Title: Success factors of Aboriginal women entrepreneurs: a study of Mohawk community in Canada

Authors: Terri R. Lituchy, Martha A. Reavley, Elena Lvina, Ronald J. Abraira

Addresses: Department of Management, GM 503-3, Concordia University, JMSB, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal QC H3G 1M8, Canada. ' Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada. ' Department of Management, GM 503-3, Concordia University, JMSB, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal QC H3G 1M8, Canada. ' Department of Management, GM 503-3, Concordia University, JMSB, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal QC H3G 1M8, Canada

Abstract: Research in indigenous entrepreneurship as well as women and entrepreneurship is growing. This paper presents 11 case studies on women Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Quebec, Canada. For Aboriginal peoples, small business and entrepreneurship is intimately linked to community and cultural survival. Within these communities, women assume major roles and are active participants and leaders in politics and in business. This research examines several models of entrepreneurship – traits, behavioural and environmental. The Aboriginal women entrepreneurs interviewed show a profound need for conformity and a strong tendency towards collectivism. The business strategies of this group are mostly focused on serving local community needs. This inwardly focused approach may be due to their collectivist orientation or to the availability of limited information on external markets for products and services. This paper concludes with some suggestions on policy directions to encourage Aboriginal entrepreneurship as a means of economic development, self-determination and community sustainability.

Keywords: Aboriginal entrepreneurs; women; entrepreneurship; Mohawk community; First Nations; Canada; policy; indigenous entrepreneurship; female entrepreneurs; conformity; collectivism; economic development; self-determination; community sustainability; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2006.010923

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2006 Vol.3 No.6, pp.760 - 778

Published online: 18 Sep 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article