Linking Indigenous Communities with Regional Development in Canada
Canada’s Constitution Act (1982) recognises three Indigenous groups: Indians (now referred to as First Nations), Inuit, and Métis. Indigenous peoples make a vital contribution to the culture, heritage and economic development of Canada. Despite improvements in Indigenous well-being in recent decades, significant gaps remain with the non-Indigenous population. This study focuses on four priority issues to maximise the potential of Indigenous economies in Canada. First, improving the quality of the statistical framework and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the governance of data. Second, measures to improve the fairness and transparency for how Indigenous peoples can secure land tenure and the use of tools and such as land use planning to use it to promote community economic development. Third, promoting entrepreneurship so Indigenous peoples can use assets and resources in ways that align with their objectives for development. Fourth, implementing an approach to governance that adapts policies to places, and empowers Indigenous institutions and communities.
Profile of Indigenous Canada: Trends and data needs
The objective of this chapter is to assess economic development and well-being outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Canada, and how to improve statistical frameworks and data governance. The chapter begins by profiling Indigenous socio-economic and demographic trends. The chapter then examines Indigenous community well-being and the importance of geography particularly remoteness and its implications for economic development. Profiles of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurship and community-led economic development are then discussed. The chapter ends with a discussion of how Indigenous data could be improved in terms of data collection and dissemination, with a specific focus on understanding Indigenous businesses and economies.