Engraved on Our Nations
Indigenous Economic Tenacity
Overview
A testimony to Indigenous resilience in business
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 (Northwest Territories) and Neechi Commons (Manitoba). Simultaneously celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs and exploring concerns around sustainable development, the book also asks: can capitalism be Indigenized?
This first-of-its-kind collection shares stories not only of entrepreneurial excellence and persistence but savvy leadership, innovation, and reciprocity. In doing so, Engraved on Our Nations provides 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.
Reviews
“There are few books that can compare to this. The strengths-based approach used by each author is refreshing and will be of service to First Nations communities and to Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars in community economic development.”
Shelley T. Price, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
“Engraved on Our Nations clearly articulates the strength, courage, and foresight of Indigenous people. The uplifting stories within this volume will open the eyes of readers and elicit hope, inspiration, and pride.”
Bob Kayseas, First Nations University of Canada
About the Authors
Other contributors: P. Jerry Asp, Clifford Gordon Atleo, Charlotte Bezamat-Mantes, Mary Beth Doucette, Isobel M. Findlay, Christopher Googoo, Catherine Martin, Daniel M. Millette, David Newhouse, Judith Sayers
Table of Contents
Preface: Exploring Indigenous Economic Tenacity in Canada – Wanda Wuttunee and Fred Wien
Introduction: Indigenous Economic History as the History of Tenacity – David Newhouse
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
