Historically, the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) has concerned itself primarily with rights-based issues, as Indigenous Peoples around the world struggled for their recognition as peoples, often within settler states with a history of displacement. This year’s theme, “Indigenous peoples, business, autonomy, and the human rights principles of due diligence including free, prior and informed consent,” represents an opportunity to amplify the economic rights, interests, and accomplishments of Indigenous peoples and communities.
On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) received Royal Assent in Canada. This legislation contains three legal obligations, all to be carried out in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:
This side event provides an opportunity to share views on the implementation of the UN Declaration in various states, its links to the economic development of Indigenous peoples, and how the Declaration can be leveraged as a tool for the full realization of the economic potential of Indigenous Peoples. It includes presentations from prominent Indigenous leaders as well as a moderated discussion on how the United Nations system and other States could utilize these findings.
In June 2020, the Government of Canada committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous businesses in federal procurement by creating a new target to have 5% of federal contracts awarded to businesses managed and led by Indigenous peoples.
In response to this initiative, the Board is currently putting the finishing touches on a business plan for an Indigenous Procurement Institute. We hope this will be well received, as the proposed Institute is the single most important investment that could be undertaken in the short term to achieve economic reconciliation.
Modeled after Supply Nation Australia, this Institute would be tasked with the creation of a functional and comprehensive database of verified and certified Indigenous businesses, and would help build Indigenous economic capacity, share leading practices, and deliver programs and services.
Dawn Madahbee Leach, Chairperson of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board
Panelists:
Remarks:
Co-Chairs: