Guidelines for Doing Business with Indigenous Business Partners
At McGill University, we recognize our responsibility to foster inclusive, sustainable, and ethical procurement practices. Following the publication of the Provost’s Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, and its specific call to action encouraging Procurement Services to adopt a strategy to support the Indigenous economy, Procurement Services began working on this initiative.
Procurement Services engaged with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, colleagues at the First Peoples’ House, and other faculty and staff members across campus who frequently do business with Indigenous partners. Additionally, Procurement Services consulted advisors from the First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission, to gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by Indigenous businesses.
McGill Procurement Services staff were also invited to the first “Grand Cercle Économique des Peuples Autochtones et du Québec” held in Montréal in 2021.
Since then, we have:
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Sensitized our staff to the importance of supporting Indigenous businesses.
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Developed the means to identify Indigenous Business Partners in the McGill MarketPlace
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Created favourable conditions to support Indigenous Business Partners throughout procurement processes
The newly introduced Guidelines for Doing Business with Indigenous Business Partners confirm and reinforce our commitment to reconciliation and to fostering positive business relations with Indigenous communities. These guidelines provide clear direction on fostering business relationships that respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and economic development.
Part of our Commitment to Sustainable and Ethical Procurement
McGill’s Sustainable Procurement Policy emphasizes responsible purchasing decisions that align with the University’s broader sustainability objectives, including environmental and social responsibility. Within this framework, the new guidelines highlight practical steps to increase opportunities for Indigenous business participation in procurement activities through direct or indirect measures.
By integrating Indigenous procurement considerations into our processes, we aim to:
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Create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive within McGill’s network.
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Foster respectful, long-term partnerships that contribute to economic reconciliation.
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Provide support and reduce barriers that have historically limited Indigenous businesses from accessing procurement opportunities.
Key Aspects of the Guidelines
The Guidelines for Doing Business with Indigenous Business Partners establish clear steps for McGill community members engaged in procurement, including:
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Encouraging Indigenous Business Participation: Procurement Services will actively support McGill’s faculty and staff in identifying Indigenous suppliers, whether for goods, services, or construction works. This includes assistance with navigating tendering processes and ensuring that Indigenous businesses are aware of and can participate in bidding opportunities.
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Enhancing Accessibility: Indigenous Business Partners will be identified in McGill’s procurement system (McGill MarketPlace) with a designated bear paw icon, allowing users to easily locate and support them. Additionally, Indigenous suppliers will benefit from immediate payment terms and extended supplier record retention.
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Incorporating Sustainable Procurement Levers: McGill’s procurement processes will leverage evaluation criteria, including quality assessment points and incentives for contractors who collaborate with Indigenous businesses or provide employment opportunities for Indigenous community members.
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Providing Support and Guidance: Indigenous Business Partners will have access to resources such as coaching on the government’s Système électronique d’appels d’offres (SEAO) and assistance with tender documentation to ensure equitable participation.
Aligning with McGill’s Sustainable Procurement Goals
McGill’s approach to procurement is rooted in sustainability, and these guidelines align with our broader institutional commitment to leveraging our supply chain to promote positive social and environmental outcomes. The Sustainable Procurement Policy establishes that all purchasing decisions consider the University’s triple bottom line: environmental, social and economic factors. By following these guidelines, Mcgillians can concretely contribute to reconciliation, build new relationships with Indigenous partners and promote their economic development while meeting their needs for various goods, services or construction works.
As we continue to refine our procurement strategies, we encourage all McGill community members to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and integrate them into their purchasing decisions. By actively supporting Indigenous economic development, we contribute to sustainability and amplify McGill’s role as an anchor institution supporting the local economy.
For further details on how to engage with Indigenous Business Partners, visit Indigenous Business Partners | Procurement Services - McGill University or contact Procurement Services for support.