This paper is part of a larger research study on the Aboriginal co-operative movement (A Reporton Aboriginal Co-operatives in Canada: Current Situation and Potential for Growth). The study was initiated by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and le Conseil Canadian de la coopération (CCC). The objective of the study was to build knowledge and awareness about the current state and contributions of Aboriginal co-operatives to regional and community development. The present paper has been developed as a background paper for the complete study.
The UINR forestry division strives for an environmentally sound way to use our natural resources while creating employment for members of our communities and further strengthening relationships between local industry and Mi’kmaq people.
Management of our commercial fisheries involves a complex range of techniques and strategies including scientific, resource, commercial, and market information. The main mechanism for communication between governments and industry is through advisory and various other fisheries committees and groups. Attendance at these meetings is critical to full participation in co-management of the fisheries.
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.
My purpose in writing this chapter is to reiterate briefly the overall thrust of the commission's work and to comment on the impact the report appears to be having after two years in the pub- lic domain. I would be presumptuous to claim that these few pages could provide a balanced synopsis of the five volumes and 3500 pages of the commission's report. My comments represent a perspective, much of it grounded in the words of the commission itself that is highly selective in emphasis.
Are Native peoples jumping on the gaming bandwagon without really considering the ulti- mate consequences to their communities? What of the rights of other communities that might be directly or indirectly affected by the decisions that we make today? Do we have the right to jeopardize the continued existence of other com- munities? Gaming compacts are complex and very difficult concepts for many people accept.
This article considers the costs and benefits of taxation in the operation of modern First Nation governments through a case study regarding the taxation of tobacco products on reserve.
This paper reviews the purpose, vision, and contents of the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, while exploring its potential impacts, economic and otherwise, on Aborignal peoples.
