Chiefs of Ontario developing new First Nations business directory – MiltonToday.ca
September 18, 2025
The organization that represents 133 First Nations in Ontario says the initiative will help local merchants and combat “identity fraud” in Indigenous business.
First Nations-owned businesses are being invited to register for what officials are calling the first Indigenous-led and certified commercial directory in Ontario.
The Chiefs of Ontario and the province announced on Thursday that the organization that represents 133 First Nations in Ontario is building a First Nations business directory that officials say will showcase Indigenous-owned businesses, give them better access to public procurement and contracting opportunities and help cut down on what Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict called “the growing issue of First Nation identity fraud in business,” according to a media release.
“We’ve seen lots of controversy in the last little while around businesses taking opportunities … or contracts that are designed for First Nation businesses when, at the end of the day, some of these businesses aren’t even owned by our people,” Benedict said at a press conference in Timmins on Sept. 11.
