In this episode, I speak with Merv McLeod (co-founder, McLeod Wood Associates Inc.) about Indigenous Communities and dealing with generational wealth.

How do you transfer the value of an Indigenous business to family, or keep it a business on a First Nation Reserve? How do you enter business, grow it, and then transfer from generation to generation?

Equity and Credit do not exist in a First Nations community like they do in a regular municipal community. The only assets are cash, cash flow, and the experience of the owner. Are there any trucks or assets you can actually find value in?

The cash flow is there for running the business, paying for payroll, and hopefully putting some money away for retirement.

Land is assigned to individuals. It is not owned and cannot be sold. If there is no way to sell/transfer the business, how does it carry on? The issue of how to set up credit models, or even mortgages, is difficult and more readily available to First Nations Government versus private individuals.

Municipalities usually have more private sector business than public jobs, whereas the First Nations Community will have more public sector jobs or jobs related to projects in the community.

The energy sector will grow opportunities and create jobs, which will bring money and spending to the communities. The potential benefits from new generation or transmission projects is changing that situation.  

Merv highlights the issues facing First Nations businesses and individuals in First Nations communities. The energy sector is changing that.

Key Takeaways:

1. There needs to be more work in creating ways for Indigenous Business to develop and grow on reserve.
2. The energy sector developments are changing the opportunities for business to develop and the opportunity for equity ownership in the communities to create wealth.

Please subscribe to this podcast and connect with me on my website at DGG5Advising.com or on LinkedIn at Dean G. Gatien.