7.4.2.2 Self-Declared Indigenous-Owned Businesses

‘Self-declared Indigenous-owned business’ is a business that identifies itself as being owned by Indigenous individuals, based on the assertion or declaration of the owners themselves, without external verification from a third-party certifying body. In this case, the business's claim of Indigenous ownership relies on the honor system, where the owners state that more than 50% of the business is owned and controlled by Indigenous people.

This self-declaration can be used for initial identification in various contexts but may not carry the same weight or recognition as third-party certification, particularly in formal or competitive situations that require verified Indigenous business status.

Each self-declared Indigenous-owned business must have its community affiliation recorded. If a business does not specify a community affiliation or is affiliated with multiple Indigenous communities, general categories such as Indigenous (General), First Nation (General), Metis (General), or Inuit (General) can be used. However, these general categories are not preferred, and recording the actual community affiliation is highly encouraged whenever possible.