Decolonizing development: Perspectives from Indigenous communities

Abstract

In this panel symposium we will explore possibilities for Indigenous organizations to become a force for decolonization. Indigenous enterprises across Africa, the Americas, AsiaPacific, Australia and Europe operate in a variety of sectors including tourism, mining, consultancy services, fishing, agriculture, and transportation. Business enterprises owned and operated by Indigenous communities are one way for them to participate in the market economy, helping to overcome the disempowering effects of the welfare economy. The challenge is to develop enterprise management and governance structures that allow Indigenous communities to participate in economic activity without sacrificing their social and cultural ties that are integral to their wellbeing. There is considerable variation in the type and form of Indigenous organizations, from cooperatives, community-based enterprises, partnerships, family-owned businesses, to small and medium scale enterprises.