Social economy

Social economy meets needs identified by the community and fosters the practice of democracy. It contributes to the development of collective wealth by creating sustainable and fulfilling jobs and increasing the level of employability. To summarize, social economy is an efficient means to fight against poverty and social exclusion since it generates economic and social wealth.

Characteristics of a social economy enterprise

• Non-profit organization or cooperative;
• Results from the mobilization of individuals in reaction to a need;
• Democratic governance, and
• Humans are at the heart of actions and decisions.

The Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec has identified social economy as a privileged development means that meets our needs and values.

Chronology

• The Native Friendship Centre movement took a shift to social economy in 2005 to ensure its development and durability.
• The RCAAQ participates in the 3rd international meeting on the globalization of solidarity in Dakar, in 2005.
• The RCAAQ and the Chantier de l’économie sociale sign a partnership agreement in 2006 at the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum.
• The RCAAQ participates in the Sommet de l’économie sociale du Québec in 2006;
• The RCAAQ participates in the 4th international meeting on the globalization of solidarity in Luxembourg, in 2009.
• The Government of Québec announces a governmental action plan for collective entrepreneurship “Pour des communautés plus solidaires” in 2008.
• The RCAAQ participates in the Social Enterprise World Forum in Australia in 2009
• The RCAAQ conducted a mission in Mexico to raise awareness among the urban Aboriginal youth of Québec to collective entrepreneurship culture, in 2009.

The Aboriginal Social Economy Circle

The Aboriginal social economy circle allows for mobilization, sharing and enhancement of our social economy practices.

The role of the Aboriginal Social Economy Circle

• Promote the practice of social economy in Aboriginal settings
• Create a mobilization around social economy
• Open dialogue with Aboriginals on the added value of social economy
• Develop our vision of social economy
• Foster the implementation of Aboriginal social economy initiatives