We are only a day away from the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) Sustainable Development Conference, of which Shared Value Solutions is a proud sponsor. This star-studded two-day virtual event takes place March 18 and 19, 2021 and brings together Indigenous communities from across Canada with government and project finance sectors for focused expert discussions.

One of the conference speakers is Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics. Hilton is an international business leader, speaker, advisor, facilator, and author. This week also marks the release of her much-anticipated book Indigenomics - Taking a Seat at the Economic Table. If you are going to read one book this year, make it this one!

What is Indigenomics?

Hilton explains that Indigenomics is a concept that focuses on re-building

and strengthening Indigenous economies. Instead of

linear economic models, Indigenomics walks readers through regenerative economic models that are based on social and spiritual Indigenous wisdom. Grounded in Indigenous worldview, this concept focuses on the values and belief systems that have formed the foundation of Indigenous success for thousands of years.

Now is the time for the revitalization of Indigenous economies — a pathway that offers a way forward for Canada’s economic future. Looking beyond the standard economic concepts of profit, loss, and return on investment, Indigenomics highlights how community-based approaches to business add strength to the momentum of the Indigenous-based economic revolution that is taking place. Hilton uses 10 principles and the associated key themes to guide readers through how Indigenous worldviews inform and promote Indigenous business success. Using examples from Indigenous Peoples around the world, including the Māori in New Zealand, "these principles draw attention to the distinct spiritual spiritual nature of Indigenous reality and worldview. Within an Indigenous worldview, the spiritual domain is the landscape for an Indigenous economy."

Hilton explains how the economic reality we see today is such that the future of the Canadian economy is intimately tied to the economic success of Indigenous Peoples: “It brings into focus the historical context of Indigenous economic distortion, the emerging power shift, and the rise of Indigenous economic empowerment.” 

“It is time. It is time to increase the presence, visibility, and role of the emerging modern Indigenous economy. It is time to bring light and realize the increasing role and responsibility of Indigenous Peoples both within Canada and globally. This is the highest intention of Indigenomics.”

And if this book doesn’t sound awesome enough, we also have a personal connection to it. Don Richardson, a managing partner at SVS, is one of the six key business leaders interviewed for the book. These individuals were chosen for their exceptional work and skill in their field and for their leadership in increasing the visibility and growth of the Indigenous economy.

Because we are such a resource economy here in Canada, today resource revenue needs to flow not just to the federal government and the provinces and the territories but the resource revenue needs to also flow to the Indigenous rights holders as well. Indigenous peoples need to be a part of the decision-making about what gets extracted, of there are secondary processes and how that happens within the management of the territory where they have real rights over. This is the new reality we are facing.  – Don Richardson

The concept of Indigenomics brings power to Indigenous economic platforms through an Indigenous economic development model that centres the “designed by us” approach, instead of the “happened to us” narrative. Indigenous business is taking the business world by storm, and Indigenomics is a revolutionary way forward grounded in the concepts that have sustained and supported Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial.

I had the pleasure and privilege of reading an earlier version of this book as part of the editing team. As someone who knows more about words than about business (as my accountant can attest!!), Hilton has masterfully taken the complex topic of economics, applied the appropriate Indigenous lens, and made it not only informative, educational, and perspective-shifting, but also engaging and enjoyable.  This book is not to be missed!

About Us: Shared Value Solutions

We are an Canadian B Corp, and we assist Indigenous communities with support throughout regulatory processes surrounding major development projects like mines, hydroelectric facilities, transmission lines, highway expansions, oil and gas pipelines, natural resource transport applications and nuclear power. 

We have deep context and experience behind the recommendations we provide, having worked for our clients on almost every major project in Canada over the last 10 years. For us, it’s all about building long-term relationships with our clients. We want to get to know you and what you want to do so we can help you move your plans forward. 

• Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiation Support 
• Technical Reviews and Regulatory Process Support 
• Community and Economic Development Planning 
• Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies 
• Environmental Monitoring 
• Guardians Program Development 
• Climate Change Readiness 
• GIS and Mapping