Vol. 4 No. 2 (2005): Special Edition: The State of the Aboriginal Economy: 10 years after RCAP

We wanted to offer a glimpse into Aboriginal economic activity that is, for all intents and purposes, ill-understood if at all recognized by the vast majority of Canadians. In this journal, our work, and in our classes, we (including our colleagues and students) are documenting history in the making in an age where many Indigenous communities are moving forward to fiscal freedom in their own terms. While this often involves reconciling the rhythms of the Canadian economic system with community-based  initiatives, many Aboriginal business leaders perceive this action to be valid and the only way that people with the freedom to choose can do. The reconciliation includes establishing home-based businesses, entrepreneurial endeavors, developing products and selling services to communities that rely on band-owned businesses and co-operatives. Many of the same philosophies have also been successfully utilized
by communities seeking to tap into global technology markets and developing culturally appropriate, sustainable businesses. In a word, Aboriginal communities are doing what makes sense and taking on projects that are manageable.