Corporate/Indigenous Partnerships in Economic Development: The First Nations in Canada

Abstract

The approach to economic development that is emerging among the First Nations in Canada emphasizes the creation of profitable businesses competing in the global economy. These businesses are usually collectively owned, and often partnerships with non-First Nation corporations. At the same time, my research shows that a growing number of non-Aboriginal corporations are adopting business alliances with aboriginal people as a part of their strategy for long-term corporate survival. Four factors motivate this corporate behavior: (a) society’s changing expectations about what constitutes socially responsible corporate behavior, (b) legal and regulatory requirements and restrictions, (c) the growing aboriginal population, and its increasing affluence and level of education, and (d) the rapidly growing pool of natural and financial resources under the control of aboriginal people. This augurs well for First Nations’ economic development in the future. It also has implications for economic development among Indigenous Peoples elsewhere.

Keywords: North America, Canada, Indigenous, First Nations, economic development, flexible competition