Supply Nation is set to represent Australia's Indigenous business sector at the 10th Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum in Vancouver this November.

The Forum brings together approximately 150 leaders from both countries to examine global challenges and opportunities and identify areas for greater collaboration across trade and investment, global security, foreign policy, economic growth, innovation and technology, energy, and education.

Supply Nation said while Australia's trade in goods and services with Canada remains relatively modest at $6.1 billion in 2025, two-way investment is significant, totalling $145 billion.

The Indigenous business directory said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses seeking to expand internationally, Canada offers opportunities to access new markets, develop commercial partnerships and connect with a sophisticated network of First Nations enterprises, financial institutions and industry.

Supply Nation CEO, Kate Russell, said the strong response to Supply Nation's recent trade mission reflects both the growing maturity of Australia's Indigenous business sector and the natural alignment between the two countries.

"There is a mature, developed market for Australian Indigenous businesses and their products and services, alongside a recognition of the shared values and potential for collaboration with Canada's First Nations owned businesses," Ms Russell said.

"Our work with Canadian businesses is always front of mind."

Supply Nation said the Forum provides an opportunity to build on relationships established through its trade mission to Canada in June and the participation of Canadian First Nations organisations at Connect 2026 earlier this month.

Held in Boorloo / Perth for the first time from 11-12 August, Connect brought together more than 4,500 attendees and more than 230 Indigenous exhibitors for Australia's largest and longest running event for the Indigenous businesses sector.

Supply Nation said the growing commercial relationship between Indigenous businesses in Australia and First Nations businesses in Canada reflects the complementary strengths of both countries and the potential to create new opportunities across international supply chains.

"Today's partnerships can lay the foundations for a broader global Indigenous trading network," Ms Russell said.

"There is significant potential for strategic partnerships between Australian and Canadian businesses, particularly in delivering services in third markets where Indigenous knowledge, engagement and interests are central to success."

Connect 2026 featured a Knowledge Forum, the Gala Awards Dinner which celebrated the Supplier Diversity Awards finalists and winners, and the Indigenous Business Tradeshow.

The Tradeshow was attended by the Chief Executive Officers of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), as well as representatives from New Zealand, the United States and Taiwan.

NACCA Project Manager, Mark Dokis, said Australia and Canada each bring different strengths.

"Australia has become internationally recognised for supplier diversity through organisations such as Supply Nation," Mr Dokis said.

"Canada has built sophisticated Indigenous financial institutions and investment mechanisms that continue strengthening Indigenous business capability.

"Neither model is complete on its own. Together, they provide valuable lessons for both countries."

Supply Nation said the participation of Canadian First Nations organisations at Connect demonstrates the growing potential for Indigenous businesses and organisations in Australia and Canada to share experience, develop commercial relationships and work together to expand Indigenous participation in international trade and supply chains.

Mr Dokis said Australian exporters should approach Canada strategically.

"Success requires careful market research, understanding regional differences, identifying where demand exists and ensuring products or services can scale commercially across a geographically diverse country," he said.

"Equally important is engaging Indigenous communities and organisations early. Partnerships built after commercial decisions have already been made rarely deliver lasting outcomes."

Supply Nation said the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum provides an important platform to strengthen those relationships and identify practical opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in the growing commercial and investment ties between the two countries.

"Today's partnerships can lay the foundations for a broader global Indigenous trading network," Ms Russell said.

"There is significant potential for strategic partnerships between Australian and Canadian businesses, particularly in delivering services in third markets where Indigenous knowledge, engagement and interests are central to success."

The 10th Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 8-10 November 2026.