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Man. And Sask. residents less likely to support Indigenous business

Jun 20, 2017 | 5:00 PM

A recently published survey has found Canadians in general believe the creation and support of Indigenous businesses is important, but the numbers are a bit different when it comes to the prairies.

The report compiled by Sodexo Canada and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business found nearly eight in 10 Canadians believed Indigenous businesses strengthen the country as a whole. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 10 per cent of respondents believed Indigenous businesses are “not at all important” in creating sustainable opportunities for Indigenous people compaired with only three per cent in the rest of Canada.

“It’s very clear there’s a disconnect with our non-Indigenous citizens and the impact Indigenous economic development has on the economy,” Shaun Soonias, the executive director of the First Nations Economic Development Network said.

He said he doesn’t know if it’s the history of relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Saskatchewan which has led to the results published in the Sodexo report, but said he sees a shift happening.

“Things are changing. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action are being implemented, integrated and contemplated by business associations and government,” Soonias said.

The Sodexo document also found 40 per cent of respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, compared to 22 in the rest of Canada, are “much less likely” to believe fostering robust Indigenous participation in our economy should be a national priority for government and business. 

“Forty per cent said no, but sixty per cent said yes,” Steve McLellan the executive director of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce said. “Is it 100 per cent yet? No, but there’s an awareness issue there.”

McLellan said the awareness issue can be overcome through word of mouth about Indigenous businesses and through education. Members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce participated in awareness training to learn about subjects like the Treaties, culture, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 recommendations, and the Indian Act among subjects.

He said part of reconciliation with the Indigenous community is being conscience of Indigenous businesses, and intentionally using their services.

Between May 1 and 4, 1,535 Canadians were surveyed online by Sodexo. Information provided with the study states seven per cent of respondents, or roughly 220 people identified from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas