A New Paradigm: The Indian Country Economy A PowerPoint presentation by Alan Parker, faculty for Native Law & Policy The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA June 19, 2006

The Indian Country Economy: A New Paradigm Webster’s defines an economy as:” …a system of producing, distributing and consuming wealth.” Webster’s defines an economy as:” …a system of producing, distributing and consuming wealth.” Each Tribal Nation is responsible for designing its own tribal economy based on its own economic policies and strategies. Each Tribal Nation is responsible for designing its own tribal economy based on its own economic policies and strategies. Tribal economies have much in common. Tribal economies have much in common.

What is the “Indian Country Economy”? Indian Country Economy (ICE) = the collective resource base, production capabilities and service capacity in all of “Indian Country”. Indian Country Economy (ICE) = the collective resource base, production capabilities and service capacity in all of “Indian Country”. Tribal sovereignty is used to give competitive advantage to tribal enterprises in the marketplace. Tribal sovereignty is used to give competitive advantage to tribal enterprises in the marketplace. “ Produced in Indian Country ” is a brand label for some Indian Country products. “ Produced in Indian Country ” is a brand label for some Indian Country products. “Strategic Geographic Location” is a valuable asset and an economic resource of the ICE. “Strategic Geographic Location” is a valuable asset and an economic resource of the ICE.

The “Tribal Gaming” Example Tribal Gaming is common to many tribal economies. Tribal Gaming is common to many tribal economies. Tribal sovereignty creates the opportunity for tribal gaming. Tribal sovereignty creates the opportunity for tribal gaming. Federal law requires tribal gaming enterprises be owned by the tribe. Federal law requires tribal gaming enterprises be owned by the tribe. Class III tribal gaming requires a state-tribal compact. Class III tribal gaming requires a state-tribal compact. Pawnee Nation Plans $100 Million Casino Resort

What other elements are common to the Indian Country Economy? Tribal ownership means all tribal members have a stake in tribal economy. Tribal ownership means all tribal members have a stake in tribal economy. “Natural” and “environment friendly” is associated with Native American products. “Natural” and “environment friendly” is associated with Native American products. Tribal economic success = tribal political strength in the local and state “political economy.” Tribal economic success = tribal political strength in the local and state “political economy.” Dakota Dunes opens in 2006

Indian Country regions = a distinctive mix of natural resources. Indian Country regions = a distinctive mix of natural resources. Pacific NW tribes have fisheries and timber. Pacific NW tribes have fisheries and timber. Fossil fuel energy, wind and hydro are abundant in the Rockies. Fossil fuel energy, wind and hydro are abundant in the Rockies. Indian Agriculture base in mid-west = livestock and crops. Indian Agriculture base in mid-west = livestock and crops. Southwest tribes location = broadband telecom. opportunities. Southwest tribes location = broadband telecom. opportunities. Tribal contracting preferences for government procurement. Tribal contracting preferences for government procurement. Besides Gaming what common resources make up the ICE?

Are there common economic strategies among tribes? Most sectors of ICE have created an intertribal support organization. (e.g., timber, agriculture, gaming, etc.) Most sectors of ICE have created an intertribal support organization. (e.g., timber, agriculture, gaming, etc.) The highest priority has been “job creation” The highest priority has been “job creation” The next highest is diversification locally The next highest is diversification locally Tribal independence is a strong tradition and there are few examples of tribal joint ventures. Tribal independence is a strong tradition and there are few examples of tribal joint ventures. Buy-Indian is not widely practiced by tribes Buy-Indian is not widely practiced by tribes

Examples of joint business deals Four Fires, LLC and Three Fires, LLC Four Fires, LLC and Three Fires, LLC Mohegan, Pequot, etc., intertribal investment in gaming. Mohegan, Pequot, etc., intertribal investment in gaming. Native American National Bank. Native American National Bank. Alaska Native Regional Corporations. Alaska Native Regional Corporations. More? More?

“A rising tide lifts all boats!”: Economically and politically. “A rising tide lifts all boats!”: Economically and politically. Tribes with capital systematically invest in The Indian Country Economy (syndicates, mutual funds and Indian investment vehicles) Tribes with capital systematically invest in The Indian Country Economy (syndicates, mutual funds and Indian investment vehicles) These investments offer competitive options for risk and reward. These investments offer competitive options for risk and reward. Intertribal trade and investment puts tribal sovereignty to work Intertribal trade and investment puts tribal sovereignty to work WHAT IS THE NEW PARADIGM?

The New Paradigm: continued Tribes with common resources join together to access new markets. Tribes with common resources join together to access new markets. Marketing cooperatives serve common sectors of ICE: access higher end markets Marketing cooperatives serve common sectors of ICE: access higher end markets Tribal suppliers with strong management and quality control serve tribal retailers (casino-based food service enterprises, etc.) Tribal suppliers with strong management and quality control serve tribal retailers (casino-based food service enterprises, etc.)

What steps lead to the ICE vision? Indian supplier – Indian buyer models - tribal buy-Indian policies. Indian supplier – Indian buyer models - tribal buy-Indian policies. Business research proves feasibility and multiplier effects Business research proves feasibility and multiplier effects Business schools conduct “due diligence” and document economic values for each sector of the ICE Business schools conduct “due diligence” and document economic values for each sector of the ICE Financial instruments, programs and institutions need Indian expertise to serve tribal investors and enterprises Financial instruments, programs and institutions need Indian expertise to serve tribal investors and enterprises Tribal investment needed for research programs Tribal investment needed for research programs

“The Indian Country Economy” A Powerful vision An emergent Reality A realistic game plan for today and tomorrow! Return to: