Study aims to change the narrative around Indigenous economic contributions to Thunder Bay

A recent partnership between Fort William First Nation and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), aims to complete an Indigenous Economic Impact Analysis that will track how much money the Indigenous community is contributing to the Thunder Bay economy. 

The project was announced at the Prosperity Northwest Conference last week in Thunder Bay.

The other partners in the project include the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund (NADF) and the Anishnawbe Business Professionals Association (ABPA).

Brian Davey, CEO of the NADF and director of the ABPA, said the organizations have always understood Indigenous contributions to be enormous, but never knew what that entailed.

"Very often we see the downside or the negative side of some of the issues that are plaguing Indigenous people, and this is a good-news story. We're excited and we're looking forward to seeing the results come forward," said Davey.

"The research initiative aims to unveil the contributions of Indigenous people and communities to the Thunder Bay economic landscape and foster a deeper understanding of their role, or our role, in shaping a more inclusive and a prosperous future for all citizens." 

The analysis will clear out any uncertainty about Indigenous people's spending and hopefully showcase their contribution to the local economy, Davey said.

"We all have a vested interest in the prosperity of the city," he added, referring to all of the contributing organizations that will take part in the analysis. 

The CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission said the project aims to change the narrative about Indigenous contributions to the economy.

"We are always looking to support our Indigenous partners and work together." Jamie Taylor said.

"We have Indigenous communities and members visiting all the time," said Taylor. "Whether or not it would be for medical reasons, education reasons, could be for a conference, or it could be for general shopping, using the services that are available and visiting as well right in our community."

The Thunder Bay CEDC has hired ICE Inc, Indigenous Community Engagement Inc., to work in partnership with Big River Analytics to complete the work. 

"We're hoping to have a first draft later this fall and then hopefully be able to release the final study before the end of the calendar year." said Taylor. 

Jason Rasevych, president of the Anishnawbe Business Professionals Association, said the ABPA is really excited to start off with baseline data and be able to monitor economic activity moving forward.

 "We are also considering the rights of Indigenous people in the North," said Rasevych.

"So there is that understanding with non-Indigenous business or non-Indigenous operators coming into the region that need to have a better understanding of what needs to be done to build those positive connections and relationships moving forward."

The Indigenous economy is set to grow to $100 billion across Canada in the next few years, Rasevych said.