Indigenous Business and Economic Development in the US Miriam Jorgensen Research Director HPAIED, NNI at UA Wise Practices in Indigenous Community Development Symposium Aboriginal Leadership and Management Program The Banff Centre September 15, 2012

American Indian nation private sector development © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Standard Approach (pretty much what weve had for years) The Nation-Building Approach (invented by Indigenous nations) Two Approaches to Economic Development in Indian Country How do these approaches differ, and why does one work so much better than the other? © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

1.Short-term, non-strategic 2.Views economic development as an economic problem 3.Instead of building an economy step-by- step, looks for the big hits 4.Lets others (usually other governments) set the development agenda 5.Views Indigenous cultures as obstacles to development The Standard Approach to Development © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Short-term thinking External controls Political interference in enterprise management Government instability In short, the standard approach produces a poor foundation for sustainable development… Sustainable Development Home run strategy © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

What is the alternative? The nation-building approach to (economic) development © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Development 1. Practical self-rule (the nation calls the shots) © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Development 2. Capable governing institutions (back up authority with competence) © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Development 3. Cultural match (governing institutions match community beliefs about how authority should be organized) 1.0 PREAMBLE WE are the Gitanyow peoples. We have a long-standing and rich oral tradition which speaks to all aspects of our lives. This written Constitution must be interpreted and understood in the context of our oral history and oral traditions. The Gitanyow peoples are known collectively as the Gitanyow Nation. The Gitanyow Nation comprises two pdeek, the Lax Gibuu and the Lax Ganeda, organized into eight Wilp. These are the Wilp Lax Gibuu of Gwass Hlaam, Wii litsxw, Malii, and Haizimsque and the Wilp Lax Ganeda of Gamlaxyeltxw, Gwinuu, Luuxhon and Watakhayetsxw. The Laxyip of each Wilp is embedded in the Gitmgan and is rooted in Gitanyow Adawaak and Ayuuks. Each Wilp owns and has authority over its respective Laxyip. The Gitanyow Nation Laxyip are collectively known as the Gitanyow Territory, and are located primarily in the Nass Watershed. A map of the Gitanyow Territory is attached as Schedule 1. © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Development 4. Strategic orientation (decisions are made with long- term priorities in mind) © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Development 5. Public-spirited leadership (instead of politics as boxing ring where factions fight to control the goodies) © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Results of the Nation-Building Approach More effective access to and use of resources Increased chances of sustained and self- determined economic development A more effective defense of sovereignty Communities – not just economies – that work © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

None of the characteristics of the Nation-Building approach is something we usually describe aseconomic. They are all political. In the nation-building approach, development is first and foremost a political problem. Once the political problem is solved, then economic assets begin to pay off. © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Jurisdictionbeing in the drivers seat Capable governing institutions Cultural matchlegitimate governing institutions Strategic orientation Leadership Sustainable Development In short, the nation building approach provides a more solid foundation for sustainable development… © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Economic Development Then = circa 1992 What about now? 1. Practical self-rule 2. Capable governing institutions 3. Cultural match/legitimate institutions 4. Strategic orientation 5. Public-spirited leadership © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

The Nation-Building Approach to Economic Development What are the contemporary concerns that make these principles difficult to implement? 1. Practical self-rule 2. Capable governing institutions 3. Cultural match/legitimate institutions 4. Strategic orientation 5. Public-spirited leadership © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Four contemporary tensions in Native nation building 1. Does exercising practical self-rule mean all or nothing sovereignty? © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Four contemporary tensions in Native nation building 2. Cant a tribe have capable institutions while still allowing elected officials to make business management decisions? © HPAIED & NNI, 2012 X

Four contemporary tensions in Native nation building 3. How can a Native nation pursue cultural match in its institutions and practices? © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Four contemporary tensions in Native nation building 4. How can Native nations stay on a strategic path that looks to the 7 th generation? © HPAIED & NNI, 2012

Nation building… Native nation and First Nation business development depends on it Native nation and First nation economic development depends on it Positive social development outcomes depend on it And its intimately tied to Native nation and First nation cultural strength …its about building nations and communities that work.