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//UNDERSTANDING ASSETS IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES |
Friday
5/9/2008 11:16:38 AM |
Understanding Assets in Native Communities
Research & Evaluation Resources
Why do this research in Native communities?
The Native Assets Research Center tracks the Elements of Development over time in the communities First Nations works with, to assess whether asset development generates the hypothesized benefits for communities. At the same time, an assessment is conducted on the impact of our grantmaking on the communities First Nations serves in a holistic sense. This is conducted in a manner that reflects the holistic economic paradigm of not just increased income but also increased community well-being.
Here are some resources you may find helpful:
Asset Framework and Elements of Development: A Research Framework for Understanding Asset-Based Development in Native Communities
Adamson, Rebecca; Black, Sherry Salway; and Dewees, Sarah. (2000). Asset Framework and Elements of Development: A Research Framework for Understanding Asset-Based Development in Native Communities. Fredericksburg, VA: First Nations Development Institute.
Copyright 2000 First Nations Development Institute
This paper focuses on the analytical research framework First Nations Development Institute uses to evaluate and analyze our grantmaking and lending resources. The data collected through this process supports First Nations' belief that through building assets, tribal communities can improve the well-being of their residents and encourage self-sufficiency. Through effective asset deployment, tribal communities can continually generate income and other resources, thereby ensuring the maintenance and creation of wealth into the future. Additionally, in times of economic stress, assets provide security and stability. This paper also describes the approach the Native Assets Research Center uses to develop its analytical framework which seeks to address the following questions: What are Native assets? How are they organized and used? What are the factors that impact the ability of tribes to effectively control their assets? What strategies can be developed to promote/support increased tribal control of assets? What actions need to be taken to strengthen this control? What is the impact on the community when the control of assets changes? Does asset development generate the hypothesized benefits to communities? And what does this suggest about the process of development, and the integration of an indigenous economic paradigm?
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Asset Building In Native Communities
Adamson, Rebecca; Black, Sherry Salway; and Dewees, Sarah. (2003). Asset Building in Native Communities. Fredericksburg, VA: First Nations Development Institute.
Copyright 2003 First Nations Development Institute
This paper illustrates First Nations Development Institutes’ approach to Native asset development through a comprehensive view of asset building elements. The role of assets and history of asset ownership in Native communities and how it differs from most other local or rural communities is presented. The hypothesis presented by First Nations is that only through the control of these assets will the economic well-being of Indigenous communities be improved and sustained. A description of an asset topography is provided which includes financial holdings, natural resources, cultural property, human capital, social, political, institutional, and legal assets. The initial strategy for this paper focused on control of assets but has evolved to address six distinct strategies of asset-based development: control, utilize, leverage, retain, create, and increase. Each one requires different tactics, technical assistance, and community capacity. All require a policy framework that upholds sovereignty, tenure rights, usage rights, and rights of self-determination.
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Redefining Success In Community Development: A New Approach For Determining and Measuring The Impact Of Development
Black, Sherry Salway. (1994). Redefining Success in Community Development: A New Approach for Determining and Measuring the Impact of Development. The Richard Schramm Paper on Community Development. Medford, MA: Tufts University.
Copyright 1994. Filene Center, Tufts University
First Nations has identified 16 elements that we hypothesize are crucial for understanding and assessing changes in Native communities that occur as a result of changes in the control of assets. This paper, released in 1994, describes the “Elements of Development” and provides a thorough analysis of the "elements" paradigm. A discussion of the importance for using a holistic approach for measuring the multi-dimensional impact for each project investment in asset based community development is provided. The “elements,” defined first in 1980, are drawn from the first decade of First Nations’ work and from the culture and value system of Native people.
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Elements of Development Model
Black, Sherry Black. (1994). Redefining Success in Community Development: A New Approach for Determining and Measuring the Impact of Development. The Richard Schramm Paper on Community Development. Medford, MA: Tufts University.
Copyright 1991 First Nations Development Institute
This model illustrates the 16 Elements of Development framework and methodology for determining the needs, goals and objectives of indigenous people. While this framework is an asset-based approach, it incorporates a holistic view of what assets are at the individual, community, project and national levels. The two main axes represent "major significant relations in development,” as defined by control of assets, kinship, personal efficacy, and spirituality. The 16 Elements indicate contributions and barriers to community development, not just focusing on measuring assets in traditional economic ways, although that is a part of the framework. The circle represents the fundamental Native American belief in the interconnection between all things and the balance of life. The Elements are interdependent and further connect through concentric circles on the individual project, tribe or community and national levels.
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Indicators for Elements of Development
Appendix A
Copyright 2004 First Nations Development Institute
This document provides sample element indicators across three levels: individual level indicators, organization/project level indicators, and community/tribe level indicators. This document is an appendix of a grant report template used by First Nations' grantees.
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We believe, that when armed with appropriate resources, Native peoples hold the capacity and ingenuity to ensure the sustainable economic, spiritual, and cultural well being of their communities.
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