Women

"This study examines the consistencies between traditional and contemporary roles and responsibilities of Aboriginal women within the context of family and community development. The research sources for this work includes using: the Medicine Wheel teachings; reviewing relevant literature; and conducting personal interviews with Aboriginal women. "

"In October of 2008, the National Network for Urban Aboriginal Economic Development held a National Gathering to identify the next steps in the development of the Network. One critical issue identified in those discussions was the need to ensure a dedicated focus on Aboriginal women in urban areas. The participants recognized that Aboriginal women face particular barriers in becoming active members of the workforce, and in starting up and sustaining business enterprises. Members of the Network identified two key points.

"This paper adds to our knowledge base, by: (1) describing the prevailing views on Aboriginal small business and entrepreneurship; (2) defining small business and entrepreneurship in general terms; (3) describing the current state of First Nation entrepreneurship and small business 
development in Canada; (4) listing and discussing some of the challenges that First Nation small business owners and 
entrepreneurs in Canada face, and providing ideas and avenues for the enhanced support 
and promotion of those entrepreneurs thinking about starting a small business; and (5) highlighting and dis

“While the growth of Aboriginal organizations over the past two decades, “has had both a political and social [and economic] impact on Canadian society…. little has been written about these organizations and the role they have played in the development of Canada.” To remedy this situation, a number of analysts, research institutions, and community managers and leaders have started to piece together a useful picture of the history, development, growth, and the day-to-day operation of these organizations.”

"Challenging traditional notions of development, these essays critically examine bottom-up, community economic development strategies in a wide variety of contexts: as a means of improving lives in northern, rural and inner-city settings; shaped and driven by women and by Aboriginal people; aimed at employment creation for the most marginalized. Most authors have employed a participatory research methodology.

"This study breaks new ground by examining data from Canada’s last three

"Research in indigenous entrepreneurship as well as women and entrepreneurship is growing. This paper presents 11 case studies on women Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Quebec, Canada. For Aboriginal peoples, small business and entrepreneurship is intimately linked to community and cultural survival. Within these communities, women assume major roles and are active participants and leaders in politics and in business. This research examines several models of entrepreneurship – traits, behavioural and environmental.

"This study examines employment segregation by gender and by Aboriginal ancestry within Canada's forest sector in 2001. Results show that while gender segregation was principally by occupation, segregation by Aboriginal ancestry was principally by industry sub-sector. White women were over represented in clerical occupations and Aboriginal men were over represented in woods based industries. Patterns of employment for Aboriginal women differed from those of both Aboriginal men and white women."

"The article consists of three sections. The first section discusses definitions and contemporary significance of subsistence and indigenous economies. It questions the prevailing narrow, economistic analyses and interpretations of subsistence. Although economic development projects such as resource extraction may improve fiscal independence and strengthen the economic base of indigenous communities, they also present serious threats to indigenous economies. The second section examines the relationship between subsistence and wage labor, particularly from the perspective of women.

"This report provides evidence that Aboriginal women and other marginalized women can be supported more fully to participate, lead and grow self-employment initiatives and entrepreneurial enterprises in Canada."