Development in a "Developed" World: An Indigenous Approach
537 Heller Hall
Abstract: Development models and projects focus primarily, if not entirely, on ‘other’ societies and countries and not on conditions in developed countries such as Canada and the U.S. Encounters between those identified as needing help and those who position themselves as helpers often play out the dynamics of ‘otherness,’ especially when aid workers go from their developed countries to underdeveloped countries. Sustainable Development Goals are conceived as relevant outside of the borders of the developed world. The MPD in Indigenous Development challenges the standard approach to development by identifying and addressing development challenges in the developed world for Indigenous communities, by rejecting the one-size-fits-all solutions to development often touted by NGOs and national governments, by addressing the colonial foundation of inequality and oppression, and through a strengths-based approach to collaborative Indigenous community engagement. This paper provides an analysis of the MDP in Indigenous Development approach as well as a brief discussion of projects undertaken by MDP student development practitioners, offering a different look at development and development practitioners.
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About the Speaker
Julie Pelletier is Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Winnipeg. Her specialization is cultural anthropology and Indigenous studies. Areas of research and teaching interest include Indigenization and decolonization of academia, Indigenous representations, and American Indian and First Nations gaming and casinos.
She is in residence with ICGC during the 2023-24 academic year.