Indigenomics: Examining Indigenous Economic Power in Canada with Carol Anne Hilton

In this episode of Generations Ahead, host Sara Wolfe speaks with Carol Anne Hilton, founder of the Indigenomics Institute, about the economic impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous communities in Canada. Hilton explains her concept of "Indigenomics," which reframes Indigenous peoples as key contributors to Canada’s economy.

The discussion highlights the differences between Indigenous and Western economic systems, the importance of economic reconciliation, and the use of technology and new metrics—beyond GDP—to measure Indigenous economic power and sustainability. The episode emphasizes how Indigenous leadership and innovation is actively shaping Canada’s economic future.

Note: Carol Anne mentions that Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Act focuses on 92 calls to action. In fact there are 94 calls to action.

About Carol Anne Hilton

Carol Anne is the founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Centre of Indigenomics.

A pioneer in the sector, she coined the term “Indigenomics” in 2012. What started as a simple hashtag has since become a global movement, reframing Indigenous Peoples as central contributors to modern economies.

Carol Anne’s acclaimed book, Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, serves as a blueprint for economic reconciliation. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Donner Prize, and the Financial Post called it "revelatory.”

Her second book,The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power- Deconstructing Indian Act Economics, was released in the spring of 2025. In it, Carol Anne powerfully breaks down the colonial and racist policies of the Indian Act that have hindered Indigenous participation in Canada’s economy for decades – and maps an ethical way forward for all of us, rooted in radical inclusion and Indigenomics in action.

Resources Mentioned / Links List 

• wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts
• https://indigenomics.com/

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