The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has launched a directory of pre-qualified Aboriginal businesses to make it easier to find Aboriginal suppliers and contractors, the organization announced September 18.
The directory is Canada-wide and will also allow for work opportunities for the Aboriginal business community to be publicized.
“Increasingly, corporations have begun to realize the value that Aboriginal businesses bring to the table, but it’s not always obvious where to find Aboriginal contractors and suppliers,” said JP Gladu, CCAB president and CEO.
“By creating a searchable, country-wide database for certified Aboriginal businesses, we are providing a starting point for those looking to source a new supplier.”
Gary Hart, senior vice-president of supply chain and field logistics at Suncor Energy, said the database fills a need because Aboriginal businesses are more knowledgeable about the customs, environment and needs of communities they work in than other businesses.
“We’ve found that knowledge to be invaluable in our relationships with Aboriginal suppliers in the Wood Buffalo region of northern Alberta, and we hope the Certified Aboriginal Business platform can help us engage more Aboriginal businesses right across Canada.”
More information can be found here.
