‘A significant setback for Indigenous economic reconciliation’

The GNWT is committed to developing an Indigenous Procurement Policy to support NWT Indigenous businesses in GNWT procurement opportunities.

–   The GNWT in April, 2025

“What we heard clearly through engagement was a strong interest in Indigenous participation in procurement, but no shared agreement on how policy should change.”

–  Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek, July 2026

The Dene Nation says it’s “profoundly disappointed and frustrated” with the GNWT for its decision to cancel the long-awaited Indigenous procurement policy.

National Chief George Mackenzie stated this week that the decision follows years of public engagement and consultation, and “marks a significant setback for Indigenous economic reconciliation and the advancement of Dene-owned businesses in the territory.”

He continued: “The GNWT’s decision to cancel the policy (development process) 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.”

On June 29^th, the GNWT announced it has adopted a new definition of an NWT Indigenous business to help bring clarity to reporting on Indigenous participation in government procurement.

The GNWT acknowledged the strong interest in measures to support Indigenous participation in government procurement since discussions first began in 2021.

But, no consensus could be reached, stated the GNWT, citing “differing views on definitions, procurement approaches, and potential impacts.”

The new definition will be added to GNWT Procurement Guidelines for information and reporting purposes only.

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It does not change how contracts are awarded, introduce procurement preferences, or alter existing procurement rules.

Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek stated: “Putting a clear definition in place gives everyone a common understanding to work from. It allows us to have more informed, evidence‑based conversations.”

However, the Dene Nation stated 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 action of cancelling the policy comes after a decade of unfulfilled promises,” stated Mackenzie.

“For years, Indigenous leaders, including the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government, have advocated for a procurement policy that prioritizes 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.”

The Dene Nation stated the GNWT’s cancellation of the Indigenous procurement policy has immediate and far-reaching consequences:

• No Direct Advantage: Indigenous businesses remain excluded from targeted preferences in government contracts, perpetuating an uneven playing field.
• Continued Frustration: The outdated Business Incentive Policy (BIP) remains in place, failing to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous enterprises.
• Delayed Economic Reconciliation: The GNWT’s focus on data collection over action further postpones progress toward 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.”

The Dene Nation demands that the GNWT reverse its decision and immediately resume work on implementing a dedicated Indigenous procurement policy.

This policy must include:

• Clear Definitions: Establishing inclusive criteria for Indigenous businesses that reflect the realities of Dene-owned enterprises.
• Contract Preferences: Creating tangible advantages for Indigenous businesses in government contracts to foster growth and prosperity.
• Accountability Measures: Ensuring transparency and accountability in policy implementation to prevent further delays.

Chief Mackenzie and the Dene Nation, “urge the GNWT to take immediate action to rectify this injustice and demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation through economic empowerment.

“Indigenous communities deserve policies that honor their contributions, uphold their rights, and support their prosperity.”

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Under the new definition, an NWT Indigenous business:

• is registered under the GNWT Business Incentive Policy; and
• is registered on the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory or is a publicly available business registry maintained by an NWT Modern Treaty Partner.

The definition is being introduced for information and reporting purposes only and does not provide procurement preferences or competitive advantages.

The definition will be reflected in public procurement reporting beginning in the 2026–27 fiscal year.