Trade mission strengthens business opportunities in Canada
Supply Nation is strengthening Indigenous business engagement in international markets through its ongoing commitment to fostering global connections, commercial opportunities, and Indigenous-to-Indigenous collaboration following a recent trade delegation to Canada.
Supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and led by Supply Nation, the North American trip identified significant opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnership development, and commercial collaboration between Indigenous businesses in Australia and Canada.
International trade is not new to Indigenous peoples. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have established sophisticated trade networks built on trust, reciprocity, and respect. The mission to Canada continues this legacy, creating a platform for Indigenous businesses to connect globally while remaining grounded in culture, community, and shared values.
“Supply Nation has been cultivating strong relationships with a range of Canadian entities over many years, including government, corporate and Indigenous business networks. This longstanding engagement included leading the first Indigenous trade mission to Canada in 2019,” Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell said.
“The recent mission provided an invaluable opportunity to participate in two major Indigenous business conferences, exchange knowledge and insights with key stakeholders, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.
“It also enabled us to better understand how we can contribute to the Canadian Indigenous business ecosystem while bringing back valuable learnings.
“Most importantly, we had the privilege of leading a delegation of outstanding Indigenous businesses providing them with an opportunity to make new connections in Canada. We could not be prouder of those companies nor be more excited about what the future holds for them.”
Supporting Indigenous businesses to succeed in global markets
Through its International Programs Department, Supply Nation is committed to supporting Indigenous businesses to succeed in global markets. The organisation works closely with suppliers to build international business capability, strengthen overseas networks, and create pathways to new commercial opportunities.
The 2026 Canada Trade Mission brought together Australian Indigenous businesses to build relationships, explore market opportunities, and strengthen Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade and collaboration between Australia and Canada.
“The recent mission provided an invaluable opportunity to participate in two major Indigenous business conferences, exchange knowledge and insights with key stakeholders, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.”
– KATE RUSSELL
Delegates represented a diverse range of industry sectors, including consulting and economic advisory services, civil construction, mining services, and animal health, showcasing the breadth and capability of Australia’s Indigenous business sector on the international stage.
Shelley Jackson, Consul-General and Trade & Investment Commissioner in Toronto said Austrade was extremely pleased to support Supply Nation in their engagement and meeting program in Canada. Many Indigenous-owned businesses have the capability to leverage commercial opportunities in international markets.
“Canada presents significant potential. First Nations businesses and organisations have shown strong interest in collaboration and shared learnings across both markets,” she said.
Nation’s largest Indigenous business event
Both countries have world leading resources and agribusiness industries, and Australian First Nations businesses with innovative solutions and technologies are finding new opportunities for partnerships.”
Building on the strong partnership established through the mission, delegates and business representatives from the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) will travel to Australia to participate in Connect 2026, the nation’s largest Indigenous business event.
Dr Amanda Healy, Chair, Warrikal and Delegation member said Indigenous people in Canada were eager to develop capabilities that they don’t currently have and we’re a bit of a unicorn in the capabilities that we have.
“I was so surprised by the warm welcome we were given by Canadian Indigenous organisations and industry. Those people showed us generosity and graciousness, sharing their knowledge and culture,” she said.
Connect 2026 will be held in Boorloo (Perth) on 11–12 August 2026 and will provide a significant platform for strengthening international relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating new opportunities for Indigenous businesses across both countries.
