Ep205: An Indigenous Worldview on Wealth - No One Left Behind, with Thomas Benjoe

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives

Lots of companies have been asking, “What’s the business case for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI)?”

Thomas Benjoe turns that around and asks us to think about how JEDI benefits our community and economy, not just ourselves. Thomas is a member of Muscowpetung First Nation, Chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and President and CEO of FHQ developments, a business partnership owned by the 11 member First Nation communities of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC).

In this episode, Thomas shares successful business strategies that show how you can be equitable and profitable. He explains how counter-cultural concepts like paying higher wages gets reinvested in the economy which benefits our community and ourselves.

As you listen to Thomas, you’ll learn how an Indigenous worldview is not only relevant to business, it’s necessary.

For more JEDI resources or to contact me, head over to my website: https://www.changinglenses.ca/

In this episode, we talk about:

• Land acknowledgements: First Nations’ territories extend beyond political borders
• The unique Indigenous business program at First Nations University Canada
• Indigenous worldview on money and business
• Balancing business and profit with equity and inclusion
• Their “secret sauce”: what differentiates their business model
• A broader view of ROI (return on investment)
• FHQ’s 3 divisions: investments & partnerships, economic development and Tokata HR Solutions – all staffed by First Nations
• Increasing Indigenous representation: more than token diversity
• How future business leaders can make a lasting impact
• JEDI allyship includes economic allyship

Full transcript available here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Thomas Benjoe:
Thomas is the current President and CEO an a founding board member of FHQ Developments. He is a former Commercial Banker from RBC that served the Aboriginal Market throughout Saskatchewan, and played a critical role in in the creation of the FNUniv Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Camp.

A graduate of Business Administration from the First Nations University of Canada, Thomas is strongly committed to Aboriginal business development, wealth generation and First Nation equity ownership in key economic sectors.

Thomas serves on a number of committees and boards, including Chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
References and resources in this episode:

FHQ Website: https://www.fhqdev.com/
Instagram: @tombenjoe
Twitter: @tombenjoe
LinkedIn: Thomas Benjoe

First Nations University of Canada: https://www.fnuniv.ca/
Globe and Mail Article: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-breaking-barriers-for-thomas-benjoe-building-indigenous-wealth-is-a/