Atāmitowin: Export Experiences of Indigenous Entrepreneurs

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Atāmitowin: Export Experiences of Indigenous Entrepreneurs

A joint report by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Global Affairs Canada

Published: September 18, 2024

Atāmitowin aims to enhance our understanding of the obstacles facing Indigenous entrepreneurs and exporters. This is the second and final report resulting from a recent partnership between Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Our previous report, Adàwe, sought to illuminate the exporting and business activities of Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Atāmitowin builds on this work by examining the growth and exporting obstacles that might explain this gap and explores what we heard from Indigenous entrepreneurs themselves about possible supports. A better understanding of obstacles and supports can inform governments and communities serving these businesses, ultimately helping them find international success that benefits Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities at home. Recognizing the unique business operating environments and challenges that come with locations in remote regions or within Indigenous communities, we enrich our national survey analysis with case studies from three First Nations communities, including extensive interviews with businesses and economic development officers (EDOs).