Community engagement

Migration by Richard Shorty
“Migration”, created by Indigenous artist, Richard Shorty, symbolizes the interdependency of the elements in the image. The visualization frames the choices that Indigenous communities make to build and enhance their community-based economies.

Indigenous Community Economic Development

In terms of economic development strategy, there are three possible collaborative opportunities that Indigenous communities choose:

  • Nation owned enterprises
  • Co‑operative and community-based ownership
  • Individual entrepreneurial capacity

The NCIED's focus on economic rebuilding and economic development strategies helps Indigenous communities define their strategies and needs, and to choose approaches tailored to their unique situations and self-defined goals. It is not the role of the NCIED to impose a particular strategy on a community, but to help facilitate change clearly directed by the leadership of the community.