Through an internal review of current procurement practices completed in 2018, the university identified a significant opportunity to expand Indigenization and reconciliation efforts to include economic reconciliation.

USask's Approach to Economic Reconciliation

By enhancing our relationships with Indigenous business owners and communities we are diversifying our supply chain and establishing new partnerships. Our approach includes;

• Recognizing the successes and contributions of Indigenous businesses in our local economy
• Contributing to the prosperity of Indigenous businesses and communities by purchasing from Indigenous business and fostering meaningful partnerships
• Ensuring our procurement activities are being conducted in an equitable way that is inclusive of Indigenous businesses
• Creating a prosperous economy in Saskatchewan to enable local Indigenous businesses to grow and thrive

In addition to our partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, the university will continue to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada to champion Indigenous procurement by;

• Incorporating Indigenous business community benefit considerations into award criteria for major university contracts
• Providing education and training to members of the university community relating to this strategy, their involvement, and how they can contribute
• Continually monitor and report procurement activity with Indigenous businesses to the university's Senior Leaderships on a quarterly basis and will publish a report annually
• Sourcing goods and services for Indigenous students or Indigenous purposes and initiatives from Indigenous suppliers
• Creating a directory of Indigenous businesses and will promote this directory to the campus community