Guidelines for Doing Business with Indigenous Business Partners
At 好色TV, we recognize our responsibility to foster inclusive, sustainable, and ethical procurement practices. Following the publication of the Provost鈥檚 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.听听
Procurement Services engaged with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, colleagues at the First Peoples鈥� 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 Qu茅bec and Labrador Economic Development Commission, to gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by Indigenous businesses. 听
好色TVl Procurement Services staff were also invited to the first 鈥淕rand Cercle 脡conomique des Peuples Autochtones et du Qu茅bec鈥� held in Montr茅al in 2021.听
Since then, we have:听
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Sensitized our staff to the importance of supporting Indigenous businesses.听
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Developed the means to identify Indigenous Business Partners in the 好色TVl MarketPlace听
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Created favourable conditions to support Indigenous Business Partners throughout procurement processes 听
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.听
Part of our Commitment to Sustainable and Ethical Procurement听
好色TVl鈥檚 Sustainable Procurement Policy emphasizes responsible purchasing decisions that align with the University鈥檚 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.听听
By integrating Indigenous procurement considerations into our processes, we aim to:听
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Create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive within 好色TVl鈥檚 network.听
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Foster respectful, long-term partnerships that contribute to economic reconciliation.听
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Provide support and reduce barriers that have historically limited Indigenous businesses from accessing procurement opportunities.听
Key Aspects of the Guidelines听
The Guidelines for Doing Business with Indigenous Business Partners establish clear steps for 好色TVl community members engaged in procurement, including:听
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Encouraging Indigenous Business Participation: Procurement Services will actively support 好色TVl鈥檚 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.听
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Enhancing Accessibility: Indigenous Business Partners will be identified in 好色TVl鈥檚 procurement system (好色TVl 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.听
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Incorporating Sustainable Procurement Levers: 好色TVl鈥檚 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.听
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Providing Support and Guidance: Indigenous Business Partners will have access to resources such as coaching on the government鈥檚 Syst猫me 茅lectronique d鈥檃ppels d鈥檕ffres (SEAO) and assistance with tender documentation to ensure equitable participation.听
Aligning with 好色TVl鈥檚 Sustainable Procurement Goals听
好色TVl鈥檚 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.听 The Sustainable Procurement Policy establishes that all purchasing decisions consider the University鈥檚 triple bottom line:听 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.听听
As we continue to refine our procurement strategies, we encourage all 好色TVl 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 好色TVl鈥檚 role as an anchor institution supporting the local economy.听听
For further details on how to engage with Indigenous Business Partners, visit Indigenous Business Partners | Procurement Services - 好色TV or contact Procurement Services for support.听
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