Indigenous Leaders Urge Inclusion in Canada's Trade Strategy Amid U.S. Tariff Threats
Indigenous leaders are emphasising the need for their representation in Canada's strategies regarding potential U.S. tariffs, according to Tabatha Bull, the only Indigenous member of the Prime Minister's new council advising on bilateral relations.
Bull, who is also the president and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, highlighted that Indigenous entrepreneurs will face disproportionate effects if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through with his proposed blanket tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods.
“We continue to talk about the resources that the U.S. needs, and those resources are in areas and territories that will have a direct impact on Indigenous nations,” she stated. “If we truly want a Team Canada approach, those nations need to be represented,” she added in an interview with The Globe and Mail.
The Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations has convened twice, and Bull believes including impacted communities is crucial to devising effective strategies as discussions progress.
She mentioned that revenues from U.S. exports by Indigenous businesses range significantly, from 19 per cent for some to as much as 90 per cent for others. Furthermore, 2021 census data indicates that Indigenous workers comprise nearly 7 per cent of the oil and gas workforce, around 11 per cent in mining, and 9 per cent in forestry—sectors likely to be severely affected by any tariffs implemented by Trump.
Bull also noted that Ottawa could aid Indigenous entrepreneurs by facilitating connections with alternative trading partners across Canada in light of the looming tariffs. Echoing calls from business leaders and premiers, she urged Canada to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers.
Other Indigenous leaders have echoed the call for their voices to be included in trade discussions to counter Trump's potential trade threats. The Assembly of First Nations has warned of possible conflicts arising from excluding First Nations from meaningful trade negotiations.
First Nations leaders in Ontario's Ring of Fire mining area urged the province to enhance its relationship-building efforts to ensure quick progress in mining construction and production.
Ontario's Premier Doug Ford has been promoting the strategic alliance between Canada and the U.S. to decrease reliance on China. However, the Matawa First Nations chiefs expressed their concern about a lack of participation and engagement from First Nations in decision-making processes related to the proposed Fortress Am-Can project.
A summit in Vancouver last week saw First Nation and provincial leaders in British Columbia unite, with Regional Chief Terry Teegee acknowledging that many First Nations hold stakes in resource industries. B.C. Premier David Eby indicated the formation of a new task force to deal with the trade talks, pledging to expedite the development of new mineral mines and natural resource projects.
Decisions regarding land use are notably stalled in B.C., where few treaties exist, highlighting the necessity for cooperation with resident First Nations to progress. “We’re co-ordinating at a provincial level with companies, with labour, with Indigenous leadership,” said Eby.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs underscored the urgency for unity in the face of challenges presented by the new U.S. administration, reiterating the need to rely on the foundational economic relationships that once flourished.
