Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development
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Culture And Community: Sustainable Community Planning in the Rolling River First Nation
No full textUrban, rural and First Nations communities across the country face a growing infrastructure deficit. Sustainable community planning processes provide an opportunity to address this deficit in a way that both improves the quality of life for citizens and reduces environmental impact. However, there remains a gap between planning processes infused with sustainability principles and implementation. The purpose of this article is to explore this \u27implementation gap\u27 from a First Nations perspective. First Nations communities face particular capacity barriers and opportunities to conducting innovative and integrated planning. Using data drawn from a case study of Rolling River First Nation in Manitoba, the article illustrates how the community identified cultural traditions and the land base as critical components of their planning process. Both served to build the social infrastructure that provided the necessary capacity to bridge the planning - implementation gap
Community Economic Development With Neechi Foods: Impact on Aboriginal Fishers in Northern Manitoba, Canada
No full textNeechi Foods Co-op located in the north end of Winnipeg, Canada is an ideal example of an Aboriginal community economic development initiative. This grocery store has been operating for over 21 years and is an associate member of the Federated Co-operatives Ltd. Neechi Foods is committed to providing quality products and services to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction and retention, building a strong cooperative, and promoting community economic development and opportunities for Aboriginal peoples. Neechi Foods Co-op sells freshly prepared bannock, wild rice, wild blueberries, freshwater fish, and other Indigenous specialty foods, home-made deli products, conventional grocery items and Aboriginal crafts, books and music. The co-op has been commercially self-reliant and profitable despite severe economic crises in its surrounding neighbourhood. In 2009-2010 financial year, annual sales of Neechi Foods Co-op reached over $600,000. Neechi Foods Co-op is expanding its business and building the Neechi Commons Co-operative business complex which will start operation in 2012
Investing According To Indigenous Tradition: An Assessment of Indigenous Laws and Investment
No full textIndigenous peoples have inhabited North America since time immemorial, using Indigenous laws as guiding principles on how to live sustainably. However, since European contact, Indigenous communities have seen their roles in planning for the future progressively eroded. Now that many new and modem investment opportunities are presenting themselves to Indigenous communities, some guidance on making the right investment decisions may be needed. The authors argue that because European laws and policies have historically not accommodated the unique requirements of Indigenous communities, communities may choose to apply proven Indigenous laws when making sustainable investment decisions today
Developing Communities In Northern Saskatchewan: Women and Youth in Aboriginal Community Development
No full textScholars interested in Aboriginal community development have paid little attention to the important roles and contributions of women and young people. An extensive quantitative survey - the first such survey undertaken - provides valuable insights into the views and activities of Northern Saskatchewan Aboriginal residents. By assessing the extent of community participation and the support of residents for community engagement, this study demonstrates a deep and broad commitment to working at the community level. The study also shows stark differences between onand off-reserve populations: on-reserve members have a very homogenous pattern of community engagement, while off-reserve Aboriginal people demonstrate significant differences by age and gender. These findings have important implications for the understanding and implementation of Aboriginal community development
2010 Economic Developer Of The Year Award Winners
No full textLet\u27s not forget that economic development can also be about maintaining traditional sustenance economies which are blended with Aboriginal rights movements to protect hunting & fishing rights, preserve our environment, and fight climate change. Whether a lease is with a community member or a multi-national firm requiring access to international markets, all clients are considered a part of the entire development team in Aamjiwnaang. Add to this low employee benefit costs, access to a wide array of opportunities and low land costs and CIDL has developed, over time, a number of competitive advantages to offer their clients. In our leadership role we have been able to create sustainable employment for members, provide a long term revenue base for the First Nation, develop expertise in partnership development and expand our understanding o
Is Community Economic Development Putting Healthy Food On The Table? Food Sovereignty in Northern Manitoba’s Aboriginal Communities
No full textFood-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities where food insecurity rates are very high at 75% (n=534). People in northern Manitoba reported in interviews that hunting, fishing, berry-picking and gardening made them self-sufficient, in the recent past (25 to 50 years ago), but now many children and adults cannot afford to eat healthy. Presently many financial and regulatory barriers to country foods exist, which severely curtails food sovereignty and sustainable livelihood, while increasing food insecurity. The Nelson House Country Foods Program, which employs people to hunt and fish to feed the community, is related to better food security rates (
Nation Building Through Lands Management: Application of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development to Canada
No full textThe research findings of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and the principles of Nation Building arising from the Harvard project have been central to the progression of new policy on Aboriginal Economic Development. However, key differences exist between American Indian Tribes and Canadian First Nations that warrant concern about the appropriateness of using American-based research findings as the basis of policy development for Aboriginal people in Canada. This paper demonstrates that the Harvard principles can be extrapolated into a Canadian context through an analysis of the statutory requirements under the First Nations Lands Management Act and a comparison to the Nation Building Model as defined by the Harvard Project. This article will also recommend specific research activities that will test the effectiveness of the Nation Building Model in Canada (1) to ensure that responsible policies are based on Canadian-based research, and (2) to strengthen the business case for increased financial investment by the Government of Canada to support best practices in First Nations lands management and economic development
Canadian Policy Interventions During The Mad Cow Crisis: Cause and Consequence of First Nation Exclusion
No full textThis paper presents the results of policy research to determine the extent to which First Nation cattle producers in Saskatchewan, Canada applied for and received government financial support following the 2003 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) crisis. Findings indicate a 3% participation rate among First Nation producers compared to 80% participation rate for non-First Nation producers during the same period. It is argued that if the federal and provincial governments of Canada continue their policies of indifference towards First Nation agriculture, it is unlikely that agricultural will ever serve as a viable economic opportunity for First Nations in Canada