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Begin New Search Political Geography Canada Publishing Institution Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University

1. Comparative Approaches to Reconciliation: Canada, United States of America, Australia and New Zealand

Author:
Ben J. Geboe
Publication Date:
01-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University
Abstract:
This paper examines the approaches taken by the Governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States to address the issue of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. A wide array of activities have been employed in these countries to improve relations with Indigenous communities. The paper notes that no single program or policy can address reconciliation, and that much remains to be done in order to achieve societies that are cognizant of the historical and contemporary contexts that have contributed to the current socio-economic reality of Indigenous peoples in the four countries examined. The definition of reconciliation is also complex and no single definition can be deemed to capture the dynamic of state and community relations. The review of policies and programs addressing reconciliation in the four countries examined is not exhaustive in nature. Programs and policies have been chosen based on government and community feedback indicating they were making a difference. From these experiences, key elements of programs and policies required to address reconciliation are compiled. The findings stress that reconciliation is a long-term process, based on truth, informed decision-making and accountability on the part of all partners involved. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is used as a lens to observe whether it can be used to address reconciliation efforts in a constructive manner. Many experts argue that the spirit of the UNDRIP could act as a symbolic guide and framework to address reconciliation efforts. In conclusion, the paper notes that reconciliation efforts in each country will require support and long term commitment from all sectors of society. It will also require the renewal of a partnership based on mutual long-term goals and objectives. The partnership must be closely monitored, supported and be based on mutual respect and accountability if it is to flourish.
Topic:
Human Rights, United Nations, Indigenous, and Reconciliation
Political Geography:
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and United States of America

2. Social Innovation and Aboriginal Communities

Author:
Iryna Volynets
Publication Date:
03-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University
Abstract:
Improving the lives and contributing to a more resilient society requires breakthrough ideas and approaches, game changing strategies and collaborations, and continuous innovation. Social innovation combines all of the above and is already bringing significant advances in areas such as reducing prisoner reoffending, caring for children and the elderly, community regeneration, financial inclusion, and supported housing. It has the potential to generate great benefits to the Indigenous communities in developed countries. While governments in Canada acknowledged the importance of social capital and social economy, and have been active in these areas in the recent years, a cross-sectoral national strategy to advance social innovation needs to be in place. There is no established labour market policy or program in Canada that would have social innovation aspects embedded in it as compared for example to the EU. The new policies are required for the further development of social finance and social enterprise sector. In September 2014, the Canadian National Advisory Board published the report Mobilizing Private Capital for Public Good: Priorities for Canada. The recommendations in the report for the domestic policy agenda are seen as a basis in this environmental scan for the potential future developments in the social innovation arena. More specific considerations for urban Aboriginal communities in Canada are also offered in this paper. Overall, this environmental scan attempts to (1) offer a vocabulary and an analysis of social innovation activity internationally and in Indigenous communities in particular, (2) discuss key issues and innovative approaches in labour market programming in Canada and abroad, and (3) offer considerations for Aboriginal communities in Canada to continue and expand the dialog with the policy makers. However, given the complexity of the issues that Aboriginal communities are facing, most considerations and recommendations are context-dependent and require further research. The research field of social innovation in the context of Aboriginal communities can be described as an opportunity not only to explore trust, balance, respect, and understanding in relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, but also to focus on the market-based strategies to achieve business targets while creating public social benefit. There still remains a gap in both literature documenting the statistics on Indigenous social enterprises and impact investing in Aboriginal businesses, the means of addressing issues in building Indigenous social enterprise pipeline, and the mechanisms in place for evaluating the effectiveness of the government or other programs targeted at improving Indigenous economic development through social innovation. Future research directions should focus on the abovementioned issues as well as on applications for innovations in job skills training and labour market programming in Canada and abroad.
Topic:
Government, Innovation, Indigenous, and Social Capital
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

3. Breaking Down the Barriers to Rural Education: Recent Evidence from Natural and Randomized Experiments in Developing Countries

Author:
Sonia Laszlo
Publication Date:
01-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University
Abstract:
This research to policy brief reviews the recent evidence on effective methods to improve rural education in developing countries. Canada’s Child and Youth Strategy (CYS) concerning access to a quality education is analysed within this context and recommendations are generated from a large body of recent experimental evidence from around the world. This brief takes each component of CYS and derives policy recommendation based on lessons learned from the most relevant natural and randomized experiments. Natural experiments are typically large-scale government projects, whereas randomized experiments are typically smaller-scale, but focus on internal validity by relying on random assignment to treatment (program) and control (no program). Such an experimental approach is particularly useful as it allows researchers and policy-makers alike to take the evidence as causal on the effectiveness of these projects.
Topic:
Development, Education, Government, and Rural
Political Geography:
Canada and North America