There is growing recognition of the importance of Indigenous leadership in Canada’s organizations. But new research shows there is still a significant gap between intention and representation.

In October 2026, the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), in partnership with Pathways, released Pathways to Indigenous Leadership in Executive and Governance Roles. This national study examines Indigenous representation in leadership and governance, along with the organizational practices and barriers that can influence it. We are grateful to CCIB for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and conversation.

The research points to an important tension: more than half of respondents said Indigenous leadership representation is already a strategic goal for their organization. At the same time, nearly half rated Indigenous representation on their boards and executive teams as low or very low.

For Pathways’ founder and managing partner, Laurie Sterritt, the findings provide an important opportunity to move the conversation forward.

“We now have a clearer picture of where we are today,” Laurie observes. “While it’s encouraging to see growing commitment to Indigenous leadership across Canada, the findings show that commitment alone isn’t enough. Our opportunity lies in looking at the systems, practices, and assumptions that may still be getting in the way to create more meaningful pathways for Indigenous leaders to help shape the decisions that affect our country.”

One of the report’s important findings is that the challenge goes beyond simply identifying Indigenous candidates. It also points to the role organizations themselves play, including how they define leadership, the qualifications they prioritize, their recruitment practices, and how they recognize Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and community leadership.

The research provides a valuable baseline for understanding where Canadian organizations are today, while raising important questions about what needs to change to translate commitment into greater Indigenous participation at the highest levels of leadership and decision-making.

Read the full report: Pathways to Indigenous Leadership in Executive and Governance Roles