About Us

NIEDB Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, December 2024: Left to right: Crystal Martin, Michael Bonshor, Dr Marie Delorme, Andy Moorhouse, Dawn Madahbee Leach, Chief Terry Paul, Victoria LaBillois, Bob Dickson, Danielle Levine. Absent Board Members: Sandra Sutter, Maxime Vollant. — **NIEDB Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, December 2024: Left to right:** Crystal Martin, Michael Bonshor, Dr Marie Delorme, Andy Moorhouse, Dawn Madahbee Leach, Chief Terry Paul, Victoria LaBillois, Bob Dickson, Danielle Levine.
**Absent Board Members:** Sandra Sutter, Maxime Vollant.

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Ministerial appointed board, established in 1990. The Board’s mandate is to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on Indigenous economic development in Canada.

NIEDB members are First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada. This diversity of knowledge and perspective helps governments consider and respond to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast to coast.

The Board’s vision is of Indigenous economic self-sufficiency and socio-economic equality with the rest of Canada. Our mission is to support Indigenous economic inclusion and opportunity and to empower Indigenous Peoples to have a voice in government policy.

The Board believes that Indigenous economic development is critical to the renewal of the nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples based on respect, cooperation, partnership and recognition of rights.

Message from the Chair

Dawn Madahbee Leach, NIEDB Chairperson — **NIEDB Chair:** Dawn Madahbee Leach.

Since its founding more than 30 years ago, the NIEDB has remained committed to advancing its vision of Indigenous economic self-sufficiency and socioeconomic parity with the rest of Canada.

Across Canada, Indigenous Peoples are creating innovative socio-economic opportunities for our communities, as we have always done. We are taking our future into our own hands, exercising our jurisdictional authorities, and strengthening our communities as true Nations. However, there are still many communities that require economic support. That is why it is important to have a strong voice on the policies and programs that are applicable to our People, to drive economic development and close the gaps that remain between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

The Board believes strongly that true reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples cannot be achieved without economic reconciliation. That means creating meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on values and respect. It means having a say in what happens on Indigenous traditional territories. It means reclaiming the Indigenous economy and enhancing the quality of life for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

Seventh generation is an Indigenous concept about looking back and looking ahead. It teaches that our actions today will have their biggest impact seven generations from now. As we continue this important work advancing Indigenous inclusion in the Canadian economy, it is essential that we look to future generations as our guiding light. When Indigenous communities prosper, so do all Canadians, today and tomorrow.

Joining the Board

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board welcomes applications to join the Board. Board Members must be Indigenous and may reside anywhere in Canada.

Candidates must possess considerable and demonstrated experience as an Indigenous leader in the field of business and economic development. Governance experience within a national or regional organization and recognition for achievements in this role are essential. Candidates must also be recognized and respected for their leadership, integrity, and trustworthiness by their peers and by relevant communities of interest.

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