From Readiness To Reach: Indigenous Trade, Partnership and Economic Growth in Alberta
Press Release
April 28, 2026
Trade has long been a bridge between peoples on these lands—a way of building relationships grounded in trust, reciprocity and respect. Today, Indigenous-owned businesses in Alberta continue that tradition, connecting local economies to regional and global markets.
This report, produced by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL) in partnership with ATB Financial (ATB) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), was undertaken to fill a critical knowledge gap: understanding how Indigenous entrepreneurs in Alberta participate in and are affected by trade. Using Statistics Canada microdata (2005–21) and the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (2021–25), it offers one of the most detailed looks yet at Indigenous trade engagement in the province.
Top 3 takeaways
- A small but maturing export ecosystem. While the majority of Indigenous-owned firms in Canada focus on local markets, a stable core of 150 to 170 businesses export annually, generating between $300 million and $400 million. Alberta represents roughly 15 per cent of all Indigenous-owned exporting enterprises in Canada.
- Deep local Alberta roots. Most Indigenous-owned businesses in Alberta are focused on domestic trade and have less exposure to the US than other Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada.
- Tried and true resilience. In the face of rising costs and tariff uncertainties, those Indigenous-owned businesses that do trade with the US are demonstrating pragmatism through adjusting prices, finding new suppliers and renewing their focus on Canadian relationships.
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