Survey finds majority of Canadians support strengthening of Indigenous businesses

A new survey has determined that almost 80 per cent of Canadians realize the importance of having successful Indigenous businesses in the country.

Results of a Leger survey were released this past week. A total of 1,589 Canadians from across the country took part in the online survey, which was held over three days late last month (May 28 to May 30).

The survey was commissioned by Sodexo Canada in partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).

Sodexo Canada is a company that has provided food and facilities management services throughout the country for more than four decades.

The CCAB is a national association that works to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy by fostering business relationships, opportunities and awareness.

The goal of the survey was to determine how Canadians felt about creating sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Four key findings of the survey that were made public on June 17 are:

• 79 per cent of Canadians recognize that Indigenous participation in the economy strengthens Canada’s social fabric.
• 76 per cent believe that private sector support for Indigenous businesses is an important pathway to healing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous people.
• 79 per cent recognize the importance of thriving Indigenous businesses to the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous people.
• 77 per cent agree Canadian corporations should include Indigenous owned and operated businesses in their supplier networks whenever possible.

“I’m more happy than surprised,” said Jonathan Kruger, Sodexo Canada’s director of Indigenous relations, about the survey results. “It warms my heart.”

Before joining Sodexo Canada five years ago, Kruger had served as chief of the Penticton Indian Band in British Columbia from 2008 to 2016. And before becoming chief he spent nine years as a councillor for his First Nation.

CCAB president and CEO Tabatha Bull was also pleased with the key takeaways from the survey.

“The success of Indigenous businesses clearly matters to Canadians,” Bull said. “The fact that Canadians expect the private sector to step up with action to help Indigenous entrepreneurs sends a powerful message to decision makers.”

Bull also believes Indigenous business operators will also be thrilled to see survey results.

“This broad public support will also fuel the optimism of Indigenous business owners,” she said. “The role that procurement can play in offering a hand up will incentivize businesses to champion and encourage Indigenous business inclusion at all levels of business interaction and participation.”

The release of the survey results is timely as it comes during National Indigenous History Month. The month celebrates accomplishments of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and their cultures and heritage.

Other survey results show 74 per cent of respondents felt that Indigenous businesses have a great deal to offer to the Canadian economy.

And more than seven out of every 10 Canadians (71 per cent) believe that the long-term strategies for Canadian corporations should include continuous support for Indigenous companies, including training and mentoring.

Also, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of those who completed the survey, felt companies that conduct business on or near First Nations, Métis or Inuit lands should, whenever possible, obtain services from Indigenous businesses.

After leaving behind leadership capacities for his First Nation, Kruger has made it a priority to lead in the corporate world.

“My personal mission is Indigenous prosperity,” he said. “I’m so happy I’m at Sodexo which believes in Indigenous prosperity and personal growth.”

Sodexo Canada currently has 84 Indigenous-owned enterprises in its Canadian supply chain.

“It assures us at Sodexo we’re on the right path,” Kruger said. “Our numbers are really amazing actually.”

Kruger is hoping many other businesses follow the example his company is setting.

“I would like to see more industries doing the great work we are doing,” he said. “We need to encourage growth in all these sectors. We hope it will spark more partnerships.”

Erwin Joosten, Sodexo Canada’s senior vice-president of energy and resources, was also encouraged with the survey results.

“It is highly gratifying to see that a strong majority of Canadians share our belief in supporting a thriving Indigenous economy,” he said. “When provided with the right resources, the potential of Indigenous businesses is limitless.”

Joosten believes corporate Canada should be doing all it can to assist Indigenous businesses.

“We believe it’s our duty to help these entrepreneurs innovate, grow and prosper,” he said. “Our experience is that companies that have success engaging with Indigenous communities and businesses have two things in common: they base their relationships on respect for Indigenous culture and values and focus on constantly strengthening economic and business opportunities for their Indigenous partners.”

With the number of people who completed the survey, a probability sample of the same size would be expected to have a margin of error of either plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporters are supported by a financial contribution made by the Government of Canada.