| Summary: | This dissertation contains three essays on topics in First Nations economic development in Canada. The first essay explores the issue of underdevelopment through the lens of economic leakage and multiplier effects of spending. The second essay explores the issue of food insecurity as an implication of underdevelopment in First Nations reserve economies. Finally, the last essay investigates First Nation Governments’ investment in band-owned businesses and collaboration in business development opportunities between First Nations communities. The first essay explores the rate of economic leakage and the economic impacts of First Nation spending. Using data collected from a comprehensive survey of household spending by two First Nations in Saskatchewan, Canada, I use Input-Output models to refine regional multipliers for these distinct populations. Results indicate that economic leakage rates for First Nation economies is roughly 90 percent; meaning that 90 cents of every dollar spent by First Nations for goods and services occurs off-reserve. Using the new multipliers, I find that First Nation spending contributes over $741 million to Saskatchewan's GDP, creates approximately 11,244 full-time jobs, and leads to an estimated increase of over $462 million in labor force income for the province. If policy makers intend to build on-reserve economies, strategies must be found to recapture off-reserve spending by providing comparable on-reserve goods and services. In the absence of on-reserve economic development, First Nation economic growth will likely remain stagnant with few wealth generating opportunities and lower standards of living for First Nation members. A direct implication of high rates of economic leakage is alarming rates of food insecurity in most First Nations communities across Canada. In the second essay, I explore some of the most important factors affecting household food consumption and food insecurity in First Nations communities. I use disaggregate household food expenditure data from 466 First ...
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