Economic Development Among First Nations: A Contingency Perspective

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Database ID25720
InstitutionUniversity of Saskatchewan Libraries Special Collections
Fonds/CollectionUniversity of Saskatchewan Library Theses and Dissertations
File/Item ReferenceTheses Geogr. A52
Date of creation1997
Physical description/extent1 thesis; 312 pages
Number of images312
External URLhttp://library2.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-10212004-000019/unrestricted/nq24065.pdf
Scope and contentThis dissertation explores the economic development objectives, strategies, and activities of the First Nations in Canada with three objectives: (i) to identify the approach to development among First Nations, (ii) to develop a theoretical perspective capable of providing insight into this approach, and (iii) to investigate the activities of the First Nations in Saskatchewan to determine if they are consistent with the expected characteristics of the First Nations' approach to development and the proposed theoretical perspective. To address the first objective, a wide range of sources are reviewed to determine First Nations development objectives and strategies. Based on this review, the First Nations' development approach emphasizes the creation of profitable businesses competing in the global economy. These businesses are usually collectively owned and often involve partnerships with non-First Nation corporations. A review of development theory follows to accomplish the second objective. Both the orthodox and radical perspectives are rejected. Instead, 'contingency perspective' based on regulation theory, the post-imperial perspective and alternative/indigenous development approaches, is developed. To address the third objective, research was conducted in three parts: (i) an investigation of the economic development activities of the 70 Saskatchewan First Nations, (ii) a study of the approach of non-First Nations companies to business alliances with First Nations, and (iii) a case study of the development activities of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. Based on the first and third parts of this research, 69% of First Nations businesses are owned by First Nations alone or First Nations in joint venture with non-First Nations businesses. These businesses account for 89% of the total estimated annual revenue of all First Nation businesses. Only 24% of First Nations businesses target the local market, the rest compete in broader regional, national and international markets. Part two of the research shows that a growing number of non-First Nations corporations are adopting a strategy of business alliances with aboriginal people. Five factors motivate this corporate behavior: (i) a shift in the global competitive environment from a Fordist to a flexible regime of accumulation, (ii) society's changing expectations about what constitutes socially responsible corporate behavior, (iii) legal and regulatory requirements and restrictions, (iv) the growing aboriginal population, and its increasing affluence and level of education, and (v) the rapidly growing pool of natural and financial resources under the control of aboriginal people. These results confirm the eight characteristics of the First Nations' approach to economic development and are consistent with the proposed contingency perspective.
Restrictions on accessThere are no restrictions on access.
ContributerAnderson, Robert Brent (author)
University of Saskatchewan. Department of Geography (Supervisory department / submitted to)
Copyright holderAnderson, Robert Brent
Other terms governing use and reproductionPermission given for on-line access.
TypeTheses
Primary MediaTextual documents
Provenance Access PointUniversity of Saskatchewan Library. Theses and Dissertations
Treaty boundariesNo data
Cultural regionNo data
SubjectEconomic Development
Businesses
Date Range(s)1990-1999
Permanent Link https://digital.scaa.sk.ca/ourlegacy/permalink/25720