Dene leaders said without a dedicated policy acknowledging the procurement rights of Indigenous people on their traditional lands, there can be no “true economic reconciliation.”
On Tuesday, Dene National Chief Mackenzie issued a public statement in response to the GNWT’s decision to cancel an Indigenous procurement policy that was years in the making.
Dene leaders are calling on the N.W.T. government to re-implement and to resume work on a dedicated policy towards economic reconciliation.
In the statement, Dene leaders expressed disappointment and frustration regarding the decision to cancel it.
“This decision, following years of public engagement and consultation, marks a significant setback for Indigenous economic reconciliation and the advancement of Dene-owned businesses in the territory.”
Chief Mackenzie said a GNWT decision to cancel, instead of implementing changes, has been met with criticism by Indigenous communities in the territory.
“The GNWT’s justification for abandoning the policy—citing a lack of consensus on definitions and contract preferences—has been met with widespread criticism from Indigenous communities. Instead of addressing systemic inequities, the GNWT has opted for a diluted approach, focusing solely on data collection without implementing meaningful changes to procurement practices.”
The procurement policy was a decade in the making, with input from Indigenous leaders, including the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government. Government leaders and stakeholders had worked towards creating a procurement policy that prioritized Indigenous businesses in government contracts.
“Such a policy would create economic opportunities, foster localized wealth, and address historical injustices that have disadvantaged Indigenous enterprises under the current system,” said Dene leadership in the statement issued on Tuesday morning.
“The GNWT’s decision to cancel the policy is a betrayal of these efforts and demonstrates a lack of political will to prioritize reconciliation through economic empowerment. True leadership requires navigating complex issues to deliver solutions that benefit marginalized communities, yet the GNWT has failed once again to rise to this challenge,” said the Dene National Chief.
Indigenous leaders said the setback could have serious ramifications on progress towards economic reconciliation and the advancement of Dene-owned businesses in the territory.
Some of the impacts outlined by the Dene leaders included that Indigenous businesses remain excluded from current policies that fail to acknowledge their procurement rights in the territory.
Not having a dedicated policy risks the perpetuation of an “uneven playing field,” said Chief Mackenzie.
Dene leadership said that the Business Incentive Policy that remains in place is outdated and fails to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous enterprises.
They said the GNWT’s move to focus on data collection in place of activating a policy towards economic reconciliation “postpones progress” towards greater economic equity for Indigenous communities.
“Economic reconciliation is not a matter of convenience; it is a moral and political essential requirement. The GNWT’s decision to prioritize organizational processes over meaningful action undermines trust and promotes biases for Dene businesses,” said Chief Mackenzie.
The Dene leaders said that an Indigenous procurement policy created through collaboration could is needed to implement “clear” definitions that would lay the groundwork for inclusive criteria that reflect the realities Indigenous businesses face. Such a policy could help create more tangible advantages for Indigenous businesses in government contracts, helping spur growth.
Leaders said a procurement agreement is also needed to help ensure transparency and accountability in policy implementation.
“Indigenous communities deserve policies that honour their contributions, uphold their rights, and support their prosperity.”
North Now reached out to the GNWT and will share their response when it becomes available.
On June 30, the GNWT adopted “a new definition” for Indigenous businesses in the N.W.T.
Representatives with GNWT said the new definition was aimed at bringing greater “clarity” to reporting on Indigenous participation in government procurement.
“While there was strong interest in measures to support Indigenous participation in government procurement, engagement also identified differing views on definitions, procurement approaches, and potential impacts,” read a message issued by the GNWT’s Finance department.
According to the message, the establishment of a clear definition would allow for a “consistent” way to report findings and information.
“Given the range of views, establishing a clear definition is a practical step that can be taken now. A shared definition provides a consistent basis for reporting and discussion, while avoiding unintended impacts on fairness, competition, and existing procurement processes.”
Officials said that they planned to add the definition to the GNWT Procurement Guidelines for information and reporting purposes only.
Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said a clear definition was needed on how policy should change.
“What we heard clearly through engagement was a strong interest in Indigenous participation in procurement, but no shared agreement on how policy should change. Putting a clear definition in place gives everyone a common understanding to work from. It allows us to have more informed, evidence‑based conversations.”
