The concept and measurement of social wellbeing: The case of Canadian Native Indians

Undertakes a historico‐theoretical study to outline the constitutional and developmental predicament of the Native Indian people in Canada against the hegemonic models instituted by the Federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Analyses a factual survey done by Statistics Canada to highlight the various kinds of socio‐economic problems being faced by Native Indians and to point out the prospects before them. Recommends an ecological alternative in the light of the new land rights being signed between the Federal Government and the Native Indians in Canada. Introduces a concept of social wellbeing and formalizes this as a criterion for evaluating the economic, social and political factors in an interactive and consensual way to generate better futures with conflict resolution.