UAED Research Report:
Aboriginal Women in Economic Development
Author: Aboriginal Business and Community Development Centre
Date: 2009
Description:
In October of 2008, the National Network for Urban Aboriginal Economic Development held a National Gathering to identify the next steps in the development of the Network. One critical issue identified in those discussions was the need to ensure a dedicated focus on Aboriginal women in urban areas. The participants recognized that Aboriginal women face particular barriers in becoming active members of the workforce, and in starting up and sustaining business enterprises.
Members of the Network identified two key points. First, Aboriginal women often lack the support structures and networks that are available to non‐ Aboriginal people. Second, Aboriginal women often occupy key leadership positions in urban Aboriginal organizations, and that a number of individuals have managed to create and sustain important connections and networks despite the very real challenges they face.
These two points led the participants to conclude that an effective strategy for encouraging Aboriginal women in business would be to bring these two audiences together: Aboriginal women who want to start a business, and Aboriginal women who have connections, skills, and confidence in managing organizations. As a result of these discussions, the Aboriginal Business Development Centre approached Indian and Northern Affairs, and the National Network on Urban Aboriginal Economic Development, to support a project of creating support networks. This paper outlines the activities of the women’s circles.