Bold vision for economic reconciliation

Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table
by Carol Anne Hilton

Gabriola Island: New Society Publishers, 2021
$21.99  /  9780865719408

Reviewed by Amy Tucker

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Indigenous economic resurgence is one of our era’s most exciting and transformative movements. Yet, too often, reconciliation discussions focus solely on historical injustices rather than the immense economic potential and leadership of Indigenous communities today. Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, by Carol Anne Hilton, offers a visionary and pragmatic approach to reshaping Canada’s economic landscape by placing Indigenous economies at its centre.

As a doctoral candidate researching decolonization and reconciliation and an educator committed to meaningful change, I see Indigenomics as a crucial text—not just for economists or policymakers but anyone invested in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Hilton clarifies that reconciliation is not just about redressing but creating economic systems that reflect Indigenous peoples’ strength, wisdom, and contributions.

Hilton writes, “Indigenous Peoples are taking our seat at the economic table…Business models based on this legal framework can transition toward an equity benefit model between Indigenous Peoples and industry that respects Indigenous cultures, values, and roles as stewards. This is the opportunity, not the problem.” The author invites us to reimagine how we think about economic success—for Indigenous communities and Canada.

A significant strength of Hilton’s work is her commitment to reframing the conversation. For too long, economic discussions have focused on Indigenous poverty rather than Indigenous prosperity. Hilton challenges this by positioning Indigenous economies as powerful growth, innovation, and sustainability drivers. She argues that Canada’s economic future is tied to the success of Indigenous economies, predicting that they have the potential to generate over $100 billion in economic activity. Indigenomics asks the core question: “How can we collectively make possible a $100 billion Indigenous economy? Indigenomics is about future pacing the economic reality of this country to get ready for the emerging $100 billion Indigenous economy.”

Her argument is compelling because it is already happening. From Indigenous-led clean energy projects to thriving land-based businesses, Indigenous communities build resilient, sustainable economies rooted in cultural values.

Rather than presenting Indigenous economic success as something to be achieved in the distant future, Hilton highlights that it is already here—it just needs recognition and support to flourish. This perspective aligns deeply with my research and work in education, where the focus must shift from viewing Indigenous inclusion as a challenge to embracing it as a shared opportunity.

Central to Indigenomics is the idea of re-storying—not just rewriting history but reshaping who gets to define economic success. “The Indian Act remains the primary tool for the continued economic regression of Indigenous Peoples today,” Hilton writes. “While not every First Nation is currently under the Indian Act, the historical effect of it remains. It is this truth that must be at the heart of re-storying Canada’s economic narrative.”

This is where Hilton’s work is compelling for those of us in education. Reconciliation efforts in schools and universities often focus on acknowledging history—but how usually do they include the economic contributions of Indigenous nations? Indigenous students must see themselves reflected not just in history books but also in financial, business, and political leadership roles. Indigenomics is essential to this conversation, providing a model of Indigenous success, innovation, and leadership.

Hilton introduces the 7 Rs of Indigenomics—Right to an Economy, Rights and Title, Recognition, Representation, Resources, Re-storying Indigenous Business Success, and Response. These principles offer a roadmap for how Indigenous economies can thrive while maintaining their unique cultural foundations. They also challenge Canada’s broader economy to embrace Indigenous leadership and business practices as part of its evolution.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Indigenomics is Hilton’s challenge to Western definitions of wealth. Indigenous economies have always measured success beyond monetary gains, prioritizing relationships, sustainability, and community well-being. Hilton emphasizes that wealth extends beyond financial measures, encompassing cultural and relational dimensions that contribute to the overall well-being of communities and ecosystems. She describes the Indigenous economy as inherently social, built on principles of connection, sustainability, and collective prosperity.

This is more than just an academic argument—it is a practical and necessary shift in how economies function. Indigenous businesses across Canada are leading in sectors like clean energy, sustainable resource management, and social entrepreneurship. These models offer valuable lessons for all economies at a time when environmental and social responsibility are becoming global priorities.

This aspect of Indigenomics resonates strongly with those of us working toward decolonization. Indigenous economies thrive and offer innovative solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges, including climate sustainability and social equity. Embracing Indigenous economic leadership creates opportunities for stronger, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible systems that benefit everyone.

Hilton is clear that reconciliation must be more than symbolic—it must be economic. Economic reconciliation envisions a future where Indigenous communities move beyond poverty management to actively build, sustain, and thrive in wealth creation.

This is a critical shift in thinking. Too often, reconciliation efforts have focused on redressing past harms without creating pathways for economic empowerment. Indigenomics clarifies that financial inclusion is about justice and building a more prosperous and resilient economy for everyone.

As an educator and researcher, I see Indigenomics as a necessary text for anyone working in reconciliation, governance, business, or education. Hilton challenges us to move beyond tokenism and toward meaningful economic inclusion. “Indigenomics is an invitation to align economic practice with understanding how the universe and humanity interact.”

For those in the academy, this also raises important questions about whose economic theories we teach. Do our business and economics courses include Indigenous governance, trade, and entrepreneurship models? Are we equipping students—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—with the knowledge and tools to engage with Indigenous economies in a meaningful way?

Indigenomics is not just a book—it is a movement. It challenges educators, policymakers, business leaders, and everyday citizens to rethink who should be at the table and what kind of economy we want to build together.

Hilton does not ask for permission—she declares that Indigenous economic leadership is already here. “This is the great convergence upon the collective human economic response—a return to relationships, to our humanity and connectivity, and to address the myth of separateness and isolation of nature from our current experience of economy.”

For anyone invested in reconciliation, economic justice, or the future of Canada’s economy, Indigenomics is essential reading. It is hopeful, practical, and deeply inspiring. Hilton reminds us that reconciliation is more than just about looking back but about creating a shared future where Indigenous economies are thriving, visible, and leading the way.

Hilton invites us to recognize Indigenous economic potential and actively engage with it, support it, and learn from it. Indigenomics provides the tools to shift from managing the past to building the future, whether you are an educator, policymaker, business leader, or community member.

I strongly recommend this book to educators, students, entrepreneurs, economics, business, and policy professionals. It is more than an economic shift—it is a transformative redefinition of prosperity, collaboration, and reconciliation.

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Amy Tucker is an educator and researcher with more than two decades of experience in post-secondary education. Since 2001, she has worked as a University Instructor and Open Learning Faculty Member at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Her primary areas of focus include education, training, recruitment, career development, and management. Her research emphasizes decolonizing education, promoting reconciliation, and advancing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in both academic and community settings. In addition to her academic work, Amy enjoys outdoor activities such as running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Her adventurous spirit shines through in her participation in various athletic events and her passion for exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia. Amy shares her experiences as an athlete in her newspaper column, “The Accidental Athlete,” which appears in the Kamloops Chronicle. Kukwstsétsemc. [Editor’s Note: Amy Tucker has reviewed books by Melissa Hafting, Theo Dombrowski, Margaret V. Ostrowski, Sara Ellison, Jody Wilson-Raybould, and Peter Edwards & Kevin Loring for The British Columbia Review.]

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