"....document, examine, and reflect on the transitions in Aboriginal society that I see going on around me. As a society, we are starting to move away from the time of great pain and to lay the foundations for what I have come to call "modern Aboriginal society." Across the country, I see a strong desire to build Aboriginal communities on a foundation of Aboriginal tradition, custom, and ideas. Accomplishing this goal is difficult as a result of our position as Aboriginal peoples as a small minority within an environment dominated by western ideas.
"There have been enormous and significant changes within aboriginal society within the last generation. We need to reflect upon them in order to discern their meaning and impact. I present these stories as examples of the type of change of the last two decades as prelude to my topic. I have been asked to write on the unique perspectives that aboriginal belief systems have for development, how these can be preserved, and what lessons these might have for future development efforts both within aboriginal communities and the mainstream.
"This paper sketches a view of Aboriginal economies and their development over the next twenty years. It focuses on three fundamental questions: (1) What do Aboriginal economies look like now? (2) What are the critical factors that need to be considered for their development? (3) What are possible scenarios for Aboriginal economic development?"
"This article brings needed attention to the process of structural change in Aboriginal communities, which has been largely neglected in current policy and practice on economic development and good governance. New research strongly suggests that generalized trust (social capital), and a capacity to discuss rather than suppress conflict (social cohesion), are crucial to long-term success in economic development and self- government.
"Founded by Professors Stephen Cornell and Joseph P. Kalt at Harvard University in 1987, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development (The Harvard Project) aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined, social and economic development may be achieved among American Indian nations. The project has become something of a benchmark for current discussion of First Nations economic development.
"The following is the keynote address of Chief Billy Diamond presented at the Fourth Annual General Assembly of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO), which took place in Montreal, September 25 to 27, 1997. Chief Diamond's speech was both timely and moving. In it he is direct and honest highlighting - in no uncertain terms - what must happen if economic development is going to have a positive impact on the future of Aboriginal communities in Canada. His message is as vitally important today as it was in 1997.
"In this paper, we examine the major issues affecting First Nations forestry in Canada using comparison of means tests and multivariate analysis. This paper will be of interest for those working in the economic development field, particularly those who are on the front-line of such changes and challenges. In some cases, economic development officers participated in the survey that we conducted. The results will present a snapshot of the larger issues affecting the current state of First Nations forestry."
It was decided that an interview be conducted with Casino-Rama Director of First Nations Affairs, Kevin Wassegijig, who spoke with the Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development regarding the success of Casino-Rama while outlining some of the challenges casino manage- ment must deal with in upcoming years. Aboriginal gaming in Canada is a recent development, and the success of Casino-Rama has come as a pleasant surprise to many. At the same time, however, the success of Casino-Rama has generated concerns that have unwittingly resulted from their own success.
