From engaging to enabling: Could an asset-based approach transform Indigenous affairs?

Abstract

We make the case that the adoption of the asset-based approach to community development could reframe how we think of Indigenous policy development and implementation. We present the case of a specific site which explicitly adopted this approach and delivered enhanced outcomes for communities. Drawing on this example we identify elements of successful Indigenous policy in terms of enhanced services for citizens: new ways of developing and implementing policy; widening the circle of participation and developing social and human capital. We identify the crucial role of appropriate resource allocation and the need for effective, ongoing facilitation to ensure the asset-based approach can be used effectively to improve community development at the local level. Based on the successful adoption of this approach in this example, we call for more research into the potential of this approach to drive new approaches in Indigenous policy and implementation.