Models of aboriginal communities in Canada’s north

Reveals that in recent years, four models of northern Canadian aboriginal (Indian, Inuit and Métis) communities have been persuasive guides to shaping development strategies. Here they are called the dual economy model, the political economy model, the mixed economy model, and the cultural model. States that each model provides a useful, but partial description and analysis of how northern communities work and that in contrast, aboriginal leaders have advocated a comprehensive approach to development, or simultaneous political, economic and cultural development. Posits that because each dominant model is partial, initiatives launched from any one perspective are likely to satisfy only a part of local development goals. Concludes that model builders should find new ways to integrate the strengths of their respective concepts and create flexible tools needed for comprehensive development.