Indigenous Procurement as a Catalyst for Community Building

 The doctoral thesis Indigenous Procurement as a Catalyst for Community Building (April 2023) by Shyra L. Barberstock explores how Indigenous procurement can drive First Nations community building and economic development in Canada. Analyzing data from Indigenous Procurement Engagement sessions with nearly a thousand participants, the research finds that local contracts foster prosperity through business growth, job creation, community wealth, and social outcomes defined by the communities themselves. The thesis highlights challenges and wise practices for procurement, debates the role of legislation versus voluntary targets, and emphasizes Indigenous-led, place-based approaches that center Indigenous voices and ways of knowing.