News
Toronto Aboriginal Research Project (TARP): Final Report
A community based report commissioned by the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC).
The report can be found here.
Learning Circle Update: Toronto
An update has been added to the 'Regional Circles' page. Check out the report here.
Learning Circle Update: Halifax
An update has been added to the 'Regional Circles' page. Check out the report here.
Seeing like a Circle: Perspectives on the Field from a Dialogue on Urban Aboriginal Economic Development
A literature review about urban Aboriginal economic development.
The article can be found here.
Associations Between Household Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes in the Aboriginal Population (Excluding Reserves)
Aboriginal people are more vulnerable to food insecurity and morbidity than is the Canadian population overall. However, little information is available about the association between food insecurity and health in Aboriginal households. Data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition were used to examine the relationships between household food security and self-reported health, well-being and health behaviours in a sample of the Aboriginal population (excluding reserves).
The article can be found here.
Trends in the Use of Remand in Canada
This Juristat article presents information on the short- and long-term trends in the use of remand at the national and provincial/territorial levels for adults and youth. Remand is the temporary detention of a person while awaiting trial, sentencing or the commencement of a custodial disposition. The analysis looks at the number of adults and youth on remand, the number of admissions of adults and youth to remand and the length of time spent on remand. The characteristics of those on remand, including age, gender and Aboriginal identity, are also analysed.
The article can be found here.
Violent Victimization of Aboriginal Women in the Canadian Provinces, 2009
According to the 2009 General Social Survey (GSS) on Victimization, nearly 67,000, or 13% of Aboriginal women aged 15 or older who lived in the provinces, self-reported they had been the victim of one or more violent crimes in the 12 months prior to the survey. Violent crimes measured by the GSS include sexual assault, robbery and physical assault.
The rate of self-reported violent victimization among Aboriginal women was almost three times higher than the rate reported by non-Aboriginal women. The majority of violent incidents reported by Aboriginal women were committed by males who were acting alone.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Aboriginal female victims were aged 15 to 34, yet this age group accounted for just under half (47%) of the female Aboriginal population (aged 15 or older) living in the 10 provinces. Young females were also highly represented among non-Aboriginal victims.
One of the unique aspects of the GSS is that it captures information on whether crimes are reported to police. Three-quarters (76%) of violent incidents involving Aboriginal women that were committed by someone other than a spouse or common-law partner were not reported to the police, compared with 70% for non-Aboriginal women.
The GSS also collected data on spousal violence, based on incidents of physical and sexual assault, which occurred in the five years prior to the survey.
The proportion of Aboriginal women who reported spousal violence by a current or former spouse was about two and a half times higher than the proportion of non-Aboriginal women.
The article can be found here.
New Background Brief
A New Background Brief profiling Wichitowin has been added to the 'Harvest' page.
New Background Brief
A New Background Brief profiling Homeward Trust has been added to the 'Harvest' page.
Learning Circle Update: Toronto
A Learning Circle took place in Toronto recently. Check out the notes from that meeting here.
Academic Gathering Update
A report has been added to the 'Academic Gathering' page. Check out the notes here.
Learning Circle Update: Small Town Governance
An update has been added to the 'Small Town Governance' Learning Circle page. Check out the report here.
New Journal: Aboriginal Policy Studies
Information about the journal, Aboriginal Policy Studies, has been uploaded to the 'Other Aboriginal Research/Practice' Network's page.
Aboriginal Policy Studies is a new online, peer-reviewed and multidisciplinary journal that, on a bi-annual basis, publishes original, scholarly, and policy relevant research on issues relevant to Métis, non-status Indians and urban Aboriginal peoples in Canada. We encourage the submission of articles by and for a wide audience of scholars, researchers, community activists, and policymakers. Though focused on the Canadian milieu, we welcome comparative work from an international Indigenous context pertinent to Canadian readers. A similarly broad scope of methodological approaches is encouraged (website accessed April 27th, 2011).
