Indigenous business on the rise

Economic development director Keith Matthew says having conversations on indigenous history is the first step towards developing a robust indigenous economy.

He is part of a Canadian delegation heading to the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) in Rotorua this week.

Matthew says, “Indigenous people, we share a common struggle and in that struggle, good things come out like strength, how we create those partnerships that are long-lasting.”

WIBF is a major international platform to showcase Māori business, engage indigenous people in global economic discussions and leverage indigenous trade.

Cassandra Dorrington of the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) says, “People have been underrepresented. It’s time for us to sit at the table.  The lessons we’ve had- we want to be able to share those.”

Around 1,000 business participants from around the world are expected to attend.

“Wealth is a by-product of being a healthy people.  Our language, our culture, our history is our strength like it is for the Māori people, but we want to share that,” says Matthew.