a) The nominee must have been nominated by an Indigenous Financial Institution.
b) Provide a complete description of the business activities and demonstrate how the nominee meets the full selection criteria.
c) Provide a description of ownership structure, business and website address, number of years in operation, and number of employees.
d) The business should demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous wealth creation and community values. Nominations are encouraged to provide a brief statement explaining how the business aligns with these values.
e) Provide financial information verified by the IFI that nominated the business that details total revenues, expenses, and profit/(loss).
f) Supporting documents must be provided where requested. This includes testimonials, award certificates, reference letters, media coverage, resumé, etc.
The deadline for nominations is February 15, 2025.
Proof of Indigeneity
Proof of Indigeneity is required in order to be considered an Indigenous business/organization/individual and verification process will be undertaken. Indigenous business owners, directors of Indigenous companies, and in the case of cooperatives – voting members, must provide evidence of Indigenous identity as demonstrated by one of the following:
First Nation Certificate of Indian Status, Secure Indian Status Card and First Nation Citizenship Cards issued by
• First Nation as listed on the official Government of Canada website
• Modern Treaty Holders and Self-Governing First Nations in Canada as listed on the official Government of Canada website
• Indigenous Services Canada
Inuit Beneficiary Cards issued by:
• Nunavut Land Claim Agreement (Nunavut)
• Inuvialuit Final Agreement (Northwest Territories)
• Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (Nunatsiavut)
• James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (Nunavik)
Métis Citizenship Cards issued by:
• Métis National Council affiliates (Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of British Columbia, Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan)
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Alberta Métis Settlement
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation
Non-Status Indians must be verified through:
• First Nation recognition of the individual under the First Nation's own Citizenship / Membership Code as verified by the First Nation Membership/Citizenship Clerk.
• Verification in writing of recognized biological lineage to the community from an elected leader of the First Nation along with the Membership/Citizenship Clerk of the First Nation.
Self-identification without proof of Indigeneity as listed above will not be accepted or recognized.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Ownership & Control | 10.0% |
| Involvement in Day-to-Day Management | 10.0% |
| Integrity & Customer Service | 10.0% |
| Corporate Culture & Community Impact | 15.0% |
| Employment & Profitability | 15.0% |
| Financial Sustainability & Competitiveness | 15.0% |
| Excellence in Field | 10.0% |
| Leadership & Community Involvement | 15.0% |