Social Procurement Roundtable: Navigating Socio-Economic Reconciliation

The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it will be co-hosting a Social Procurement Roundtable event in conjunction with the City of Winnipeg. Scheduled for September 25, 2024, at the Red River College Roundhouse Auditorium, this event aims to foster new relationships between Indigenous-owned businesses and social-enterprises, and key actors from the public sector.  

This roundtable event will serve as an important platform to advance socio-economic reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through effective social procurement practices. 

The third installment of the Social Procurement Roundtable will emphasize how social procurement can be leveraged as a tool for socio-economic reconciliation. This focus is a direct response to feedback from previous roundtables, where participants expressed a desire for more emphasis on Indigenous procurement and opportunities for Indigenous-led enterprises. 

In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action #92, the event will feature a presentation from a prominent private sector organization as they share the steps they have taken on their journey to reconciliation, offering a real-world perspective on the challenges and successes of integrating these principles into business practices. 

Primarily, the roundtable is set to foster a relationship-building opportunity between social value suppliers, such as Indigenous-owned business and Indigenous-led social enterprises, and purchasing entities in operation with the City of Winnipeg. By facilitating these connections, the roundtable aims to create a stronger network of support and collaboration. 

Secondarily, the aim of the event is to promote education and awareness regarding sustainable procurement practices, ensuring that all parties can understand the importance of how these practices can contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation. 

To start the program, the event will begin with brief introductory remarks followed by the presentation segment with a chance for a question-and-answer period. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with the involved parties to explore opportunities and strengthen community ties. 

By concentrating on these key areas, the Social Procurement Roundtable seeks to make meaningful progress in socio-economic reconciliation, fostering an environment where Indigenous businesses and social enterprises can thrive alongside their partners.