Module #2 – Post #1

Cornell, Stephen. And Kalt, Jospeh. P. (2006). Two Approaches to Economic Development on American Indian Reservations: One Works, the Other Doesn’t. Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy on behalf of the Arizona Board of Regents. Accessed via: http://www.nwtopportunities.com/sites/default/files/approachesedevelopment.pdf

This article examines two approaches that exist to economic development on Aboriginal Reservations. One end of the spectrum posits the “Standard approach”, a hierarchical system fashioned from Federal policy and procedure in an attempt to make decisions on behalf of Aboriginal peoples, and the “nation-building approach” that recognizes that sovereignty of Aboriginal tribes, the value of cultural tradition and perspective and governance and of course the sustainability required to improve overall socio-economic conditions for Aboriginal peoples.

Cornell & Kalt begin the article by providing context through the use of four example tribes that have made significant headway in terms of economic development, socio-economic improvements and acknowledged sovereignty for their people. I found this to be very inspiring as it is neither the sense nor the type of story that is presented in everyday media regarding Aboriginal communities. Breaking down the “standard approach” and the “nation-building approach” we see the following key differences as factors for impeding, influencing and shaping economic development for Aboriginal people: