We are pleased to have provided leadership and guidance on this report – the first ever global study of its kind on Indigenous economies and regional development. This work has directlyinvolved Indigenous communities and leaders throughout. It is also timely. As Indigenous peoples worldwide achieve growing legal recognition of their rights as well as title to land and sea, it is imperative that we overcome the implementation gap and translate these rights into better outcomes. Reconciliation involves addressing Indigenous land title along with the meaningful engagement of the original people in planning the protection and sustainable use of lands, water, natural resources and wildlife. It also demands the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and perspectives in governance and policy design at all levels.

There are approximately 38 million Indigenous people living in 13 OECD member countries. Indigenous peoples make an important contribution to the culture, heritage and economic development of these member countries. Their diverse spiritual beliefs and worldviews are rooted in kinship and strong connections to land and nature, emphasising its stewardship. Indigenous worldviews thus contribute to illuminating the path to sustainable development.

Indigenous peoples are defined by the United Nations as those who inhabited a country prior to colonisation and who self-identify as such due to descent from these peoples and belonging to social, cultural or political institutions that govern them. Across 13 OECD countries, there are approximately 38 million Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples also live in a number of non-member countries that work closely with the OECD (e.g. Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru).

Indigenous peoples live in 13 OECD member countries and a number of non‑member countries that work closely with the OECD (e.g. Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru). There are approximately 38 million Indigenous people across OECD member countries, which is equivalent to the total population of Poland, the 12th largest OECD member country in terms of the size of population. The subnational analysis focuses on five OECD member countries that have disaggregated data available on Indigenous peoples (Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States). These countries present 94% of the total Indigenous peoples across OECD member countries.

This note explains the process and methods used to produce this report and the analytical framework used by the OECD to develop policy recommendations for linking Indigenous communities with regional and rural development.

The objective of this chapter is to assess Indigenous economic development and wellbeing outcomes at the regional level. The chapter begins discussing definitions of Indigenous peoples and statistical frameworks to collect data about them. The chapter then presents socio-economic data about Indigenous peoples at a sub-national level identifying differences in outcomes with non-Indigenous populations. Factors associated with these differences across different types of regions are also assessed with particular challenges identified for rural remote areas. The chapter finishes with an assessment of how to improve statistical frameworks and empower Indigenous peoples through changes to data governance.

The objective of this chapter is to identify lessons and leading practices related to promoting Indigenous entrepreneurship and small business in partnership with Indigenous communities. The chapter begins by defining Indigenous entrepreneurship and developing a profile of Indigenous businesses across different OECD member countries. Indigenous businesses are then located in a spatial context. Four types of Indigenous rural economies are identified based on their proximity to cities and access to natural resources and amenities. The chapter then discuss policy measures to improve the enabling environment for Indigenous entrepreneurship at a regional level. Within the framework of a place-based approach three complementary policy objectives are identified: i) increasing access to finance; ii) building business capabilities; and iii) improving market access through preferential procurement policies.

The objective of this chapter is to assess and identify the key features of governance that enable Indigenous communities to realise the development potential of land and water resources, supporting self-determination. The chapter begins with a discussion about Indigenous rights to land, the recognition and enforcement of these rights, and the legal frameworks that shape options for land management. The second section discusses the different tools that give Indigenous peoples the capacity to manage land, participate in or undertake land use planning, establish objectives for community development and obtain revenues from land. The third section of the chapter focuses on how Indigenous peoples participate in different phases of project development, and can negotiating benefits with investors to create sustainable business and employment opportunities.

The objective of this chapter is to identify good practices and lessons about governance mechanisms and tools for implementing a place-based approach to Indigenous economic development. The chapter begins by identifying typical governance failures the affect the implementation of a place-based approach to Indigenous economic development. It then identifies how these failures can be overcome by facilitating policy coherence, aligning implementation between levels of government, creating opportunities for meaningful participation, and strengthening the capacity of local Indigenous-led organisations.