The Institute On Governance, in partnership with the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is organizing a research initiative on Aboriginal Policy, with a particular focus on issues affecting Métis, non-status Indians, and Aboriginal people residing off-reserve. Areas of interest include:

• Demographic trends and shifts and their implications for public policy
• Governance and administration
• Economic and community development
• Social policy
• Environmental policy

The goal of this initiative is to encourage the development and dissemination of useful, high quality, policy relevant papers, and to promote dialogue and discussions among researchers and stakeholders. It involves two main elements: a Policy Research Paper Series, and reportage on events and findings. 

Policy Research Paper Series

Since its inception, the Aboriginal Policy Research Initiative has yielded 12 scholarly, peer-reviewed papers and accompanying policy briefs. A brief overview of the papers can be found in the following document:

• Aboriginal Policy Research Initiative Overview

Peer-reviewed papers:

• Trafficking of Aboriginal Women and Girls in Canada
• Politiques publiques et santé des Autochtones résidant en milieu urbain
• Keeping the Circle Strong
• Indigenous Governance in Winnipeg and Ottawa
• Reconceiving Notions of Aboriginal Identity
• Finding a Place for Race at the Policy Table
• Developing Legal Frameworks for Urban Aboriginal Governance
• ‘Duty to Consult’, Environmental Impacts, and Métis Indigenous Knowledge
• The Duty to Consult with Non-Status Indians
• The Duty to Consult Doctrine and Representative Structures for Consultation
• Thoughts on Métis Economic Development
• First Nation and Métis Youth in Northern Alberta

Policy briefs:

• Addressing the Trafficking of Aboriginal Girls
• Politiques publiques et santé des Autochtones résidant en milieu urbain
• Keeping the Circle Strong
• Indigenous Governance in Winnipeg and Ottawa
• Finding a Place for Race at the Policy Table
• ‘Duty to Consult’: Environmental Impacts and Métis Indigenous Knowledge
• The Duty to Consult with Non-Status Indians
• The Duty to Consult Doctrine and Representative Structures for Consultation
• Thoughts on Métis Economic Development
• First Nation and Métis Youth in Northern Alberta

Reportage on Events and Findings

Events and reports related to Aboriginal policy research are an ongoing aspect of the program and provide a forum of exchange for researchers and Aboriginal peoples. Recent activities and related information are listed below:

• Reframing the Issues: Emerging Questions for Métis, Non-Status Indian and Urban Aboriginal Policy Research

        Workshop Summary Report

• Improving the Education Outcomes of Aboriginal People Living Off-Reserve: A Discussion of Delivery Models : March 15, 16, 2010
  

        Executive Summary

        Summary Report of presentations

• Métis, Non-Status Indians and Off-Reserve Aboriginal Policy Research Initiative Colloquium: 10 March 2009
  Colloquium Summary Report
• Aboriginal Research and Policy: Understanding the Challenges of Métis, Non-Status Indians and Urban Aboriginal Peoples: 5 June 2008
  Congress Summary Report
  Workshop Presentations
• Emerging Realities of Métis, Non-Status and Urban Aboriginal Populations: Building a New Policy Research Agenda: 14 February 2008
  Colloquium Summary Report

To learn more about this research initiative please contact us.