Executive Summary

The Rural Secretariat held the second in its Learning Series seminars in Regina on January 11th, 2005. The theme of the seminar was "Aboriginal Participation in the Rural Economy". Speakers address topics around the theme to provide a greater understanding of the potential for development involving Aboriginal communities.

Several ideas emerged repeatedly throughout the day. Several speakers told us that it is difficult to categorize First Nations, either in terms of their size, language, level of development, or the resources available to them. Each is unique and this must be recognized. There are many different levels of skill within each community as well. Gary Bosgoed suggested that those who wish to work with an Aboriginal community to take an active approach to understanding the culture in the individual community by taking part in local activities.

Aldene Meis Mason told us that when First Nations communities are looking for a starting point for development they need to assess what they can draw upon and develop to advantage. Each community can use the resources available to it as a basis for economic development whether it is oil and gas, lumber or some other resource. The value extracted from these resources must then go back to the people.

Strong leadership is an issue for First Nations communities. As Ms. Meis Mason pointed out, stable leadership over a long term is needed to develop strategic visions and goals. The Indian Act however requires elections every two years, making it difficult to achieve stable leadership. On a provincial level the FSIN provides leadership, and a single voice for the people.

All of the speakers mentioned the need to provide employment for Aboriginal people. The demographic projections show a huge influx of young Aboriginals into the work force in coming years. Audrey Ahenakew pointed out that Canada will need to provide several hundred thousand new jobs just to maintain current levels of employment. Bob Kayseas suggested that we need to be increasing the capacity of Aboriginal people now to prepare them for the job market in the future. Gary Bosgoed emphasized the need to dispel the myths about Aboriginal workers as being difficult to deal with. He also told us that it is hard to find good trades people and that training for the trades should be promoted to young people as an option.

We also heard a lot about partnerships. Aldene Meis Mason pointed to partnerships as being critical to accessing new markets, and achieving success in global markets. We were told that Aboriginal people face great difficulties in getting equity. Since most Aboriginal people do not own their own homes or land they are often denied loans. This is a major stumbling block for those who want to start their own businesses.

In addition to the many problems which were discussed during the day, speakers also reminded us that many good things have already happened in the area of Aboriginal participation in the rural economy and we should recognize the achievements of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities.

A CD with the complete report is available upon request from Lauraine Watson watsonla@agr.gc.ca

Date Modified: 2005-06-23

Important Notices

[ Français | Contact Us | Help | Search | Canada Site ] [ Home | News Releases | Key Rural Initiatives | Site Map | Publications ]