At a time when middle powers are actively seeking to diversify and reinforce international partnerships, Indigenous trade offers a compelling pathway for resilience, shared prosperity and long-term business opportunities.
Earlier this year, 10 Australian representatives from six Indigenous businesses travelled to Canada to strengthen relationships and explore renewed trade opportunities in an evolving global landscape.
Far from new, Indigenous trade between Australia and Canada has deep historical roots spanning mining services, major infrastructure projects, professional services, food and hospitality, cultural exchange, and more. The most recent Indigenous Trade Mission, led by Supply Nation and Austrade in April–May 2026, builds on this longstanding foundation.
Indigenous economies in both countries are expanding rapidly. In Canada, the Indigenous business sector contributes an estimated $56 billion (CAD) to the economy, according to the Business Development Bank of Canada.
In Australia, Indigenous businesses and corporations generate more than $16 billion (AUD) annually, with growth outpacing the broader SME sector at approximately 12.5% per year, according to Indigenous Business Australia.
Beyond the numbers, there is a deeper alignment: a shared intergenerational focus on family, community, and long-term stewardship. This was reflected in the theme of the 9th Annual First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference in Toronto — “The Next Seven Generations: Our Shared Future”—which Australian delegates attended during the mission.
Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said the mission reinforced both the strength of existing relationships and the potential for future collaboration:
“Supply Nation has been building strong relationships with a range of Canadian organisations over many years, including government, corporate and Indigenous business networks. This longstanding engagement includes leading the first Indigenous trade mission to Canada in 2019. There is much we can learn from each other, as well as significant trading and partnership opportunities.”
The mission aligns closely with Australia’s broader First Nations international engagement strategy, including the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Office of First Nations International Engagement and the Ambassador for First Nations Peoples, Justin Mohamed. Supply Nation is also represented on DFAT’s First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group and contributes to Austrade’s Trade Diversification Network.
Austrade’s Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export, Melanie Harris, who led the mission, described a key moment during the Ottawa welcome event where Canadian Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson highlighted the scale of the Indigenous economy in Alberta:
“The Indigenous economy in Alberta is the same size as the agricultural sector in that province, roughly $10 billion (CAD). Talking with Indigenous peoples, I heard how that economic impact has been a gamechanger for their communities. It makes you ask—what has Canada done differently?”
For delegates, the mission was both practical and deeply personal.
Warrikal Chair Dr Amanda Healy, a Wonnarua woman and founding partner of the Perth-based mining services company Warrikal, described the experience as highly significant.
“I was so surprised by the warm welcome we were given by Canadian Indigenous organisations and industry. There was real generosity in sharing knowledge and culture. Companies like BHP and Hatch are saying they want to support this kind of collaboration. That’s new, and it’s exciting.”
Warrikal, which employs more than 2,000 people and delivers mechanical engineering services to the resources sector, is actively exploring partnerships with local Treaty groups in Canada. The company sees potential expansion into potash, nickel, aluminium, copper and gold projects.
Dr Healy emphasised the broader opportunity.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. I want to see Indigenous capability recognised globally, and young Indigenous people supported into the future. There is also potential for broader trans-Indigenous trade relationships across other markets.”
Delegates also identified opportunities to scale Indigenous innovation across energy and resources sectors.
Austrade’s Melanie Harris noted Canada’s leadership in green energy and its relevance to Australia’s industrial transition. One example of emerging innovation is EPCA (Electric Power Conversions Australia), a First Nations-owned company retrofitting diesel mining equipment into electric vehicles—demonstrating the global potential of Indigenous-led clean technology solutions.
The momentum continues to build. Delegates and representatives from the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), and New Zealand will attend Connect 2026 in Boorloo (Perth), Australia’s largest Indigenous business event, taking place 11–12 August 2026.
With more than 200 exhibitors expected—many from the mining and resources sector—Connect 2026 will showcase the scale, capability and ambition of Indigenous businesses across Australia and beyond.
The opportunity is clear: Indigenous businesses are not only participating in the global arena—they are actively shaping them – one market at a time.
Connect 2026 tickets can be purchased here: Connect 2026