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.
Overview of Indigenous governance in Canada: Evolving relations and key issues and debates
This chapter presents an overview of the constitutional, political and practical circumstances pertinent to linking Indigenous communities with regional development in Canada. It reviews the historical and current arrangements of First Nation, Inuit and Métis relations with Canadian institutions, and provides an introduction to three key debates: First Nations’ prospects for getting out from under the Indian Act; conflicts over land and resources management and; the role of Indigenous knowledge in contemporary decision-making.
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