Urbanization and Migration Patterns of Aboriginal Populations in Canada: A Half Century in Review (1951 to 2006)
Norris, M. J., and Clatworthy, S (2011). Urbanization and Migration Patterns of Aboriginal Populations in Canada: A Half Century in Review (1951 to 2006). Aboriginal Policy Studies, 1 (1), 13-77.
Abstract: Within Canada, Aboriginal populations have historically experienced significantly different levels and patterns of urbanization and migration than mainstream populations have. This article uses data from selected censuses, along with earlier studies, to explore long-term trends in Aboriginal urbanization and migration from 1951 to 2006. Migration between reserves and urban areas, and its role in the rapid growth of Aboriginal populations in urban areas, are considered from both historical and demographic perspectives, including a "components of growth" approach that assesses the contributions of migration, natural increase, and non-demographic factors (such as ethnic mobility and Aboriginal identity). The analysis of twelve major urban areas over the fifty-five-year period, including nine Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) cities, suggests a preliminary typology of Aboriginal population growth in urban areas and implications for assessing the characteristics and needs of Aboriginal populations across different urban areas and the services provided for them.
Emerging Themes in Academic Research in Urban Aboriginal Identities in Canada, 1996-2010
Peters, E. J. (2011). Emerging Themes in Academic Research in Urban Aboriginal Identities in Canada, 1996-2010. Aboriginal Policy Studies, 1 (1), 78-105.
Abstract: This paper reviews academic work on urban Aboriginal identities in Canada since the publication of the urban issue-specific report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, published in 1993. In contrast to earlier work, there is now a substantial body of literature addressing a variety of issues on the report from many disciplinary perspectives. There have also been some major shifts in areas of emphasis and there is, increasingly, material being produced that examines the mechanisms through which cities are defined so that Aboriginal cultures and identities are viewed as being out of place. In contrast to earlier perspectives, there are strong arguments that success in the urban milieu is not incompatible with the retention or emergence of positive Aboriginal identities and communities.
Finding Your Allies Where You Can: How Canadian Courts Drive Aboriginal Policy in Canada
Peach, I. (2011). Finding Your Allies Where You Can: How Canadian Courts Drive Aboriginal Policy in Canada. Aboriginal Policy Studies, 1 (1), 106-131.
Abstract: While it has been valuable to Aboriginal peoples to have the courts as allies in their fight for state recognition, it is worth asking whether the slow, expensive, incremental process of achieving recognition through litigation is really the most efficient, let alone just, policy development process. Metis, Non-Status Indians, and Aboriginal women have all determined that litigation can be a useful strategy for achieving state recognition of their Aboriginality in the face of government intransigence. Yet the courts have proven to be imperfect, inconsistent, and not always reliable allies. This article reviews the cases in which Aboriginal women, Non-Status Indians, Metis, and urban Aboriginal people have sought to use litigation to drive the reform of rules for state recognition of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. These cases include not only successful litigation, but also occasions of which last resort to the courts has failed, revealing the difficulties and frustrations that Aboriginal peoples can face in having to rely on litigation to change government policy.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Urban Aboriginal Self- Determination in Canada: A Preliminary Assessment
Belanger, Y. (2011). The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Urban Aboriginal Self- Determination in Canada: A Preliminary Assessment, Aboriginal Policy Studies, 1 (1), 132-161.
Abstract: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) implicitly recognizes urban Indigenous self-determination and acknowledges collective and individual Indigenous rights. This essay examines the tensions associated with the Declaration’s acknowledged Indigenous individual choice to determine political affiliation with its recognition of Indigenous collective self-determination. The purpose is to expose the complexities inherent when attempting to reconcile the Declaration with First Nations and urban Aboriginal political aspirations, Canadian court decisions, federal Indian policies, and the protective mechanisms of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The author cautions that additional studies are required probing these and other issues prior to First Nation, Aboriginal, and Canadian political leaders venturing forward in their desires to implement and activate the Declaration’s provisions to promote Indigenous community development.
