Title: A comparison of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the Quebec forestry sector

Authors: Jean-Michel Beaudoin, Luc LeBel

Addresses: Departement des Sciences du Bois et de la Foret, Universite Laval, 2405 rue de la Terrasse, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada. ' Departement des Sciences du Bois et de la Foret, Universite Laval, 2405 rue de la Terrasse, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada

Abstract: This paper compares the portrait of forestry entrepreneurs within the Ilnu community of Mashteuiatsh to one of non-Aboriginal forestry entrepreneurs. The information was mainly collected using a survey in the winter of 2008 for the Aboriginal group and in the winter of 2007 for the non-Aboriginal group. Interviews were also conducted in situ with the Aboriginal forestry entrepreneurs, their principal clients, the Band Council (or local government) and the local economic development organisation. A few key differences between the two groups of forestry entrepreneurs were observed and are discussed in this paper. The results highlight the importance of offering flexible political answers that account for distinctive local characteristics.

Keywords: aboriginals; forestry; economic development; Canada; non-aboriginal people; Ilnu communities; Mashteuiatsh; aborigines; Band Council; local government; clients; flexibility; political factors; distinctive characteristics; local characteristics; Quebec; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2011.037339

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2011 Vol.12 No.1, pp.44 - 61

Published online: 11 Oct 2014 *

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