Ask your average Canadian their impression, right now, of this countrys indigenous people and their hopes for prosperity, stability and success in their communities. In all likelihood, you will hear about a story they read recently involving an aboriginal communitys struggle with housing, education, youth motivation or even a rising rate of suicide.

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What you probably wont hear is an answer that demonstrates even a basic knowledge of Canadas indigenous peoples involvement in the economic growth of this country; the initiatives they have under way for preparing the large numbers of indigenous youth poised to enter Canadas labour force; or even the names of two or three aboriginal organizations achieving remarkable success with their enterprises.

Here at the Banff Centre, we have spent the past two years in an intensive investigation of just what makes an aboriginal community successful. What are the wise practices that lead to success? we asked as we set out with a team of applied researchers, shadowed by a video crew and a group of highly engaged and eager aboriginal youth, to visit enterprises operated by four indigenous communities in Alberta. The resulting case studies, the details of which are now available to any and all interested in learning from them, were developed from research and conversations with the Mikisew Group of Companies, Mtis Crossing, the Alberta Indian Investment Corp. (AIIC) and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.

Rocky Sinclair, a principal with the AIIC, headquartered just outside Edmonton, was one of the representatives from the research communities presenting at an international symposium that convened at the Banff Centre last month.

Mr. Sinclair shared the struggles and triumphs that the AIIC has encountered since its formation in 1987, as well as its numerical and personal markers of success. This developmental lender has provided more than 800 loans worth some $53-million to Albertas aboriginal start-up businesses. Even more powerful: Were seeing generational success were lending to the kids of people we loaned to 20 years ago, Mr. Sinclair said.

The success stories depicted in these case studies along with the positive, energetic and thoughtful dialogue of the symposium speakers and delegates from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand form a collective wisdom that we believe can and will help other indigenous leaders in shaping their communities futures.

The topic of youth and their involvement in the future success of aboriginal communities in Canada was never far from the top of the agenda at the symposium, with many speakers making note of the astounding potential for aboriginal youth to shape their communities and the countrys economic future. Canada cannot ignore the fact that more than 600,000 aboriginal youth will have entered the labour market between 2001 and 2026.

Roberta Jamieson, president and CEO of Indspire (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation), spoke about the creation and support of a positive future for aboriginal youth throughout her keynote speech at the symposium.

Canada cannot afford to squander the opportunity, she said, adding that it will take more than political will to advance the prospects of aboriginal youth. This is not a game to watch from the sidelines If its going to impact Indian people, Indian people have to lead it.

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Let’s hear more indigenous success stories