"Commissioned by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), this web-based publication was designed by the Institute to systematically capture the knowledge and insights of economic development experts, many of whom were about to retire from the public service.
"The essay summarizes the authors study Sovereignty, Credible Commitments, and Economic Prosperity on American Indian Reservations, which measures the crippling economic consequences resulting from the lack of private property rights on Indian reserves."
"There are four different but overlapping regimes of private-property rights-customary rights, certificates of possession, land codes under the First Nations Land Management Act, and leases-already exist on reserves across Canada, as do several unique regimes, such as the Sechelt and Nisga'a cases. These various regimes are worthy of serious study by economists, lawyers, and political scientists with a view to establishing how well they work and how they might be perfected for the benefit of First Nations."
"Aboriginal leaders are determined to make their communities self-reliant by reducing their high unemployment and their dependence on government. They are doing that by creating wealth and employment through community-owned enterprises. Using case studies, Creating Wealth and Employment in Aboriginal Communities discusses six key factors that contribute to the success of Aboriginal community-owned enterprises."
"The opportunity to describe the ideal qualities of a strong Aboriginal leader and to suggest how to build Aboriginal leadership capacity brought 30 Aboriginal leaders to Calgary in mid-February 2003 to an Aboriginal Leadership Roundtable. Discussed were the roles in their communities of Aboriginal leaders, the challenges these leaders face, the qualities of good leaders—and barriers, including those of accountability and those stemming from the Indian Act.
"The corporate business rationale for building Aboriginal corporate capacity is that it is good business practice, it establishes a source of effective local suppliers, and it ensures that a fair share of the benefits from economic development goes to Aboriginal communities.
"The growth of Aboriginal band-owned enterprises has reduced high unemployment levels and increased self-reliance. Growth of Enterprises in Aboriginal Communities highlights the economic success of five Aboriginal communities. These community businesses use strategic planning and standard business practices, while maintaining traditional Aboriginal values. All community members share the benefits. This report documents the experience of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Membertou First Nation, Mississauga's of the New Credit First Nation and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
"The non-profit Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) works to enhance the financial and management practices and skills of Aboriginal people. It does so by providing relevant, accessible and up-to-date learning opportunities, and by sharing best practices using technology and e-learning practices. For instance, AFOA created the Aboriginal Centre for Finance and Management Excellence, a one-stop web portal for Aboriginal people across the country interested in this field.
"Aboriginal Digital Opportunities, explores how Web-based distance education, e-mail and self-directed learning software can promote the development of skills, create economic development opportunities, and enable Aboriginal peoples to participate in the knowledge economy.
"Using case examples of how Canadian companies are working with Aboriginal businesses, this report provides evidence of existing and emerging Aboriginal economic strengths that are relevant to Canada’s business community. The discussion is advanced to paint a meaningful and robust picture of the opportunities available to business through the development of relationships with Aboriginal businesses, customers, employees, suppliers and communities. Aboriginal economic performance and potential provide both opportunities and risks for Canadian business."
