Urban Aboriginal Community Building and the  Basis of Aboriginal Economic Success in Sudbury

Research Start-up Summary and Abstract:

This research idea comes directly from the KINXUS ‘212’ Economic Success Initiative.  In proposing to explore the experiences of economic success and the pathways to Aboriginal community life in Sudbury, this research is intended to directly support the KINXUS ‘212’ initiative, which is aimed at better understanding the emerging middle class of Aboriginal professionals in Sudbury and supporting their continued success as well as engagement with the wider Aboriginal community.

Name of Principal Investigator:

Dr. Kevin FitzMaurice (UofS / Indigenous Studies – KINXUS)

Nancy Recollet (Ontario Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration)

Christine Rego (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Northern Aboriginal Services))

Collaborating Friendship Centre and/or other urban Aboriginal organization:

As an Aboriginal Community partner the KINXUS Board of Directors includes the following community stakeholders:

• N’Swakamok Friendship Centre: Marie Meawassige
• Metis Nation of Ontario: Maurice Sarrazin
• Greater Sudbury Police (Aboriginal Liaison Officer): Grant Dokis
• University of Sudbury, Indigenous Studies: Kevin FitzMaurice
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Northern Aboriginal Services): Cristine Rego
• Youth Innovation.ca, Suzanne Shawbonquit (Chair of KINXUS)
• Ontario Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration: Nancy Recollet
• Local Entrepreneur: Brad Robinson

Engagement objectives:
The final report will be presented to the KINXUS Board of Directors as well as at member organizations and on organizational webpages.  The work will also be included as part of the UAKN and will be submitted for scholarly publication and conference presentation.

Main contact:
Kevin FitzMaurice, University of Sudbury
[email protected]

Media Coverage: 

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2016/10/08/sudbury-accent-breaking-down-silos

http://vitalsignssudbury.ca

https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/finding-the-pathways-to-success-for-aboriginal-people-511177

http://nationtalk.ca/story/finding-the-pathways-to-success-nob

https://twitter.com/CastlemainGroup/status/821751604923760641

http://quifaitquoisudbury.ca/communique-de-presse-lancement-de-livre-ce-vendredi-le-13-janvier-pathways-to-mino-biimadiziwin-in-the-city-un-profil-de-la-reussite-economique-des-autochtones-en-milieu-urbain-a-sudbury/

http://sudburyartscouncil.ca/events/book-launch-pathways-to-mino-biimadiziwin-in-the-city-a-profile-of-urban-aboriginal-economic-success-in-sudbury/

https://www.pressreader.com

• Greater Sudbury’s Urban Aboriginal Identity Population (2011, NHS)

  8.5% (13,405) of Greater Sudbury’s population identifies as Aboriginal, 11.2% (17,730) report having Aboriginal ancestry.
• 48.4% are First Nation, 48.2% are Metis, less than 1% are Inuit and 3.2% report having multiple or other Aboriginal identities.