Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - February9 2025 - US President Donald Trump's tariff threats have sparked a call for Canadian governments and consumers to support First Nations firms with strong ties to the land.

Shannin Metatawabin (pictured), CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association, argues that supporting Indigenous businesses that actively create manufacturing facilities on their First Nation, utilizing their members, directly impacts Indigenous people and supports the Canadian economy.

The Indigenous-run economy in Canada is estimated at $56.1 billion in 2021, but the Indian Act bars First Nations communities from leveraging their land for loans.

The Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada estimates it would cost $349 billion to close the gap by 2030, which could boost Canada's GDP by $308 billion over seven years.