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.
Foreword
Approximately 1.7 million people in Canada self-identify as Indigenous, which is 5% of the total population. In Canada today, the Constitution Act (1982) recognises three groups: Indians (now referred to as First Nations), Inuit, and Métis. Among the three groups, First Nations are the largest (at 60% of the total), followed by Métis (36%), and Inuit (4%). Indigenous peoples make a vital contribution to the culture, heritage and economic development of Canada. This report mainly focusses on economic development issues for First Nations and Inuit. Further work is needed to engage with the particular circumstances of the Métis.
- Click to access:
-
Click to download PDF - 520.09KBPDF