Developing Communities In Northern Saskatchewan: Women and Youth in Aboriginal Community Development

Loleen Berdahl; Bonita Beatty; Greg Poelzer

doi:10.29173/jaed306

Authors

Loleen Berdahl
Bonita Beatty
Greg Poelzer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/jaed306

Keywords:

Age differences, Business And Economics, Citizen participation, Community development, Community involvement, Economic conditions, Economic development, Education, Educational attainment, Ethnic Interests, Gender differences, Indigenous peoples, Labor force, Labor market, Native North Americans, Native women, Northern communities, Polls & surveys, Research, Roles, Unemployment, Women, Youth

Abstract

Scholars interested in Aboriginal community development have paid little attention to the important roles and contributions of women and young people. An extensive quantitative survey - the first such survey undertaken - provides valuable insights into the views and activities of Northern Saskatchewan Aboriginal residents. By assessing the extent of community participation and the support of residents for community engagement, this study demonstrates a deep and broad commitment to working at the community level. The study also shows stark differences between onand off-reserve populations: on-reserve members have a very homogenous pattern of community engagement, while off-reserve Aboriginal people demonstrate significant differences by age and gender. These findings have important implications for the understanding and implementation of Aboriginal community development.

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