The State and the Northern Social Economy: Research Prospects

Abstract

This article describes an initial approach to understanding the northern social economy in light of historical changes in the role of the state and in the overall northern economy. Focus on the social economy promises an analysis of northern development that avoids sterile dualisms (such as "traditional" contrasted with "modern") that have haunted the discussion of the northern development policy for many years. It might also provide a basis for realistic northern development planning that is respectful of Indigenous communities' way of life. This article offers a very early explanation, in three linked sections, of the elements of what I hope will be a new and more complete analysis of northern development in Canada. It is a discussion of research prospects and very early findings. These include a discussion of the importance of the enduring and resilient mixed economy of predominantly Indigenous communities, and the historical changes in the way federal and other government policies take this economy into account.