Reserve Property, A Conversation
Child one:
“Did you know, as reserve property is technically held in trust by the federal government, it cannot be leveraged as collateral or used to guarantee large equity loans. This prevents Indigenous peoples from coming to the business table as equals!”
Child two:
“There needs to be business supports, particularly for the complex on-reserve legal and regulatory environments that bog down even simple infrastructure development. Indigenous communities must have the resources to drive their own business endeavours and choose their own path toward economic growth, without prejudice.”
Child one:
“I agree, don’t forget that the lack of adequate transportation, telecommunication and energy infrastructure in and around our communities is also an obstacle to economic development and limits the full participation of Indigenous communities in major projects opportunities.”
Child two:
“On top of that, incentives should promote joint ventures, equity participation and other forms of partnership between Indigenous groups and industry proponents. This is the best way to ensure that Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians receive maximum benefit. Our communities must have access to the right information and expertise to be able to meaningfully enter into partnerships with industry.”