Aboriginal Community Development Impact Model (ACDIM)

There are many challenges faced by communities in northern Ontario, and those that are home to First Nations People are no exception. The economies of First Nations communities, like so many others in the north are almost exclusively dependent on natural resources for their economic base, however they are often more isolated, and have a very different values system. As a result, traditional activities such as hunting and fishing are more prominent. There also tends to be a more severe absence of diversified and sustainable economic development, which can lead to social problems in many of these First Nation communities. Remote communities are particularly vulnerable to situations and circumstance that hinders diversification or limits economic development.

The Aboriginal Community Development Impact Model was produced in partnership with the Moose Cree First Nation, McMaster University, Econometric Research Ltd., the Canadian Forest Service - Socioeconomic Research Network Centre, and Aboriginal Business Canada. Using the Moose Cree First Nation as a pilot, the model projected the impact of economic development activities on the community. This had practical application in that it assisted in determining the viability of new economic development and job creation initiatives, providing some indication of their viability and chance of success, before they are undertaken. This evaluation of prospective development initiatives in order to determine those with the highest probability of success, and which should eventually be implemented is vital to successfully achieving economic diversity. Simultaneously creating the general conditions that are conducive to economic expansion and entrepreneurship within a community is also an important parallel activity.

In order to conduct a credible economic analysis, an analytical economic model capable of processing a comprehensive socioeconomic database is indispensable. In essence, the model was used as a decision support tool that details different configurations of a community’s economy, measuring the impacts of various development initiatives. ACDIM allowed detailed analysis of the Moose Cree First Nation Economy through research conducted at the University of Guelph. The results of this work were used to calibrate the model specifically for the characteristics of the community. The Moose Cree Development Corporation has used the model in its negotiations to develop a sustainable forest license north of the 50th parallel.

The creation of the Aboriginal Community Development Impact Model was a significant accomplishment during Phase II of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest. The model has the potential to be adapted and actively transferred to other First Nations communities who want to better understand and forecast forest sustainability and economic development options within the context of their specific values and situation.