AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Calls for Indigenous Procurement Policy Intensify in Northwest Territories
As major infrastructure and military projects loom in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.), Indigenous leaders and local business owners are voicing renewed calls for the territory to introduce an Indigenous procurement policy. Advocates argue that such a policy is needed to support Indigenous-owned businesses competing for government contracts against larger, non-Indigenous firms from outside the region.
Existing Policies Elsewhere Highlight Gap in N.W.T.
Both Yukon and Nunavut have enacted procurement policies that favour Indigenous businesses, adjusting the value of contract bids based on the degree of Indigenous ownership. These measures are credited with offering Indigenous-owned firms a fairer chance at securing government contracts. In contrast, the N.W.T. currently lacks a similar framework. Instead, it relies on its own Business Incentive Policy, federal standards, or guidelines set by modern treaty partners to define Indigenous businesses and track contract allocations. However, Indigenous leaders and business owners argue this approach is insufficient, especially with billions of dollars in projects impending.
Small Business Owners Cite Barriers to Participation
Mildred Martin, an Indigenous co-owner of Wintergreen Travel in Fort Smith, has spoken out about the challenges her business faces in the absence of a dedicated policy. Martin participated in government consultations, hoping for the adoption of an Indigenous procurement framework, and believes her company and others like it have lost out on opportunities as a result.
"There's a lot of barriers for Indigenous people," Martin said, highlighting the legal and structural hurdles associated with bidding processes. She emphasized that a targeted policy could help Indigenous entrepreneurs surmount bureaucratic obstacles, increasing their chances to win government contracts and stimulating Indigenous business growth in the region. Martin remains hopeful that the government will reconsider its decision and adopt the policy, underscoring its necessity for economic advancement.
Civic and Indigenous Leaders Advocate for Change
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie has been a prominent voice in the campaign for an Indigenous procurement policy in the N.W.T., drawing attention to the advantages such policies have provided Indigenous communities in Yukon and Nunavut. Mackenzie urged authorities to act quickly, especially as large projects are planned on Dene lands. "The rules have to change now, before those contracts go out," he stated.
Mackenzie proposed updates to the existing Business Incentive Policy, including bid adjustments based on Indigenous ownership, extra incentives for work on Indigenous lands, crediting Indigenous employment, and establishing publicly assessed annual targets. He warned that, without clear policies, Indigenous businesses could be outcompeted by major corporations for lucrative contracts.
N.W.T. Métis Nation President Garry Bailey echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of such a policy for Indigenous people without settled land claims or modern treaties. Bailey cautioned that the lack of a procurement policy would result in missed opportunities, lack of commitment, and limited recourse for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Government Review and Decision Not to Proceed
The government of the N.W.T. considered adopting an Indigenous procurement policy for five years but ultimately decided not to proceed as announced earlier this year. A government spokesperson cited the inability to reach consensus on key policy details and difficulties clarifying the current extent of Indigenous participation in procurement as reasons for the decision.
Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart recently raised the issue in the legislature, sharing feedback from Indigenous business leaders dissatisfied with the process and its outcome. Testart underscored that economic reconciliation requires targeted policies supporting Indigenous-run businesses and economic development initiatives of Indigenous governments within the territory.
Looking Ahead: Unresolved Issues Remain
With significant government spending and new projects on the horizon, the debate over an Indigenous procurement policy in the N.W.T. remains unresolved. Many stakeholders are concerned that, without such measures, Indigenous-owned businesses will continue to face disadvantages in accessing government contracts vital to their growth and the territory’s economic development. Calls persist for the government to revisit the issue and implement a policy that levels the playing field for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the N.W.T.
Source: cbc.ca.
