In the nineteenth century, the young nations of the United States and Canada enacted laws designed to undermine indigenous governance and economic independence. North America’s indigenous institutions—like tribal councils, sun dances, and potlatches—had evolved over centuries, but were suddenly declared illegal and replaced by federal programs. In both countries, a diverse set of indigenous governance structures, property rights, and trade networks was replaced by a monolithic system that centralized the provision of goods and services and fostered dependence on federal governments. “The indigenous population of the hemisphere was deprived not only of land and freedom,” observes Hoover fellow Thomas Sowell, but also of “the underlying foundation of cultural traditions on which any society is based.”
Colonial-era policies and paternalistic attitudes continue to restrict economic activity on reservations and most indigenous economies remain dependent on the federal government. Government programs, however, have done little to alleviate the poverty and social ills prevalent on reservations. Indigenous peoples are thus locked in a type of colonial bondage that stifles their integration into modern economies.
...
Despite its very real troubles, the future of Indian Country is not bleak. There are bright spots. Throughout North America, indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs are innovating to lift their communities out of poverty. What’s especially remarkable about these bright spots is that they are examples of people and communities overcoming huge obstacles to close the institutional gap.
...
There is much to learn from the innovation taking place in indigenous communities. The Hoover Institution’s Renewing Indigenous Economies research initiative, in partnership with the Alliance for Renewing Indigenous Economies, has already undertaken work to understand what institutions work best for local peoples, economies, and cultures. Along with our allies at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, we will support academic research, foster communication among tribal leaders, educate policy makers, and share indigenous success stories with the public.
Read the full article at Defining Ideas.