Finding the pathways to success: New book explores economic success of Indigenous population in Greater Sudbury.

• Author: Pickard, Aaron
• Position: ABORIGINAL BUSINESS

A study conducted by a relatively new Aboriginal organization in Greater Sudbury provides a snapshot of success among Indigenous people in the city.

KINXUS Aboriginal Urban Resources launched "Pathways to Mino Biimadiziwin in the City: A Profile of Urban Aboriginal Economic Success in Sudbury" on Jan. 13.

The study highlights the experiences of economic success and the diverse pathways to Aboriginal community life in Sudbury.

"This research supports KINXUS Aboriginal Urban Resources in their efforts to foster greater understanding and partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, which can bridge business interests and enhance economic opportunities for Aboriginal youth," said Kevin Fitzmaurice, professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Sudbury, and co-author of the study.

Pathways to Mino Biimaadiziwin in the City has revealed a number of key themes and aspirations that contribute to living the "good life" in the city, such as the importance of a supportive early family life, culture and language, a strong urban Aboriginal community, and the elimination of racism.

Suzanne Shawbonquit, chair of KINXUS Aboriginal Urban Resources, said Pathways builds on a number of already published studies, more specifically, the 2007 Urban Aboriginal Task Force. It identified the emergence of an "outsider" urban Aboriginal middle class who "appeared to be moving away from the Aboriginal social service community."

"We didn't want to let that information just sit on a shelf somewhere," Shawbonquit said. "We want to know why Aboriginal people moved to Sudbury? Why do they live in this particular area? This information will be useful to many in the community."

"Pathways" delves into such issues as perceptions of home and community in Sudbury, Aboriginal cultures, racism and internal discrimination, as well as economic and political relations.

Only 200 copies of "Pathways" have been printed.

"KINXUS was formed about two years ago...