A Theory-based Empirical Study of Entrepreneurship in Iqaluit, Nunavut

Entrepreneurial activity in Iqaluit on BaffinIsland, Canada, was examined, among both the Inuit indigenous people and theother residents. One goal was to determine whether entrepreneurship isbeing implemented by Inuit indigenous people in the same way as Western-stylemainstream entrepreneurship. The snowballing technique was used to identifyformal entrepreneurs in Iqaluit, and 57 interviews were conducted. Findings reveal that most of the entrepreneurs are mainstreamEnglish-Canadians or French-Canadians; only three were Inuit.Thenon-indigenousentrepreneurs were both deliberate opportunity seekers andreactionary entrepreneurs who choseself-employment from necessity.Formal entrepreneurship has had little success with indigenous Inuitpeople in Iqaluit. For the Inuits, enterprising takes place in different forms.Their cultural identity is rooted in nature and in sharing. Hence, informalentrepreneurship and internal self-employment, such as subsistence fishing andhunting, is more valued in this community. (SRY)

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