Theme 4: Indigenous Communities and the Social Economy

Theme 4 Coordinator - Dr. David Natcher, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, University of Saskatchewan

For further information contact Dr. David Natcher (email: david.natcher@usask.ca)

PowerPoint Presentation: 
Indigenous Communities and the Social Economy by Dr. David Natcher

Many researchers have noted that traditional economic and social activities of Northern indigenous communities are in themselves a model of social economy. (Wenzel, 1995, Wenzel et al, 2000; Nuttall 1991; Proulx and Gauthier, 2005)  A key objective for this node is a better understanding of the relationship between sharing, a subsistence economy, traditional indigenous cultures and values, and social cohesion in Northern communities.

Indigenous communities and the Social Economy theme consists of a long-term project to be undertaken by the theme coordinator (Natcher) and will include a number of sub-projects that will be approved and developed through the Scientific Review Committee of SERNNoCa.  This will involve coordination with the other research themes and include collaboration with the theme coordinators, node coordinators and community researchers.  The geographical reach of the over-all research will include the three northern territories, Labrador and Nunavik whenever possible. A key objective for this theme is to enhance our understanding of the relationship between indigenous communities and the social economy of northern Canada.

Key Objectives of this theme are to:

1. Enhance the understanding of the complex relationship between wildlife harvesting, wage labour, sharing and reciprocity, and the regulatory regimes that now mediate community access to wildlife resources.
2. By identifying how each of these factors contribute to the social economic cohesion of Northern indigenous communities we hope our research can lend to more informed and responsive public policy.

Reporting

A number of journal articles will result from the research.  In addition community presentations and summary reports will be produced. 

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