Carol Anne Hilton, MBA, ICD.D, is a leading national and international Indigenous business leader, author, corporate director and visionary economic architect of Nuu-chah-nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island. She is the founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute, the Global Centre of Indigenomics, and the Global Indigenous Technology House. Hilton pioneered the Indigenomics movement—a transformative economic framework rooted in Indigenous worldviews that emphasizes relationality, sustainability, and collective generational prosperity.

Hilton coined the term “Indigenomics” in 2012, evolving it from a social media hashtag into a global movement that radically repositions Indigenous Peoples as central contributors to modern economies. Her acclaimed book, Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, articulates a bold vision for a $100 billion Indigenous economy and serves as a blueprint for economic reconciliation. The book was shortlisted for the 2021 Donner Prize and is widely regarded as a foundational text in Indigenous economic thought.  Hilton recently authored her second book, ” The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power- Deconstructing Indian Act Economics.”

With over two decades of experience in Indigenous economic development, Hilton has advised national and international institutions, governments, and corporations. She has served on the Canadian Economic Growth Council and the BC Emerging Economy Task Force, and most recently holds directorships with the McGill University Institute for the Study of Canada, Earth Charter International, the International Values Commission and the TELUS and Bank of Montreal’s national Indigenous Advisory Councils. 

Hilton’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Mastercard Game Changer Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Powwow Pitch, the Nation Builder Award from the National Angel Capital Organization, and the Award of Distinction in Indigenous Business from the BC Achievement Foundation and  the Award of Excellence in Aboriginal Relations by the Canadian Council for  Indigenous Business as well as recognized in the Top 500 Businesses in BC for the past four years running.

Through her leadership, Hilton is reshaping economic narratives to center Indigenous knowledge systems, fostering inclusive growth, and building pathways for multi-generational Indigenous wealth and well-being.