February 17, 2009

Economic development is the goal of a National Network for Urban Aboriginal Economic Development recently established by the University of Northern British Columbia and the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Centre.

The National Network is an important initiative designed to bring together researchers, community workers, and policy-makers to foster economic development within urban Aboriginal communities. To meet this goal, participants are using a traditional communication tool: the Learning Circle.

The network, coordinated by UNBC Geography professor Greg Halseth and Ray Gerow from the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Centre, involves twelve academic institutions, 31 separate community and policy groups across the country, and interest is growing.

“Urban Aboriginal communities face considerable challenges, unreliable funding, limited supporting institutions, and constantly changing policies and programs,” says Dr. Halseth, who is the Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies. “Our network’s Learning Circles bring people together and begin to build a common perspective on needs and actions.”

The Learning Circle - a traditional form of dialogue among North American Aboriginal people - involves a grouping of equals and the tradition of promoting deep sharing and listening, fostering respect, and building consensus on ways forward. “This sharing of lessons and ideas can facilitate not only economic development, but also other benefits such as healthier people and communities,” said Ray Gerow. “We are excited to be partners in this project.”

The Network held its first National Gathering this past October in Ottawa. The attendees committed to developing Learning Circles for connecting people in their communities and sharing lessons across the network. 

Upcoming events include a workshop in Ottawa on March 9 to train Learning Circle organizers, and a larger workshop in Vancouver on November 5.

The network is funded for 3 years by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and by the Office of the Federal Interlocutor of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The network website is: http://abdc.bc.ca/uaed

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622 

Greg Halseth, Geography Professor, UNBC – 250.960.5826
Ray Gerow, President, Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre – 250.562.6325