential to ensuring that Indigenous businesses have a fair and equitable opportunity to participate in federal procurement. The FNPA will also help to build procurement capacity within First Nations communities and
create more business contracting opportunities and employment ensuring that rights holders are a part of reconciliation.

Concerns with Current Federal Procurement

Recent controversies, including issues with the ArriveCAN, the resignation of Randy Boissonnault from cabinet over claims of Indigenous heritage, and the swift removal of 1,100 companies from the Indigenous Business Registry by Minister Hajdu, highlight the need for reform. The lack of transparency and consultation with First Nations leaders and mandated Indigenous organizations in this process has further fueled concerns about the government’s approach to Indigenous procurement.

“Recent controversies surrounding Indigenous identity fraud have damaged trust and hindered reconciliation efforts. The FNPA, led by NACCA’s expertise in verifying Indigenous identity, will ensure transparency and accountability in federal procurement, restoring confidence in the system,” stated Jason Rasevych, President, ABPA.

NACCA: A Strong Foundation for the FNPA

NACCA has a long history of working with Indigenous businesses and communities, making them well-positioned to lead the development and implementation of the FNPA. NACCA’s
strengths include:

• Representing rightsholders: The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) resolution, backed by over 600 Chiefs, mandates the establishment of a First Nations Procurement structure and designates NACCA as the host for the FNPA. The First Nation Procurement Authority also has the support from the five (5) National Indigenous organization including NACCA, FNFA (First Nations Finance Authority),FMB (First Nations Management Board (FMB), Aboriginal Finance Officers
• Association (AFOA Canada), and the Council of Native Development Officers, CANDO.
• Alignment with UNDRIP/FPIC: The FNPA directly supports the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly Articles 3 and 32, which affirm the right to self-determination and economic participation. It also responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nation Declaration Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Free Prior Informed Consent framework by promoting
  economic reconciliation and empowering Indigenous communities.
• Extensive network: For almost 40 years, NACCA has been collaborating with 58 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) across Canada, including the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund in Thunder Bay, demonstrating a commitment to fostering
  Indigenous economic independence.

“NACCA is dedicated to fostering Indigenous economic self-reliance on a national scale. The FNPA will help us achieve this goal by ensuring Indigenous businesses have a fair chance to participate in federal procurement opportunities,” says Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, NACCA.
“NACCA welcomes the support from the ABPA as we strive to stand up the First Nations Procurement Authority. Its integral to support mandated and right-holder created service providers to ensure the impact reaches authentic Indigenous businesses and communities. “

“The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is proud to support the FNPA initiative,” says Brian Davey, CEO, NADF. “The FNPA is projected to create jobs and generate economic activity within First Nations communities in Northern Ontario and across Canada. The FNPA
will reduce dependence on government assistance, ultimately contributing to a stronger Canadian economy.”

The ABPA calls on Minister Hajdu and Minister Duclos to take immediate action to support the FNPA, including providing funding in the upcoming budget and enacting legislation to formally establish the authority. This will ensure the FNPA is operational by the first quarter of 2025.

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