Indian poverty is a result of the enforced social stagnation. Economic development in Indian country is intertwined with an Indian movement toward tribal sovereignty and political power. Economic success is not impeded by traditionalism in tribal culture and government, but it does require fair play by tribes and their leaders, an independent…

A review of the literature was conducted to understand whether or not and how enterprise zones and other economic development strategies apply to Indian country. The review: (1) summarizes the effects of past and present federal policies on Indians and their economic development efforts; (2) examines the literature on enterprise zones, as…

This report summarizes legislative activities in states that enacted bills and resolutions relating to Native Americans in 1991. Conflicts between states and the Indian tribes within their borders were the subject of significant legislation in 1991. In all, 220 bills and resolutions were introduced in state legislatures; 77 passed and 20 are still…

Examines aspects of American Indian world views and values relevant to economic development policy; specifically, sense of community, connectedness of everything, consideration of future generations, and humility toward nature. Discusses constraints on economic development arising from these values and the relevance of common property ownership…

This paper examines changes in federal policy that have encouraged economic development by American Indian tribes, and presents examples from New Mexico. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 guaranteed federal provision of education and other services to the tribes, but the newly reorganized tribal governments were regulated almost exclusively by…

American Indian unemployment remains high despite efforts by tribes and the federal government to improve employment opportunities. Persistently high unemployment among Indians has resulted in low family incomes and high poverty rates relative to Whites. Particularly serious on reservations, these continuing problems are related in part to low…

Examines persistence-related problems of American Indian poverty using metropolis-satellite (urban-rural) and world-system explanations. Links federal-Indian relationship and reservation economics to worldwide socioeconomic processes. Illustrates United States-world system relations as basis for alternative federal policies and addressing Indians'…

Compares national policies of the United States and New Zealand toward their indigenous populations, and sovereignty initiatives of Native Americans and Maoris. Discusses colonialist patterns, treaty relationships, historical policy trajectories, and sovereignty disputes. Examines Indian gaming and Maori land claims settlements as a means to gain…

This paper analyzes and evaluates federal assistance to Indians on or near reservations and recommends public policies to promote self-determination through economic development. Most Indian tribes rely on federal funds for basic necessities and services. At current funding levels, reservation residents lead lives of deprivation or opt for…

Canadian social life and public policy are increasingly influenced by Aboriginal people, their roles in Canadian society, and the issues that concern them. Drawing on a political economy perspective, this book provides a systematic analysis of how changing social dynamics, organized particularly around race, class, and gender relations, have…

A collection of 13 scholarly articles and essays, this book makes available hard-to-find information and theories about American Indian economic development. Part I, "The Land and the People", emphasizes cultural traditions and beliefs of Indian people and traces the development of the concept of sovereignty and its applicability to…