What’s the First Nations economy worth? – The Coast

A lot more than the “financial sinkhole” stereotype.

The performance of Atlantic Canada’s Indigenous economy is worth $1.14 billion, according to a new study released Wednesday. The pan-provincial assessment, completed by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, aims to shift stereotypes about Indigenous communities and their contribution to the economy, says secretariat executive director and study co-chair John G. Paul.

“There was a very negative narrative associated with our communities, [one that says] that we’re a financial sinkhole,” says Paul. “The logic behind doing this study was to create the evidence to show people that things have to change.”

Read More: http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/whats-the-first-nations-economy-worth/Content?oid=5360306