A new national policy for First Nations economic development is being pitched in a new research paper.
Professor David Smith of the University of Regina co-authored the study entitled, “The Future Starts Now: Economic Space for First Nations”.
Smith says an administrative structure, largely created by First Nations, could help create some ‘economic space’ they need to succeed.
He says there should be “set asides” in government contracts and procurement that give First Nations “a leg up”.
Smith says the country needs to consider what is achievable for First Nations, and how to get a solid footing in the business world.
“But I think that the concept of ‘economic space’ is one way of trying to create a baseline whereby we can examine what is achievable and what has been achieved by First Nations.”
He notes Sir John A. McDonald brought in policies that helped protect the railways and streamline the influx of immigrants.
The paper points to Roosevelt’s New Deal in the U.S., and the political regimes of Tommy Douglas and the Parti Quebecois as examples that should also be studied.
Smith argues similar thinking is needed when it comes to getting First Nations involved in the economy.
He says Canada boasts numerous resources, but First Nations haven’t benefited from them fully.
Smith says dairy farms are largely owned by non-Aboriginal groups, while hydroelectric projects have often hurt bands more than they’ve helped.
He adds the first economic space First Nations should have is in the classroom.