The OTC is committed to coordinating the research, initiating, facilitating and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving First Nations economic independence in the context of Treaty in a modern environment.
Background
- Research has confirmed that the treaty negotiations, over a century ago, included the right to livelihood in both the traditional way (hunting, fishing, trapping) and in the new way (technological/information age);
- Principles and values of ancient Indigenous culture included kinship (to human and creation), hard work, innovation, sharing, respect and relationships, amongst others, were broken down by colonization;
- First Nations people were under-educated and trained in western ways despite the treaty promises for a “school house” in the numbered treaties;
- Barriers and systemic racism from the turn of the century to the present has resulted in exclusion and under-representation of First Nations people in many occupations and in business;
- The Indian Act has been a barrier for many First Nations entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their enterprises on reserve;
Trends
- Global economic trends have a direct impact on First Nations regional and local economies;
- Global warming has become a top policy issue for most governments which in turn creates new sustainability policy development opportunities;
- More First Nations people are working or are self-employed;
- There is still a shortage of qualified First Nations people in many high demand occupations;
- Saskatchewan’s economy is the best in Canada and is driven largely by major developments by the resource sector (mining) on or near First Nations lands;
- More companies are adopting the business case for progressive relations with First Nations;
- There is a “war for talent” and companies must review their strategies to attract, employ and retain top First Nations employees;
- Not all First Nations are in a position to rebuild their nations due to governance, capacity and financing challenges and barriers;
- Some First Nations governments are implementing their own legislation and policies outside the Indian Act, and making progress despite obstacles;
- A growing number of leaders in business are investing in First Nations/Treaty awareness education;
- Social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) usage has grown exponentially, especially with younger people. They are very informed and opinionated about socio/economic/treaty relations policy.
