Aboriginal Economic Development Program

This volume explores Indigenous measures of economic development in First Nations Atlantic Canadian communities that are of relevance for First Nations peoples. Many of the challenges faced by these communities and their local, regional and national leaders in advancing economic development relate to experiences of diverse and complex issues most of which clash with federal policies that increasingly call for centralization, standardization and uniformity. This volume illustrates the key challenges in establishing and maintaining socially responsible economic development that is beneficial for Aboriginal communities.

Wuttunee states: "As Aboriginal peoples, we may not want to completely mirror mainstream business choices. We may choose to bring emotion, spirit, and caring in addition to strong business skills. We may choose a package of strategies that in the end provides balance in ways that vary across Aboriginal nations but maintains an integrity that is not often seen in the business world."

The changing legal, political and economic landscape of Aboriginal Peoples represent some of the biggest change, challenges, risks and exciting opportunities for individuals and organizations today. Whether you're just starting out or want to increase your knowledge, this book is written to help individuals and organizations to work more effectively with Aboriginal peoples. The information in this book has been field tested with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples and will help readers get beyond background information and aboriginal awareness and into understanding and guidance that can be applied in innovative ways wherever you find Aboriginal peoples.

The new Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development builds on a number of recent federal actions to improve the participation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the Canadian economy. The Framework will focus the federal government's actions on priority areas to unlock the full economic potential of Aboriginal Canadians, their communities, and their businesses by taking realistic steps to have a measurable impact on the lives of Aboriginal people. This document looks at aboriginal population, business endeavors, economic impact, and desired outcomes of the framework.--Includes text from the document.