Volume 10, numéro 1, automne 2016

EN :

Many suggest that northern Aboriginal political culture has largely been lost due to political and economic colonization. This paper suggests otherwise. Based on research findings from a northern political engagement study, it argues that northern Aboriginal political culture remains strong despite the pressures of modern life. At a recent meeting, Indigenous Alumni from the Masters in Northern Governance and Development (MNGD) Program went a step further suggesting that while northern Aboriginal culture was resilient, it needed support in many areas including language retention, training, youth education and protection of local knowledge. It was suggested that a formalized network of Northern Aboriginal Scholars could provide significant support. Aboriginal Peoples in northern Saskatchewan developed a distinct 'way of life' in that region blending historical cultural values and a mixed-wage economy. Over 86% of the 37,000 people living in the 45 northern Saskatchewan communities (municipalities, reserves) are Woodland Cree, Dene and Métis peoples. The north is their traditional homeland. Findings from a three-year research study (2010-2013) on northern Aboriginal political engagement illustrated a high desire (96.3%) by Indigenous people to protect their traditional northern ways of life (hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering) and the distributive values associated with it. This and other findings suggest that Aboriginal political culture in northern Saskatchewan is changing but is still alive and well.

EN :

There is widespread recognition that Aboriginal Canada needs more community members with business training to work in economic development and management, particularly with the growing development of natural resources in Aboriginal territories and self-governance initiatives. Yet, only 12% of funded Aboriginal students pursue post-secondary education in business or commerce. Barriers to the pursuit of tertiary education include inadequate student preparation and career guidance, lack of funding, and attitudes surrounding the ability to do math. The Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies at Cape Breton University addresses these barriers via its program for Aboriginal youth, which combines mentorship, networking, and technology to facilitate the transition from high school to post-secondary studies and engage students in business education. This article outlines the model employed by the Purdy Crawford Chair and assesses the initiative in relation to relevant literature on mentorship and technology.

EN :

The employment, participation, and unemployment rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginals in 2015 are compared with the changes that have occurred, primarily from 2014. The changes in all three of these rates were disappointing for Aboriginals in 2015. The employment and participation rates decreased and the unemployment rate increased. Employment data is examined by gender and age, educational level, provinces, regions and territories and by economic sector.