Carol Anne Hilton - Indigenomics

Summary

Carol Anne Hilton, a member of the Hesquiaht Nation and the Nuu chah nulth people, introduces the concept of Indigenomics, a movement that emphasizes the modern relevance of Indigenous worldviews and economies. Indigenomics seeks to address historical economic displacement and challenges faced by Indigenous communities, such as high poverty rates and marginalization. Hilton discusses the potential for economic empowerment, citing the significant contributions Indigenous businesses can make to Canada's GDP. She calls for a shift in narrative from viewing Indigenous peoples as a burden to recognizing them as economic powerhouses, with a vision to grow the Indigenous economy substantially.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The concept of 'Indigenomics' is introduced as a renaissance of First Nations' communities, emphasizing their central role in the economy and reconciliation.
• 👩‍💼 Carol Anne Hilton, a member of the Hesquiaht nation, is a key communicator and advocate for Indigenomics, which she defines as the conscious claim to the modern relevance of an indigenous worldview.
• 🏛️ Indigenomics is a platform to bring visibility to indigenous peoples and to challenge the historical narrative of economic displacement and marginalization.
• 📈 Despite facing systemic challenges, indigenous peoples are excelling and are seen as a powerful economic force, with the potential to significantly contribute to Canada's GDP.
• 🏢 The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board suggests that an optimized indigenous workforce could add $27 billion to Canada's GDP.
• 📊 There has been a significant growth in the indigenous economy, from $16 million in 2010 to $32 billion in 2016, indicating a powerful economic shift.
• 🏛️ The historical 'Indian problem' is redefined by Hilton as a modern representation of the struggle for economic justice and inclusion in the economic equation of the country.
• 🤝 Indigenomics calls for economic reconciliation, which involves understanding the role of indigenous peoples in the country and taking progressive action.
• 💡 The future of the country is shaped by the questions asked today, and Indigenomics is a response to facilitate the growth of the indigenous economy to $100 billion in five years.
• 🌐 Indigenomics is an invitation to participate in a collective modern economic response that focuses on the potential and the questions that define the present and future.

Q & A

What is Indigenomics?

Indigenomics is the conscious claim to the modern relevance of an Indigenous worldview in today's economy. It is about creating space for Indigenous economic participation and growth.

Who is Carol Anne Hilton?

Carol Anne Hilton is a leader and speaker on Indigenomics. She comes from the Hesquiaht Nation and Nuchatlaht people and identifies as the first generation not to attend residential school. She advocates for Indigenous economic empowerment.

Why is Indigenomics important in Canada?

Indigenomics is important because Canada is in a treaty relationship with Indigenous peoples, and there are significant economic disparities, with 76% of Indigenous children living in poverty in certain regions. Indigenomics addresses the need for economic reconciliation and inclusion.

How has the concept of Indigenomics evolved?

Indigenomics began as a hashtag but has grown into a movement focused on building visibility and creating space for Indigenous peoples within the economic framework of Canada.

What uncomfortable truth does Carol Anne Hilton highlight in her speech?

Hilton discusses the uncomfortable truth that Indigenous peoples have faced over 150 years of economic displacement, which is reflected in negative statistics such as high poverty, suicide, and incarceration rates.

What historical policy does Hilton reference in her speech, and how does it relate to economic justice?

Hilton references the 'Indian problem,' a concept formed by Duncan Campbell Scott, which historically excluded Indigenous peoples from Canada's economic system. Indigenomics seeks to rectify this exclusion by promoting economic justice.

What progress has been made by Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economic sphere?

Indigenous peoples have won over 250 court cases that have helped create space for economic empowerment. Reports show that Indigenous economic contributions were valued at $32 billion in 2016, with potential for much more growth.

What is the goal for Indigenous economic growth according to Hilton?

Hilton aims to grow the Indigenous economy from $32 billion in 2016 to $100 billion within five years, marking a significant shift in economic empowerment.

What does Hilton mean by 'economic reconciliation'?

Economic reconciliation refers to addressing the gap between the negative lived realities of Indigenous peoples, such as poverty and marginalization, and their potential as economic powerhouses in Canada.

What is the central message of Hilton’s speech?

Hilton’s central message is that Indigenous peoples are not a burden on Canada's economy but are, in fact, resilient and powerful contributors. Indigenomics is a platform for restoring this narrative and realizing Indigenous economic potential.