After 150 years of the Indian Act, it is time to talk about Indian Act economics. On November 24, the Indigenomics Institute hosts its fourth annual Indigenomics on BAY STREET Forum.

‘Indian Act economics’ refers to the economic system established through 150 years of legislated control over Indigenous lands, capital, governance, and economic decision-making. Indian Act economics still shapes the cost of capital, the value of land, and investment in major projects across Indigenous territories.

As Indigenous Nations advance ownership in energy, infrastructure, and finance, the rise of Indigenous economic power challenges the economic structures of the Indian Act. Canada’s economic agenda now depends on Indigenous rights and jurisdiction. Deconstructing Indian Act Economics brings this conversation to Bay Street, where capital decisions shape Canada’s economic future.

“The Indian Act was designed as a system of economic control, and its economic function continues to shape access to land, capital, and investment,” said Carol Anne Hilton, Founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute. “Today, Indigenous Nations are building ownership across sectors at a scale that outgrows that logic. We are witnessing the rise of the Indigenous economy, and understanding this shift is central to Canada’s economic future. Join us on Bay Street as we bring this conversation to the heart of Canada’s financial sector and advance the momentum of Indigenous economic power, ownership, and investment.”

The Indigenomics Institute is advancing this shift through the National Indian Act Economics Campaign, connecting Indian Act economics to Canada’s national economic agenda. Through the National Indian Act Economics Campaign, Indigenomics is building a body of knowledge on Indian Act economics. A national series of roundtables brings Indigenous Nations, industry, and finance into structured dialogue. Interviews document the lived economic experience of Indian Act economics in practice.

The National Indian Act Economics Survey invites individuals, Indigenous Nations, Indigenous businesses, corporations, and governments to contribute insights, data, and perspectives, expanding a national evidence base that grounds economic reconciliation in measurable outcomes.

Program Highlights

The Forum features keynote presentations by Carol Anne Hilton, author of The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power: Deconstructing Indian Act Economics, including a presentation of the Indigenomics Economic Intelligence Platform, highlighting emerging approaches to understanding, measuring, and advancing Indigenous economic activity. At the Power Play Gala Luncheon, the Indigenomics Institute will announce the eighth annual Indigenomics 10 to Watch, recognizing leadership in the rise of the Indigenous economy.

Featured Speakers include:

  • Myan Marcen-Gaudaur, Director, Social Impact and Reconciliation, Scotiabank, presenting Scotiabank’s Truth Research Project report on the history of the financial sector’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

  • Ian Simpson, CEO, Petroglyph Development Group, Snuneymuxw First Nation, speaking on “Beyond Inclusion: A New Era of Indigenous Economic Power,” drawing on the resurgence of the Snuneymuxw economy and the rapid growth of Petroglyph Development Group to explore how Nations build generational wealth and use sustainable economic success to advance culture, community wellbeing and Nationhood.

Event & Media Information

Event: Indigenomics on BAY STREET 2026: Deconstructing Indian Act Economics

Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

Location: Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

More information / registration: whova.com/portal/registration/O5YF9o5PSW-N7zAOSdGu

About Indigenomics on BAY STREET

Indigenomics on BAY STREET is the annual Forum for Indigenous economic participation in capital markets and part of the Indigenomics Signature Series. Located in Toronto’s financial district, the Forum brings Indigenous economic leadership together with corporate Canada and the financial sector to advance the partnership, ownership, and investment that grow Indigenous economic power at scale.

Indigenomics on BAY STREET 2026 is supported by TELUS, Scotiabank, BMO, Shell Canada, The Co-operators, the Canadian Bankers Association, Alliance Trust, Meridian, Vancity and Earnscliffe.

About the Indigenomics Institute

The Indigenomics Institute is an Indigenous economic design, finance and technology company advancing the visibility, architecture and activation of Indigenous economies. The Institute works with Indigenous Nations, governments, businesses and global partners to shape how Indigenous economies are measured, financed and governed through Indigenous economic intelligence.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire