Debunking Myths Surrounding Canada's Aboriginal Population

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

PERSPECTIVE - Source: TD Economics
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June 18th, 2012

TD Economics has released the following Special Report "In recognition and celebration of National Aboriginal Day on June 21st"
http://www.td.com/document/PDF/economics/special/sg0612_aboriginal_myth.pdf
TD Economics continues its tradition of carrying out Aboriginal-related economic research, raising awareness about Aboriginal peoples, businesses and communities. This report represents our third in the series of articles on Aboriginal social and economic issues.

• In this report we attempt to put to bed ten myths surrounding Canada’s Aboriginal population. The myths were chosen on the basis of misconceptions we encountered while carrying out the research on our previous reports. We also sought insight from organizations like the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) which have community and business reach.

• The misperceptions put to rest are broad-based, including: access to free post-secondary education, taxation exemption rules, and the prevalence and success of Aboriginal-owned small businesses and economic development corporations.

DEBUNKING MYTHS SURROUNDING CANADA’S ABORIGINAL POPULATION
We thank the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), whose research and insights were instrumental in the preparation of this report.

Myth 1: Aboriginal people do not pay taxes.

Myth 2: Aboriginal people do not have to pay for postsecondary
education.

Myth 3: Almost all Aboriginal people live on reserve
and in rural areas.

Myth 4: Aboriginal people are falling further behind in
the job market.

Myth 5: Very few Aboriginal people start their own
business.

Myth 6: Even if there are Aboriginal businesses,
they’re not very successful.

Myth 7: Aboriginal businesses are simply riding the
coattails of the resource sector.

Myth 8: Aboriginal communities are protected by
government Treaties – which pretty much guarantee
their economic and political rights.

Myth 9: Aboriginal people receive a huge, immediate
boost to their income when they settle a claim.

Myth 10: There is a quota system for how many
Aboriginal people must be hired by Canadian
employers.

Read the entire report here:
http://www.td.com/document/PDF/economic ... l_myth.pdf
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Also of interest: "Aboriginal People in Canada: Growing Mutual Economic Interests Offer Significant Promise for Improving the Well-Being of the Aboriginal Population."
TD Economics. June 11, 2009.
http://www.td.com/document/PDF/economic ... iginal.pdf