1. Social Economy to Meet the Needs of First Nations Communities
Conference on Clients with Decreasing Independence
Montréal, May 10, 2017
Karine Awashish
Social Economy Advisor
, ext. 2406

2. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY is…
An enterprise model with an economic component and a social component
An economic model that is…
Different from and complementary to traditional models (private, public or parapublic)
Supported by various social missions
For Aboriginal people, it is a tool that facilitates…
The take-over
The development in all aspects of the communities and in many fields of activity
The promotion of First Nations culture, cultural heritage and creativity

3. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY is…
An enterprise (entrepreneurial nature of the SE)
Most often a NPO or a cooperative (collective ++)
Independent
Democratic (involving the community/users)
Born from a community initiative in which it remains “rooted” (person, group, organization, community...)
Whose mission has a social purpose (before capital)
With a significant portion of the income coming from the sale of goods/services
Based on the principles of individual and collective responsibility, participation and empowerment

4. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY is… A local response to needs in different areas…
Economic, social, health, environmental, cultural, etc.
Health and social services (perinatality, home care, prevention, etc.).
Employment integration of people with social and occupational integration difficulties, significant limitations, etc.
Worker cooperative, youth, grocery cooperative, purchasing cooperative, local production/supply of food, professional services, furniture, food and clothing banks, etc.
Construction/management of affordable housing, housing cooperative (social housing) and tourist accommodation.
Financial, natural resources and transport
Culture, tourism, media and many others…

5. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY, why?
Enterprises whose results are measured in social, cultural, economic and community terms
Common good – social returns
Creation of jobs, sales and benefits
Maintenance and improvement of community services and support for people
Improvement of quality of life and the environment
Socio-cultural development and dynamism of a community
Promotion and affirmation of identity
Etc.

6. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY, why? Immense needs to be filled
For many reasons including…
Immense needs to be filled
Tool to fight poverty and social exclusion
Sustainable development tool
Self-determination tool
A model that reflects our values and aspirations
Enterprises that are in line with our needs
A place where you can take your place

7. THE CHALLENGES
A return to "traditional" culture and values of acting and working together (in a circle)
Awareness and information
Participation and commitment
The mobilization of socioeconomic and political players
Managing and sharing development efforts
THE SUCCESSION ++++

8. SOCIAL AND COLLECTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP…
Having the desire to be an agent of change
Align one’s personal and professional goals
Pooling our strengths and expertise
Contributing significantly to ones’ environment
Forging connections, affirming one’s identity and enhancing the cultural wealth of one’s community/nation
A few tips...

9. Mikwetc – Meegwetch – Tshinashkumitin – Welaliog – Jawenh – Wli Wni!
For communication:
, ext. 2406
Mikwetc – Meegwetch – Tshinashkumitin – Welaliog – Jawenh – Wli Wni!