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Self-determination in Action: The Entrepeurship of the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association Co-operative

Last Updated on August 11th, 2010
 

Project Title: Self-determination in Action: The Entrepreneurship of the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association Co-operative

Project Number: CL3-01-SK

Term of Project: May 2007 to March 2009

Status: Completed

Academic Researcher:

Student Researcher:

Community Researcher:

Community Partner:

Project Summary:

This research study—based on a literature review, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews (individual and group)—focuses on these key areas:

  • Integration of traditional trapper governance and co-operative governance
  • Member participation
  • learning, and
  • cultural revitalization

Building on its cultural values and its own measures of success that include but are not limited to the economic, the NSTAC is strengthening its internal and external legitimacy while redefining the meanings of the co-operative in trapping terms, finding ways to bridge the traditional Aboriginal and co-operative principles and values.

Specific Project-Level Research Objective:

Expected Deliverables:

  1. Research report
  2. Presentations

Findings:

Nearly forty years after being established, the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association (NSTA) has transformed its organizational structure, incorporating as a not-for-profit co-operative at the beginning of 2007. From the standpoint of the government, the primary funder of the organization, the restructuring enhances and formalizes the NSTA’s operational accountability and transparency. To ensure the legitimacy of the co-op and its board of directors in the eyes of its members, the benefits of the co-operative model and of legal incorporation need to be effectively communicated. To build trust with its major stakeholders, the newly established co-operative must effectively address the needs and concerns of its predominantly Aboriginal membership, respecting their values and traditions and engaging their participation, while also balancing the demands of government and present and future partners. The final report, based on a literature review, participant observation, and semi-structured individual and group interviews, focuses on these key areas:

  1. Governance structures, policies, and practices
  2. Member participation, learning, and cultural revitalization
  3. Legitimate representation of members in negotiations with government and other outside bodies
  4. Integration of traditional trapper governance and co-operative governance

The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen internal and external legitimacy; to promote the leadership, vision, and goals as well as multiple bottom lines related to educational, environmental, employment, justice, health, and other benefits to traditional trapping culture; to enhance the NSTA’s organizational, financial, and business capacity; to communicate more broadly the community and educational capacity building of NSTA activities; and to strengthen partnerships with community and other organizations.

Project Poster: Poster (pdf)

Final Report: Final Report (pdf)

Projected Expenditures: $6,000 (internship)

In-Kind Contributions:

Publicity:

Dissemination Activities:

Additional Notes: Project previously titled: Bridging the Traditional and Social Economies: The Case of the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association Co-operative