Jenny Miles, BCLC’s Manager of Social and Sustainable Procurement, believes that procurement – the process of acquiring goods, services, or works from external sources – is about more than just transactions.
“It’s about relationships, priorities and creating equitable access to opportunities,” she says.
It's this belief that drives her and her team’s ongoing work to diversify BCLC’s supplier community, including creating more equitable access to procurement opportunities to help close economic gaps with traditionally underrepresented businesses.
It was also the catalyst for BCLC’s new Indigenous Procurement policy, which was launched earlier this month, in recognition of National Indigenous History Month.
“As our organization works toward meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, one of the most impactful pathways to achieve this is through economic reconciliation – particularly in how we procure goods and services,” said Miles. “We know that by creating equitable access for Indigenous-owned businesses (IOB) to participate in BCLC’s procurement processes we are actively supporting IOBs and contributing to longer-term community resilience.”
Through the new policy, BCLC can now proceed with a competitive bid alternative, such as direct souring from IOBs to acquire goods or services, streamlining access to opportunities. “Because the new Indigenous Procurement Policy significantly increases the procurement value threshold, we can embed a more equitable and intentional approach within our procurement practices,” said Miles.
Sudipta Bala, Economic Development Coordinator at Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), provided feedback to Jenny’s team during the development of the new policy and echoes the importance of it, and others like it, to exist within the within the procurement space.
“If you, I and everyone advocating for reconciliation vanishes tomorrow, these policies will keep advocating for Indigenous Peoples and their rights,” he said. “Reconciliation requires institutions to move beyond symbolic gestures and make structural changes that support Indigenous participation in the economy. Policies like this create opportunities for the people I serve, where exclusion once lived.”
June Anthony Reeves, CEO and Founder of IOB — Up the Hill at Loakin Botanicals — attended BCLC’s Indigenous vendor showcase in November and also stresses the important of supporting IOB’s to foster equitable economic participation and empowerment.
“By choosing Indigenous suppliers and businesses you help to build long-term financial and business success for Indigenous entrepreneurs and their families. Sourcing from Indigenous suppliers helps to reflect real community diversity and ensures representation in all industries.”
Aligned with her work with Bala and Reeves, Miles consistently shares best practices and tips with other corporations in the hopes that they too will begin to take steps to build more equity within their procurement practices.
“By intentionally sourcing goods and services from Indigenous-owned businesses, we can support Indigenous economic self-determination and strengthen local supply chains,” she says. “This in turn, reduces our reliance on global markets while fostering inclusive growth,” she said.
She also continues to support BCLC’s work towards Indigenous Reconciliation through the organization of Indigenous-focused and led vendor events.
“We know that creating opportunities for our employees and other buyers within our community to connect directly with IOBs at showcase events helps build relationships and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”
On Tuesday, June 24, 2024, BCLC, in collaboration with Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation, TRU and the City of Kamloops, hosted a half-day Indigenous Procurement Coaching Session at Moccasin Square Garden, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS).
