The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has adopted a new definition of an NWT Indigenous business to help bring clarity to reporting on Indigenous participation in government procurement.

Since 2021, the GNWT has engaged extensively on the topic of developing an Indigenous Procurement Policy. While there was strong interest in measures to support Indigenous participation in government procurement, engagement also identified differing views on definitions, procurement approaches, and potential impacts

Given the range of views, establishing a clear definition is a practical step that can be taken now. A shared definition provides a consistent basis for reporting and discussion, while avoiding unintended impacts on fairness, competition, and existing procurement processes.

The definition will be added to GNWT Procurement Guidelines for information and reporting purposes only. It does not change how contracts are awarded, introduce procurement preferences, or alter existing procurement rules.

Quote(s)

“What we heard clearly through engagement was a strong interest in Indigenous participation in procurement, but no shared agreement on how policy should change. Putting a clear definition in place gives everyone a common understanding to work from. It allows us to have more informed, evidence‑based conversations.”

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

Quick facts

• Under the new definition, an NWT Indigenous business:
  • is registered under the GNWT Business Incentive Policy; and
  • is registered on the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory or is a publicly available business registry maintained by an NWT Modern Treaty Partner.
• The definition is being introduced for information and reporting purposes only and does not provide procurement preferences or competitive advantages.
• The definition will be reflected in public procurement reporting beginning in the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Related links

• GNWT Business Incentive Policy
• Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory
• Have your say: Development of an Indigenous Procurement Policy

For media requests, please contact:

Beau Stobbs

Senior Communications Officer

Department of Finance

Government of the Northwest Territories

EIA_FINComms@gov.nt.ca