Edmonton is home to one of Canada's largest urban Indigenous populations — and a correspondingly vibrant Indigenous business community that spans construction, trades, professional services, retail, food, and virtually every other sector. At Unified Restore, as an indigenously owned company ourselves, we are proud to be part of this community and to champion what it means to choose local Indigenous businesses. This guide explores why it matters, who is part of this community, and how supporting Indigenous business is one of the most practical acts of reconciliation available to every Edmonton resident.
Edmonton has long been a hub for Indigenous peoples from across Alberta and Canada — a city where Treaty 6 territory meets modern urban life. The Indigenous business community reflects this presence, with entrepreneurs and companies operating across every sector of the economy. Organizations like ABLE Network — the Alliance of Builders, Leaders and Entrepreneurs — connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous business professionals throughout Edmonton, creating networking opportunities and business relationships that strengthen the broader Capital Region economy. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business certifies Indigenous-owned companies and advocates for Indigenous business development at the national level. Edmonton's Indigenous business community continues to grow — and every procurement decision by Edmonton residents, businesses, and governments either supports or bypasses that growth.
Reconciliation is a word that appears in government documents and corporate statements across Canada — but what does it look like in practice? For most Canadians, the most direct and impactful form of reconciliation available is economic: choosing Indigenous-owned businesses when purchasing goods and services. When you hire an Indigenous-owned restoration company, contractor, accountant, or any other professional, you are creating economic opportunity that flows directly into Indigenous families and communities. This is not charity — it is fair economic exchange that happens to have outsized positive impact. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action specifically reference business relationships as part of a reconciliation agenda. Edmonton's businesses and residents have the opportunity to lead this work through their purchasing decisions every day.
Unified Restore was founded by Donovan Meeker, a Status member, together with co-owner Joshua Mackintosh. We operate as Edmonton's indigenously owned restoration company — providing the same professional, IICRC-certified water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, asbestos removal, and restoration services as any major national company, with the added commitment that comes with community ownership. Our team are active participants in Edmonton's business community through ABLE Network and other organizations. We believe that being Indigenous-owned means holding ourselves to the highest professional standards — because every project we deliver either strengthens or challenges the perception of Indigenous business capability. We take that responsibility seriously on every job throughout Edmonton and the Capital Region.
Beyond Unified Restore, Edmonton has a wide range of Indigenous-owned businesses across many sectors. The CCAB's Indigenous business database is one resource for finding certified Indigenous-owned companies. Indigenous Chamber of Commerce listings, local Indigenous business directories, and word-of-mouth through organizations like ABLE Network are other pathways. When seeking trades and contractors, directly asking whether a company is Indigenous-owned is completely appropriate. Many Indigenous business owners — ourselves included — are proud to discuss our ownership and community connections. Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses in the trades sector is particularly impactful given the significant role construction and restoration play in Edmonton's economy.
Unified Restore's community involvement reflects our roots. Through our connection to ABLE Network, we maintain relationships with Edmonton's broader business community and support the networking and mentorship that helps all businesses grow. We also support Edmonton community organizations including Veterans Food Bank Edmonton, Operation Friendship Seniors Society, and Ronald McDonald House Alberta — organizations that serve Edmonton's most vulnerable community members. Being an Indigenous-owned business is not just a designation — it is a commitment to our community that we express through every job we do and every relationship we maintain. Contact our team to learn more about Unified Restore and how we serve Edmonton and the Capital Region. View our partners page to see the other Edmonton businesses we work with.
Unified Restore — indigenously owned, IICRC certified, available 24/7 throughout Edmonton and the Capital Region.