"For me, it is most important that we honour the things that we as Aboriginal people can bring to the business table. I do not think that the mainstream has a lock on the best way to do business. The best way is for us to learn and share together. We have to take time to reflect on our decisions to enter into the mainstream economy. The costs and implications must be clearly understood for us in relationship to our visions that we have for our communities. That was really very nicely set up at the beginning of the conference.
"In keeping with the goal of sustainability, the First Nations of Manitoba identified a need for an investment vehicle that would allow them to participate in economic initiatives on a larger project-level than could be achieved by individual communities. By working together, they could access the capital necessary to build a capital pol that would then be available for further investment. The profits return to communities for use in whatever way they choose. The vehicle formed to meet these goals is Tribal Councils Investment Group (ICIG)"
"Seeking understanding of Aboriginal peoples' place in today's society and ultimately for the future means understanding the history that has brought us here. It is not the history that solely acknowledges the Euro-Canadian perspective that will bring this understanding but it is an holistic approach that also respects the Aboriginal world view. This strategy draws on "ways of knowing" that honor written and oral traditions and is blended with a spiritual element that promotes a full appreciation for both approaches.
"The focus of this discussion is the joint venture that can allow First Nations to enter the resource development and service industries. It can provide incomes, as ell as revenue that can be used to support social spending. Potential benefits of joint ventures include access to the capital, technology, expertise, market access and other benefits offered by a corporate partner."
"The start-up and the first in a series of training programs designed to enable youth to start or expand businesses in discussed. The funding for the program was obtained by Kahanawake with an investment from the Department of Industry Canada designed to help youth develop their own businesses through debt financing. Thirteen people completed the course and six loan applications - supported by business plans - were submitted. Five of the loans were approved; and after one and a half years all five businesses are operating.
"The basis for this article is the experience of a number of entrepreneurs at Kahnawake, Quebec. They originally reported what they did in a series of videotaped interviews conducted by Ron Abraira and initiated by Tom O'Connell. These tapes were developed for and are being used as part of an ongoing training program to help those interested in starting or expanding a business in Kahnawake. A range of businesses have been selected, all of which have been operating for at least three years. Morgan's Lobster is a wholesaler of lobsters. Favors is a retailer of party sup- plies.
"One of the significant findings was that entrepreneurship was a career choice selected by man of the youth. This was particularly interesting when taken in the context that Native entrepreneurship (per capita) is lower than those in the rest of North America. Another finding was that Native High Schools provide little, if any, entrepreneurial training or exposure to entrepreneurship as a career choice.
"A new approach to economic development is emerging among the First Nations in Canada. This approach emphasizes the creation of profitable businesses competing in the global economy. These businesses are expected to help First Nations achieve their broader objectives that include: (i) greater control of activities on their traditional lands, (ii) self-determination, and (iii) an end to dependency through economic self-sufficiency.
"This paper explores economic development and entrepreneurship in an Aboriginal context. The paper begins with an overview of the socioeconomic circumstances of the Aboriginal people in Canada. It then goes on to consider the approach that Aboriginal people have developed to address these circumstances and the outcomes they have achieved. Throughout, the emphasis is on the role of entrepreneurship and land claims/treaty rights in the development process."
"It is generally acknowledged that European colonialists sought to establish new colonies in North America, from approximately 1500 onwards, for the purposes of trade, expansion and settlement. However, the role of capitalism as a driving force behind the dis-empowerment of Aboriginal peoples both past and present, is not generally acknowledged. In Canada, both on a general level and in particular cases, we can see how the needs of capital direct the interaction between Aboriginal peoples and the state. "
