Balancing Politics and the Dispersal of Business Revenues among First Nations in Saskatchewan, Canada

In this paper we present the results of interviews conducted with 14 First Nations in Saskatchewan on the ways in which they balance the need for economic development while meeting the social welfare needs of community members. Specific themes include (i) the separation between business and politics...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development
Main Authors: Natcher, David C., Allen, Tom, Schmid, Trina
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: Captus Press 2014
Subjects:
Business
Business And Economics
Citizens
Decision making
Economic development
Ethnic Interests
Family allowances
Federal government
Funding
Native North Americans
Older people
Political leadership
Politics
Revenue
Social development
Social programs
Social welfare
Welfare services
First Nation businesses in Canada
First Nation-owned Businesses
First Nation Institutions
Saskatchewan First Nations
Indigenous community development
Indigenous community economic development
Indigenous economic leadership
Indigenous economic development
Canada
First Nations
Online Access:http://id.erudit.org/iderudit/1114452ar
https://doi.org/10.29173/jaed343
Description
Summary:In this paper we present the results of interviews conducted with 14 First Nations in Saskatchewan on the ways in which they balance the need for economic development while meeting the social welfare needs of community members. Specific themes include (i) the separation between business and politics; (ii) the existence and role of boards of directors; (iii) strategic versus reactive decision-making; and (iv) the tension between revenue reinvestment and disbursement. Among the First Nations interviewed, three have put into place formal structures to separate business from politics, and have prioritized strategic and long-term investment over revenue dispersal. The remaining 11 First Nations use economic development as a vehicle to meet the social welfare needs of community members, including the funding of social program, Elders care, family allowances, and host of other social welfare services. This paper offers insight into the challenges First Nation governments encounter as they struggle to meet the diverse needs of their citizenry.

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