Inuit-owned businesses are at the forefront of Nunavut's manufacturing growth story. The three regional Inuit development corporations -- Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (Qikiqtani), Sakku Investments Corporation (Kivalliq), and Kitikmeot Corporation -- along with a growing number of independent Inuit entrepreneurs, are expanding beyond traditional service industries into manufacturing, processing, and industrial services.
Regional Development Corporations
Qikiqtaaluk Corporation has built a diversified portfolio spanning fisheries, mining services, fuel distribution, real estate, and renewable energy. Its subsidiary Qikiqtani Industry provides workforce solutions, remote camp management, and construction support for major mining and infrastructure projects. These operations require extensive B2B supply chains for equipment, food services, fuel, and specialized materials.
Sakku Investments in the Kivalliq region and Kitikmeot Corporation in the western Arctic are similarly expanding their business portfolios, with investments in hospitality, construction, environmental services, and mining support. Each corporation actively seeks supply partnerships with both local and southern Canadian businesses.
NNI Policy as Economic Catalyst
The NNI Policy has been instrumental in supporting Inuit business growth by providing procurement preferences for Inuit-owned firms in government contracting. This policy creates a powerful incentive for southern companies to form joint ventures and supply partnerships with Inuit businesses, creating a multiplier effect that strengthens the entire Nunavut economy.
Partnership Opportunities
For southern manufacturers and service providers, partnering with Inuit-owned businesses offers multiple benefits: NNI Policy advantages in procurement competitions, local market knowledge and relationships, community support and social licence, and access to Inuit development corporation resources and infrastructure. Nunavut Sales Leads facilitates these partnerships by connecting southern businesses with qualified Inuit business partners aligned with their capabilities.