Page 79 - Six Nations Community Plan 2019

WEALTH & ECONOMY: WHAT WE HEARD AROUND THE TABLE…

Where we have come from:

The economies of the Six Nations were extensive and complex; we traded with our neighbouring nations and allies to support
ourselves and build relationships. Traditionally, wealth was to provide for community and families, not simply to acquire
possessions and financial fortune. Economy was woven into the community, it was a way of life, to meet the basic needs of all.
Our economy was about thriving, not just surviving.

Where we are today:

We have a strong economy of small to large local businesses, but they are not necessarily accountable to the community or
the environment. Rather than being focused on the wellbeing of the community, the economy is structured where many of
us are simply working to make a dollar instead of having employment that gives us enough for their family and community.
We have an extreme wealth gap in our community and many families struggle to meet their basic needs while others live
in abundance. Colonization has also impacted our community in that fiscal dependencies on external governments keep
us from realising our goal of self- determination. While efforts at collective investments can face challenges, we are slowly
building our own revenue streams that allow us to challenge that cycle of dependency. There is a small alternative economy
where we barter and trade as an alternative to the mainstream economy, and many are looking to rebuild this approach as it
strengthens community bonds. Our people are extremely successful and creative in business development and have become
leaders in industries throughout the world.

How we will move into the future:

Wealth to us is not measured in dollars, but in what we value – family, culture, the environment. Developing economically is
one step among many in reaching this holistic idea of wealth. We want all of our members’ basic needs to be met so they can
thrive. A healthy and diverse local economy of responsible businesses and organizations providing important services and
meaningful employment is an important part of Six Nations being a healthy and vibrant community. As we continue to heal as
a community and achieve internal harmony in governance, we can make more confident strides in building our economic self-
sufficiency. A healthy alternative economy where we support each other through trade and barter will help us in supporting
our members’ needs and creatively build a new economy based on our Haudenosaunee values.

Our Vision for the future is that…

“Six Nations is a community where we create the wealth needed
to sustain all our people as healthy and flourishing through
responsible business and economic development which reflects
our Haudenosaunee values and community voice.”

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