MLT Aikins is partnering with Supply Chain Canada to deliver the Indigenous Procurement Micro Credential, a practical professional development program designed to help participants strengthen their understanding of Indigenous engagement, reconciliation and procurement practices that support Indigenous participation in the economy.
Offered in both in-person and virtual formats, the two-day program explores topics including Treaty relationships, Indigenous engagement models, procurement barriers and strategies for developing, implementing and evaluating Indigenous procurement initiatives. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants gain practical tools and insights that can help them build ethical, transparent and community-informed procurement programs.
MLT Aikins lawyers Drew Lafond and Dani Nichols serve as facilitators for the program, bringing experience advising on Indigenous procurement, economic reconciliation and Indigenous business development.
“Indigenous Peoples are increasingly becoming more active in their participation in economics,” says Drew Lafond, who co-leads the firm’s Indigenous practice area. “Those who are quicker to respond and start building partnerships with Indigenous groups will find those advantages start paying out in dividends very shortly.”
Drew notes that many organizations are beginning their economic reconciliation journey and are seeking practical guidance on how to move forward.
“A lot of organizations are undertaking the path of economic reconciliation in Canada, but they are charting this path for the first time,” he says. “This micro credential provides the building blocks and foundational understandings organizations need to start working more in depth with Indigenous Nations directly.”
The program supports public, private and non-profit sector organizations looking to strengthen relationships with Indigenous businesses, Nations and communities while embedding Indigenous perspectives and procurement models into policies and practices. Participants also have the opportunity to learn alongside procurement professionals, leaders and decision-makers from a range of sectors.
Learn more about the Indigenous Procurement Micro Credential and register for upcoming sessions.
This program is intended to both serve as a valuable resource to Canadian businesses and support the firm’s ongoing work in Indigenous procurement and business matters. MLT Aikins regularly advises Indigenous communities, Indigenous-owned businesses, public sector organizations and private sector clients on procurement strategies, policy development, commercial partnerships and compliance considerations related to Indigenous procurement.
Further reading
In these recent Insights, the firm has examined developments in Federal Indigenous procurement policy, the evolving regulatory landscape for Indigenous procurement programs, and key legal trends affecting supply chain professionals.
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