This report summarizes the results of a national survey of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses across Canada on Indigenous participation in procurement. The findings aim to establish a baseline of Indigenous business capacity, explore contract types, identify barriers, and indicate the support necessary for continued success.

Despite the federal five per cent procurement target, surveyed businesses preferred engaging with corporate buyers over government sectors. Analysis revealed that mid-sized contracts form the core market, while lower-value contracts attract more interest than outcomes. Staffing was the most frequently identified area requiring additional capacity, followed closely by working capital. Furthermore, respondents reported challenges across all procurement stages, with the most notable difficulties during the pre-bid phase. Expanding Indigenous participation in procurement will require more than incentives, depending heavily on rethinking how procurement processes are structured and supported.