ON INDIAN RESERVES IN ONTARIO

This thesis, written in the form of a professional report to the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO), presents a case for increasing significantly the level of attention paid to agricultural opportunities on Indian reserves in Ontario. Using available economic indicators as well as findings from an IAPO-commissioned survey of currently active Indian farmers, the thesis begins by demonstrating the potential importance of expanded farming activity within the reserve economy context. Employing data on land capability for agriculture, from Environment Canada's Canada Land Inventory, together with statistics on the nature and intensity of farming in local counties surrounding or adjacent to Indian reserves (as proxy indicators for the economic feasibility of farming in local economies throughout the province), the thesis provides a preliminary estimate of the potential number of full-time farm operations (or equivalent part-time) which might be sustained on Indian reserves at levels consistent with local county norms. The thesis subsequently addresses some of the most significant barriers and obstacles standing in the way of successful developmen