Carol Anne Hilton, MBA, ICD.D, is a prominent Indigenous business leader, author, and strategist of Nuu-chah-nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation. She is the founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute, the Global Centre of Indigenomics, and the Global Indigenous Technology House. Hilton is best known for pioneering the Indigenomics movement—an economic framework rooted in Indigenous values of relationality, sustainability, and shared prosperity. She coined the term “Indigenomics” in 2012, transforming it from a hashtag into a global movement. Her acclaimed book, Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, outlines a vision for a $100 billion Indigenous economy and has become a cornerstone of Indigenous economic thought. The book was shortlisted for the 2021 Donner Prize.
With over 20 years of experience, Hilton has advised governments, institutions, and corporations. She has served on the Canadian Economic Growth Council and the BC Emerging Economy Taskforce. Currently, she sits on the boards of McGill’s Institute for the Study of Canada, Earth Charter International, Innovate BC, and Indigenous advisory councils for TELUS and BMO.
Her achievements have earned her numerous awards, including Mastercard’s Game Changer Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, the Nation Builder Award from the National Angel Capital Organization, and the BC Achievement Foundation’s Award of Distinction in Indigenous Business. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Royal Roads University. Through her leadership, Hilton is redefining economic narratives to center Indigenous knowledge, support inclusive growth, and build long-term Indigenous wealth and well-being.