A recent trade delegation to Canada has strengthened Indigenous business engagement in international markets by fostering global connections, commercial opportunities, and Indigenous-to-Indigenous collaboration.
Led by Indigenous business data provider Supply Nation with the support of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the North American trip identified significant opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnership development, and commercial collaboration between Indigenous businesses in Australia and Canada.
Supply Nation said the recent mission to Canada created a platform for Indigenous businesses to connect globally while remaining grounded in culture, community, and shared values.
The organisation's CEO, Kate Russell, said Supply Nation has been developing strong relationships with a range of Canadian entities "over many years," including government, corporate and Indigenous business networks, after leading the first Indigenous trade mission to Canada in 2019.
"The recent mission provided an invaluable opportunity to participate in two major Indigenous business conferences, exchange knowledge and insights with key stakeholders, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration," Ms Russell said.
"It also enabled us to better understand how we can contribute to the Canadian Indigenous business ecosystem while bringing back valuable learnings.
"Most importantly, we had the privilege of leading a delegation of outstanding Indigenous businesses providing them with an opportunity to make new connections in Canada.
"We could not be prouder of those companies nor be more excited about what the future holds for them."
This year's trade mission brought together Australian Indigenous businesses to build relationships, explore market opportunities, and strengthen Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade and collaboration between Australia and Canada.
Delegates represented a diverse range of industry sectors, including consulting and economic advisory services, civil construction, mining services, and animal health, showcasing the breadth and capability of Australia's Indigenous business sector on the international stage.
They included Warrikal, a majority Aboriginal-owned, Western Australian-based company which delivers a comprehensive range of professional, multi-trade services to the resources industry.
Warrikal chair and delegation member, Dr Amanda Healey, said Indigenous people in Canada are eager to develop capabilities that they don't currently have.
"And we're a bit of a unicorn in the capabilities that we have," she added.
"I was so surprised by the warm welcome we were given by Canadian Indigenous organisations and industry. Those people showed us generosity and graciousness, sharing their knowledge and culture."
Dr Healey said Warrikal would consider looking to partner with one or more local Canadian Treaty groups.
"There must be something in it for us, but I also want our partners in Canada to be doing very well," she said.
"That footprint in Canada would allow us to grow into other opportunities. For example, if we work in potash, we could then explore opportunities in nickel, aluminium, copper or gold."
Australian Consulate-General, Toronto Consul-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner, Shelley Jackson, said Austrade was pleased to support Supply Nation in their engagement and meeting program in Canada, saying the country presents "significant potential" for Indigenous business.
"Many Indigenous-owned businesses have the capability to leverage commercial opportunities in international markets," Ms Jackson said.
"First Nations businesses and organisations have shown strong interest in collaboration and shared learnings across both markets.
"Both countries have world leading resources and agribusiness industries, and Australian First Nations businesses with innovative solutions and technologies are finding new opportunities for partnerships."
Following the trade mission, delegates and business representatives from the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association will travel to Australia to participate in Supply Nation's Connect 2026, the nation's largest Indigenous business event.
The event will be held in Boorloo / Perth on 11-12 August, with Supply Nation saying it will provide "a significant platform for strengthening international relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating new opportunities for Indigenous businesses across both countries".