What Now? Future Federal Responsibilities Towards Aboriginal People Living in Cities
Abele, F., Graham, K. (2011). What Now? Future Federal Responsibilities Towards Aboriginal People Living in Cities. Aboriginal Policy Studies 1 (1), 162-182.
Abstract: For decades, successive federal governments insisted that the federal fiduciary responsibility to "Registered Indians" ended at reserve boundaries, while not recognizing any responsibilities for Non-Status Indians, Metis, and Inuit. The recent growth of urban Aboriginal populations has changed this situation dramatically. Many federal programs for urban Aboriginal people are not delivered in a "status-blind" fashion, while other services are still entangled in or complicated by the provisions of the Indian Act. This paper explores the policy history underlying the current situation while identifying four issues for further discussion: (1) political self-determination in the cities; (2) problems arising from the cities' junior position in the Canadian federation; (3) the challenge of dealing with the diversity of circumstances and preferences of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal urban dwellers; and (4) the legacy of differential programs based upon differentiations among sections of the Aboriginal population that no longer have constitutional salience. Long-term solutions, such as replacing the Indian Act, creating a "cities charter" and creating addenda to treaties or section 35 are discussed.
New Background Brief
A New Background Brief profiling Chalo School has been added to the 'Harvest' page.
John McBride passed away around eight pm Monday, October 25th. He stepped into the River Jordan and let his soul drift away while surrounded by family and friends singing to him. Even though he had cancer of both the liver and pancreas, he was fortunate to be able to enjoy a reasonable quality of life life right until the last twenty-four hours, spending quality time with friends and family, and even enjoying outdoor activities such as bicycling and croquet.
In the end, it all went so incredibly fast, partly, I am sure, because he was ready to go. Please remember him with the fondness he so deserves, and remember his wife Val and children, Andre, Michelle and Christine in your prayers, for their suffering is not yet over, while his is.
We have set up a memorial page for John.
Child Care for First Nations Children Living Off Reserve, Métis Children, and Inuit Children
Previous research has shown that child care has an impact on children's social and developmental outcomes. However, little is known about child care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children. The purpose of this study is to describe child care for First Nations children living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit children in Canada, including the cultural aspects within the care environment. In addition, the availability of culturally relevant activities and language spoken in care were examined as predictors of children's outcomes.
The article can be found here.
Journey to Economic Independence: BC First Nations' Perspectives
A joint report between the Province of BC and the First Nations Leadership Council.
The article can be found here.
Indigenous Governance in Winnipeg and Ottawa: Making Space for Self-Determination
Click here to read it.
Family, community and Aboriginal language among young First Nations children living off Reserve in Canada
This study analyses data from the 2006 Aboriginal Children's Survey to identify some of the characteristics associated with the ability to understand an Aboriginal language among off-reserve First Nations children aged 2 to 5.
More specifically, it examines the extent to which the home, the extended family, child-care settings, and the broader community can contribute to the transmission of Aboriginal languages to young First Nations children living off Reserve.
The article can be found here.
New Background Briefs
New Background Briefs have been uploaded to the 'Harvest' page.
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Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre: Eagle Spirit Property Management
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An Aboriginal Feast as an Urban Community and Economic Development Tool
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Nak’azdli Little Warriors Attending 2010 Olympic Winter Games
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Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig – Centre of Excellence in Anishinaabe Education
Aboriginal Policy Research Initiatives
Links to policy relevant papers on issues affecting Métis, non-status Indians, and Aboriginal people residing off-reserve
The article can be found here.
The June newsletter can be found here.
Aboriginal Statistics at a Glance
The Aboriginal Statistics Program has released Aboriginal Statistics at a Glance (catalogue no. 89-645-X). This publication provides data users with a thematic guide to Aboriginal data at Statistics Canada. It includes data for the First Nations (North American Indian), Métis, and Inuit populations.
The article can be found here.
