Indigenous Leadership Critical in Response to U.S. Tariffs

As the voice of Indigenous business in Manitoba, we are issuing this statement in response to the recent US tariffs on Canadian goods and the subsequent retaliatory measures announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 3, 2025.

The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) stands in solidarity with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak's assertion that "we won't defeat Trump's colonialism with more colonialism in Canada" and her reminder that "Canada is on First Nations land." This fundamental truth must inform Canada's response to these economic challenges and actions to support indigenous business.

With approximately 70% of Manitoba's exports destined for the U.S., our province's key industries—agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources—face unprecedented challenges. Indigenous entrepreneurs, who play vital roles in these trade-dependent sectors, now confront reduced demand, rising costs, and tighter profit margins that threaten not just their businesses but the community programs and jobs they support.

Indigenous businesses contributed $56.1 billion to Canada's GDP in 2021 and have shown significant growth, increasing by 57.6% over the past decade (2012-2021), outpacing the total economy by 37.6%. With plans to double to $100 billion annually and a proven multiplier effect ($3.6 million in GDP for every $1 million invested), Indigenous enterprises are economic powerhouses whose inclusion in Canada's tariff response strategy is essential.

We call upon federal, provincial, and municipal governments to:

• Immediately strengthen procurement policies to prioritize Indigenous businesses, creating a buffer against international trade volatility
• Include Indigenous leaders in all federal-provincial-territorial meetings addressing the tariff crisis
• Develop targeted relief programs specifically designed for Indigenous enterprises facing trade disruptions
• Create long-term strategies for market diversification and economic resilience with Indigenous businesses as core partners
• Recognize that Indigenous sovereignty and economic self-determination must be part of any discussion of trade and tariffs

"It's a lost opportunity when the elected leadership of Canada, provinces, territories don't automatically see Indigenous peoples and the Indigenous elected leaders as partners in Team Canada," said Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden. We echo this sentiment and emphasize that Indigenous businesses must be seen as strategic partners in Canada's economic defense.

Immediate action is essential. We call on all parties to recognize that the long-term impacts of these tariffs require meaningful collaboration that includes Indigenous business leadership and knowledge in developing effective solutions. This crisis presents an opportunity for Canada to honour treaty relationships and Indigenous rights while building more just economic structures for the future.