Studies in Aboriginal Affairs

SPR Associates has built a highly respected track record in projects in Aboriginal affairs. This record has been achieved by blending sensitivity to the concerns of Aboriginal people with careful application of contemporary social science and program evaluation techniques. This "bridge-building" is reflected in a number of major projects the firm has conducted since 1982:

Evaluation of Youth Internships for Aboriginal and Inuit Youth. This evaluation examined this program and its impacts in First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada, including the far North. The evaluation was based on surveys of First Nation and Inuit employers and participating youth (for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1998-2000).
Review of the Manitoba Framework Agreement Initiative (FAI). This review, for which SPR provided technical assistance, evaluated past activities, roles and responsibilities, accountability, and the administration of this Initiative. The review examined how the FAI is meeting its objectives, focusing on the lessons learned, and how to strengthen the process for Aboriginal self-government in Manitoba (for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Indian and Northern Affairs, 1998).
Evaluation of the Urban Native Housing Program. This study reviewed the way this housing program meets the needs of Aboriginal Canadians and involved surveys in 36 communities in all regions, including the Territories. A variety of issues were examined including program impacts in the area of race relations (for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1993-96).
Review of the Ontario Native Courtworker Program. This evaluation involved a survey of this program's operation in Aboriginal communities and needs for services. Community studies were undertaken in a number of urban areas and remote northern communities (for the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Federal Department of Justice and the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, 1988-89).
Review of the Native Friendship Centre Program. This study involved in-depth surveys of 87 Friendship Centres across Canada and case studies of 15 urban Native Friendship Centres in all regions of Canada (for Secretary of State and the National Association of Friendship Centres, 1987-88).
Evaluation of the Cultural/Educational Centres Program. A nation-wide evaluation of approximately 70 centres providing cultural and educational services to First Nations people, this study involved mail-surveys of cultural/educational centres, and community surveys in a random sample of 20 Indian communities across Canada (for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 1987-88).
Ontario Native Council on Justice (ONCJ) Evaluation. This evaluation was undertaken to review the goals, objectives, and operations of the ONCJ and its role in the overall justice system, as part of an internal, and external review of the Council underway in 1987. Remedies were recommended for improved operation of the Council and for the operation of the related government liaison committee (for the Ontario Native Council on Justice, 1987).
Evaluation of the Manitoba Adult Health Care Program. This evaluation involved a three-year development phase and a subsequent survey on thirteen Manitoba First Nations. Personal interviews were conducted with 300 elderly and disabled persons. Detailed assessments were also obtained for patients in four on-reserve nursing homes and a number of off-reserve nursing homes (for First Nations Confederacy, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Brotherhood of Indian Nations, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 1983-86).
National Evaluation Overview of Native Policing. This overview examined four major policing programs operated respectively by: RCMP (all provinces other than Ontario and Quebec), Ontario Provincial Police (Special Indian Constable Program), Québec Provincial Police, and Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC Police, Manitoba). The study examined variations in organization and administration of benefits, and implications for a national evaluation. A comprehensive report was provided (for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 1983).
Evaluation of the Ontario Indian Constable Program. This study involved surveys of Chiefs and Band Councils, native constables, and surveys of Ontario Provincial Police supervisors participating in the program. The study included some 60 Ontario reserves, and resulted in a comprehensive report, including descriptive tabulations, multi-variate analyses, interpretations, and recommendations (for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the Indian Associations of Ontario, 1982-83).