Fireside Chat – Indigenous Reconciliation's Impact on the Canadian Economy
The Government of Canada is a major buyer of goods and services, spending around $22 billion annually on behalf of federal departments and agencies. As part of its Indigenous reconciliation with efforts, the government has committed to allocating 5% of its contracts to Indigenous suppliers, totaling $1.1 billion in potential contracts.
Join this 30-minute fireside chat with David Carriere-Acco, MBA, Assistant Professor and Academic Program Coordinator, Certificate in Indigenous Business Management at McGill SCS, and Bradley Smith, industrial cooperation manager, exploring how business management and entrepreneurship can support the government in meeting its 5% contracting target with Indigenous suppliers. Our two speakers will discuss the reasons behind this target, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and its impact on the industry's supply chain.
Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of Indigenous economic empowerment within government procurement and how business management and entrepreneurship education can close the gap.
This event will be held in English.
Speakers
About David Carriere-Acco
David Carrière-Acco, is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. He holds an MBA (International Business Concentration), as well as graduate degrees in Marketing, eCommerce and Business Analysis. Since launching Acosys in 2006, David has established himself and Acosys as a premier Indigenous-led consulting firm specializing in facilitating constructive and respectful Indigenous engagement on behalf of governments, corporate clients, and non-governmental organizations. David has worked with Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada, garnering extensive experience in the design, implementation, and facilitation of successful Indigenous engagement initiatives.
In 2008 David, together with Julie Lepage, created an Indigenous Internship Program which provides the opportunity for Indigenous people to work and be mentored on their client projects. This has earned Acosys numerous awards and newsworthy media articles. The program has been very successful to create opportunity to Indigenous people but also bring greater workplace diversity. David believes that the critical part of Canada’s path to reconciliation with its Indigenous people is dependent inclusion in Canadian economy and workforce within a spirit of Nation-to-Nation relationship.
In August 2023, David joined McGill university as an Assistant Professor and Academic Program Coordinator, Certificate in Indigenous Business Management at the Management and Entrepreneurship Domain, School of Continuing Studies.
David is passionate about the use technology combined with Indigenous Traditional Knowledge to develop environmental protection and climate adaptation solutions for all of Canada and continues his work to build Indigenous capacity especially in STEM professions. He also is a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves as an officer in the Air Cadet program promoting development of Canada’s youth and interest in the aviation and aerospace.
About Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith holds a doctorate degree and is a highly diversified and accomplished leader in the fields of Offset Fulfillment, Government Relations, Business Development, Sourcing, Marketing and Sales. He has proven experience and success in growing profitable ventures, implementing change management, defining marketing & sales strategies and building and motivating commercial and operations teams.