Description
Co-edited by Wanda Wuttunee, a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, and Fred Wien.
Despite investments in nation building, self-autonomy, and cultural resurgence, Indigenous economic development has remained an underexplored and underestimated area of research. Engraved on Our Nations overturns the discouraging deficit perspective too common in policy and academia and amplifies the largely undocumented history of successful Indigenous economic activity in Canada.
Following David Newhouse’s overview of Indigenous economic history, the authors of this collection illustrate how First Nation and Métis individuals and communities have met and overcome an array of challenges. Case studies focus on First Nations from Membertou (Nova Scotia) to Tahltan (British Columbia) and Indigenous-led enterprises like McDonald Brothers Electric (Inuvik Northwest Territories) and Neechi Commons (Winnipeg). Simultaneously celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs and exploring concerns around sustainable development, the book also asks: can capitalism be Indigenized?
In this first-of-its-kind collection, diverse voices offer experiences and analyses that present common threads to students seeking better answers for the future. Engraved on Our Nations shares stories not only of entrepreneurial excellence and persistence but of savvy leadership, innovation, and reciprocity, providing hope to Indigenous business leaders, youth, and elected officials working on the front lines to improve economic conditions and achieve “a good life” for their communities. This book contains 10 illustrations.
Preface by Wanda Wuttunee and Fred Wien: Exploring Indigenous Economic Tenacity in Canada. With an introduction by :David Newhouse - Indigenous Economic History as the History of Tenacity.
Part One: Strategic Leadership
1. How Does First Nation Social and Economic Development Contribute to the Surrounding
Region? A Case Study of Membertou – Mary Beth Doucette and Fred Wien
2. Incremental Planning: The Tsawwassen First Nation Experience – Daniel M. Millette
3. Fulfilling Treaty Promises: Treaty Land Entitlement and Urban Reserves in Saskatchewan –
Charlotte Bezamat-Mantes
Part Two: Culturally on Point
4. Trading on Tradition: Innovative Indigenous Enterprise – Isobel M. Findlay
5. Capitalism: Can It Be Indigenized? – Clifford Gordon Atleo
6. Challenges and Opportunities for BC First Nations’ Economic Self-Determination – J.
Sayers
Part Three: Family Connections
7. Honouring Entrepreneurial Resilience: Atlantic Region Lifetime Achievers – Chris Googoo,
Catherine Martin, and Fred Wien
8. A Métis Light in the Northern Darkness—Case Study – Wanda Wuttunee
9. Neechi Commons Case Study: A Lost Love Letter to Winnipeg – Wanda Wuttunee
Part Four: Partnering for Success
10. Tahltan Economic Tenacity—From Affluence to Poverty to Affluence – Jerry Asp
11. Stronger Together: First Nation Community/Municipality Collaborations – Wanda
Wuttunee
Conclusion: What Did We Learn About Indigenous Tenacity? Fred Wien and Wanda
Wuttunee
Acknowledgements
Contributors
Index