Creating sustainable economic development within two B.C. First Nations communities: A rights-based approach.

Rural First Nation peoples traditionally sustained their economy through hunting, gathering and fishing. These traditional ways are now threatened by the national and global economies of Westernized societies. For the continued independence and development of First Nations communities, there is a need for them to participate in the wider economy. These communities now face daunting obstacles to development. Some of these obstacles include low human capital and the means to develop it, long term effects of marginalization, lack of control over available natural resources, and distance from Service Centres. A rights-based approach offers unique ways of addressing some of the development challenges that are prevalent in some rural First Nations communities in British Columbia by transforming needs into rights. The approach offers solutions which are participatory. Individuals and communities are empowered beyond the charity and welfare models. A rights-based approach to development transforms needs into rights and places a responsibility on the government in question to provide sustainable solutions. The inquiry identified the economic situation and development challenges faced by two rural First Nation communities in British Columbia, the Esketemc and Nazko First Nations, and suggested a framework for development.--P.i.