Anishinaabe Pedagogy: Deconstructing the Notion of Aboriginal Education by Illuminating Local Anishinaabe Pedagogy
The interdisciplinary field of Aboriginal education continues to be a concern for a number of reasons, not the least of which is defining what the phrase “Aboriginal Education” means to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, particularly those involved with teaching and learning. Moreover, in attempts to define Aboriginal education, there has been little attention paid to the distinction between the pedagogy of local First Nations’ cultures and the institutionalized field of "Aboriginal education”. This paper aims to look more closely at the concept of “Aboriginal education” by considering what contributes to how it is produced/ developed and consumed/ implemented at the local level. “Aboriginal education” is a modern socially constructed phenomenon that is shaped by Western and Aboriginal learning constructs. In order to reach a deeper understanding of what contributes to Aboriginal education, it is important to look beyond the paired concepts of “Aboriginal” and “education”; terminology that can overshadow contributions at local levels. As a resident of south-central Manitoba, I turn to the local Anishinaabe culture to examine what has been extracted from the life-ways of this cultural community that contributes to what is perceived and being taught as “Aboriginal perspectives” in Winnipeg schools. My intention is to contribute to an understanding of how local and distinct First Nations’ cultures contribute to “Aboriginal education” as a conceptually growing phenomenon in school systems. In so doing, I aim to contribute to the discussion of the meaning of “Aboriginal education” and to illuminate what I consider to be Anishinaabe pedagogy.
The article can be found here.
Respecting the Seventh Generation: A Voluntary Plan for Relocating Non-Viable Native Reserves.
Click here to read it.
Other Urban Aboriginal Research
New links have been added to the 'Other Urban Aboriginal Research' page. Links can be found here.
Background Briefs
New links have been added to the 'Background Briefs' page. Links can be found here.
An Analysis of Urban Food Security Initiatives in Winnipeg
A literature review about urban food security initiatives in Winnipeg.
The article can be found here.
Aboriginal People Living Off-Reserve and the Labour Market: Estimates from the Labour Force Survey, 2008-2009
While 2007 was a period of general strength in the labour market, in 2008, the labour market underwent a turning point. For the first 3 quarters of the year, employment continued to grow; however, by the 4th quarter, the downturn in the overall economy began to creep into the labour market and employment began to fall. The downturn did not affect all provinces equally though, with Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia experiencing the bulk of employment losses.
This paper will give an overview of the labour market outcomes of Aboriginal people, not just as a whole and by age group, but also when possible by the separate identity groups: North American Indians, Métis and Inuit. It will also distinguish labour market outcomes by province, highest level of educational attainment, and job characteristics (ex. industry of employment). Particular focus will be paid to the change in labour market outcomes before and during the economic downturn, comparing annual average data from 2008 and 2009.
The article can be found here.
Other Aboriginal Research Practice Networks
New links have been added to the 'Other Aboriginal Research Practice Networks' page. Links can be found here.
Sault Ste. Marie Learning Circle
Sault Ste. Marie Learning Circle updates can be found here.
Data
New links have been added to the 'data' page. Links can be found here.
Organizations
New links have been added to the 'organizations' page. Links can be found here.
Mortality of Métis and Registered Indian adults in Canada: An 11-year follow-up study
Little information has been published about the mortality of the Métis people of Canada. This study describes mortality patterns among Métis and Registered Indian adults, compared with the non-Aboriginal population.
The article can be found here.
True to Their Visions: An Account of Ten Successful Aboriginal Businesses
Successful Aboriginal businesses create wealth and jobs in Aboriginal communities and Canada at large. This report profiles ten successful First Nation, Inuit adn Metis businesses from across Canada and highlights common challenges and success factors. It provides an Aboriginal business guide and other resources that Aboriginal entrepreneurs can apply to their own businesses.
It also hightlights some of the advantages to partnering with Aboriginal businesses. The findings in the report are based on a comprehensive literature review and interviews conducted with our featured businesses and community members as well as other business leaders - both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.
Check it out here.
Regina Learning Circle
The Regina circle first convened on June 17th, 2009 and they are up and running! Check here for notes.
A 'Learning Circle on Learning Circles' was held in Vancouver and it was a great success.
Notes will be put up here.