b'KNOWING: INDIGENOMICSIndigenomics Bay Street in Toronto, a three-day event onbuilding its Indigenous trade structure, agreements and zones. Indigenous inclusion and growth in national and internationalOverall, she says, Indigenous-led Nations in the two countries are economies. Also on the horizon is a 24-hour virtual conference,building economic empowerment and sovereignty and providing a Indigenomics Now. new economic perspective that brings light and responsibility to the economy in a new way. GLOBAL LENS In the U.S., one of the countrys biggest Indigenous business Building Indigenous economic strength is something Hilton viewsevents, the Reservation Economic Summit, regularly attracts over through a global lens. With this in mind, she recently established3,000 attendees across all business sectors. An annual gathering the Global Centre for Indigenomicsan international economicorganized by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise collective that aims to facilitate Indigenous economic leadershipDevelopment, it has always had a strong Canadian presence. worldwide. With a board made up of Indigenous thought leadersThis presence has grown exponentially in recent years, which from Canada, New Zealand and the U.S., the Centre is focusedHilton attributes to increased trade as well as advancements in the on building an inclusive virtual space for Indigenous businesstech sector.empowerment.In 2007, Canada was one of four countries that initially rejectedWith this centred space for the economic narrative, the U.S. the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of IndigenousIndigenous community is starting to see its economic clout grow. Peoples (UNDRIP), but it has since changed its tune and isThere is also more alignment between American and Canadian now viewed as a global leader in recognizing and implementingIndigenous economic structures, with opportunities for Indigenous UNDRIP through its constitutional recognition and commitmentbusiness on both sides of the border to collaborate and increase their to reconciliation.collective economic strength. This, says Hilton, will help pave the While New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. also voted againstway towards greater economic self-determination. We are seeing UNDRIPs adoption in 2007, Australia and New Zealand haveIndigenous economic structures develop and become stronger, made significant strides in modernizing and advancing economicwhich is essential for the Indigenous communitys overall success, reconciliation since then. As larger Indigenous population-basedshe says. countries, both Australia and New Zealand are seeing significant advances around economic reconciliation, Hilton observes.IDEAL TIMEHilton also notes that New Zealand has a strong metric forToday, there is growing recognition among non-Indigenous people measuring Indigenous economic outcomes, while Australia isand organizations of the inherent value of Indigenous knowledge and practices. So its a good time for Indigenous business to build on that recognition. Were seeing this shift where people are recognizing that Indigenous world views and practices are really important, not just for Indigenous people, but for the broader society, says Hilton. Were seeing more and more people wanting to learn from us and wanting to work with us.Indigenous people building their economic power is truly a reflec-tion of where we come from, and the strength we have as Indigenous people, says Hilton. That strength is exemplified by Indigenous ShheeIIssWWiissee__OONNWWAA women like herself who are making their mark at both a national SSpprriinngg//SSuummmmeerr::ssuubbmmiitttteeddAAPPRR1144,,22002233 and global level. SSSiizzee::333333xx2211666677In her quest for economic reconciliation and a more balanced Indigenous business approach, Hilton cites her own grandmother, a community Elder, as a source of inspiration. These days, she is active on Facebook Live, broadcasting scenic views of Hesquiaht Nation and offering prayers for her people. My grandmother says that she doesnt completely understand what Im doing, but she knows its important, so when she prays for me, she says she squeezes her eyes really tight, Hilton heartwarmingly reflects. The world of Hiltons grandmother is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of business forums and industry events in big urban centres. Yet it is an Indigenous way of life that embodies a spirit which, according to Hilton, can also be found in the Indigenous approach to business. Its a culture that respects Mother Earth and brings light and responsibility to the economy in a new way.As a result, the potential for Indigenous economic strength is not only vast, it is also deep, and Hilton is determined to do her bit to see it reach that full potential. There is hope for a brighter future for Indigenous peoples and the planet as a whole, as Indigenous econ-omies gain recognition, strength and momentum across the globe.26Spring/Summer 2023'