Indigenous Partnerships Could Double Canada's Economy

Canada's economic future is getting brighter, and Indigenous communities are leading the way.

A new report from Deloitte's Future of Canada Centre reveals that Indigenous partnerships represent one of the country's most powerful untapped opportunities for economic growth. The numbers tell an incredible story: Indigenous gross domestic income has soared from $37.6 billion to $63.7 billion between 2013 and 2023.

"Indigenous peoples being included in economic growth and new projects is going to be part of the solution and not an additional cost," said Dean Janvier, a partner at Deloitte Canada and member of the Cold Lake First Nations. "In fact, it will be a net benefit to Canada."

The report draws on insights from 12 nationally recognized Indigenous business leaders and three leading Indigenous-owned business entities. Their experiences show that when companies take time to build genuine relationships with First Nations communities before starting projects, everyone wins with lower costs and higher productivity.

Indigenous communities are already playing major roles in crucial sectors like fishing, forestry, mining, and oil and gas. Companies are learning that showing up, listening, and building trust from the start creates better outcomes than old approaches ever did.

"It starts with respect," Janvier explained. "Showing up, listening, and taking time to establish that familiarity becomes the basis of trust in the relationship going forward."

The Ripple Effect

The potential extends far beyond Canadian borders. Indigenous peoples have maintained international relationships with other Indigenous groups worldwide for generations. As Canada reshapes its global trade strategy, these connections could open doors to new markets and partnerships that would otherwise take years to establish.

The report notes that closing existing gaps in economic participation would nearly double the Indigenous economy's scale. While barriers like geographic isolation and resistance to change still exist, momentum is building as more companies recognize that relationship-based approaches deliver real results.

The path forward requires embedding Indigenous partnership, consent, and equity participation into core economic strategies. It means bringing Indigenous worldviews into business decision-making, which the report argues could become a strategic international advantage for Canada in an increasingly connected global economy.

This isn't just about doing what's right anymore. It's about recognizing that Indigenous communities bring economic strength, international connections, and sustainable approaches that position Canada for a more resilient future.