Indigenous & Northern Communities

The Conference Board of Canada helps leaders build a prosperous, healthy future for Indigenous and Northern communities, governments, and businesses. As a leader in research and stakeholder engagement, our work addresses critical knowledge gaps around northern and remote development, reconciliation, and future skills that challenge decision- and policy-making.

Two circular images--the larger one shows people on ice; the smaller one shows a man's face

Featured

Inclusive growth is more than jobs and GDP

In a world shaken by the pandemic crisis and social inequality, many voices are now calling for measures to build a more inclusive society and economy. In Canada’s North, Inuit have been developing their own vision of inclusive growth, one where they share the same quality of life as all Canadians.

Op-ed

Health emergencies in Indigenous communities in Canada: Then and now

Pandemics and diseases loom large in the history of Indigenous groups in Canada. Past outbreaks have had devastating outcomes, fueled by colonial policies and persistent inequalities.

Blog

Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Northern and Remote Canada

This primer identifies general trends in the current population of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada, examines the various reasons individuals choose entrepreneurship, and explores the challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs face in the North.

Report

Incorporating Indigenous Cultures and Realities in STEM

When educators use a culturally responsive curriculum—one that bridges Indigenous ways of knowing with Western science—Indigenous students are more engaged and perform better.

Report

Recent Reports

Sustainable Northern Livelihoods

Economic growth in Canada’s North has outpaced the rest of the country. This primer discusses the challenges still faced by Indigenous people in the North, who continue to experience socio-economic disparities.

Report

Why Indigenous health professionals matter

The threat of COVID-19 looms large for many rural and remote Indigenous communities in Canada. These communities are especially concerned about the vulnerability of their Elders and the irreplaceable knowledge they hold.

Website

woman talking
Cool ideas: Remote surgery--will robotic surgery work in the Canadian North?

Although it might seem like science fiction, remote surgery is a rapidly emerging technology. Space agencies and militaries are especially interested in developing safe, reliable remote surgery tools. From a technology standpoint, the moment a surgeon is no longer personally handling the surgical tools, distance becomes irrelevant. If surgeons can be five metres away from a patient, they could be 50 metres, 50 kilometres, or even 500 kilometres away.

Website

How Can More Indigenous People Access STEM Careers?

About 4 per cent of Canadian adults are Indigenous. But less than 2 per cent of people working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations are. Improving Indigenous participation and leadership in major economic sectors, such as science, technology, and finance, is an important part of the reconciliation journey.

Website

woman talking
Northern livelihoods: Inclusive growth in Inuit Nunangat

In Canada, there are consistent gaps in both employment and income between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. These gaps aren’t uniform, either. Between on-reserve First Nations, off-reserve First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, as well as between men and women, noticeable differences exist. This is holding back economic growth and hurting economic reconciliation.

Webinar

Comparing Indigenous-centred post-secondary education in Canada

In 1972 the Assembly of First Nations—launched a movement by First Nations to reclaim control of their education. Fifty years on, many forms of Indigenous-centred post-secondary education (PSE) exist in Canada. All of them aspire to help Indigenous students succeed.

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Featured Researcher

Adam Fiser

Principal Research Associate

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Understand the knowledge gaps in the complex issues around Indigenous and Northern communities.

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