American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Many have observed that Indian and mainstream values differ, but few have spelled out the implications of these differences for economic development policy. This paper presents a characterization of Indian values, derives some implications for traditional Indian economic policy, and provides two examples of Indian communities that have adopted policies consistent with its analysis. As tribes continue to assert their sovereign powers to control their own communities, a consideration of the connections between traditional American Indian worldviews and economic development policy can assist tribes and others in examining and selecting among current development alternatives. Those studying economic policy in Indian communities recognize that Indians have different goals from those of the dominant society. What are these goals and do they help explain why economic policy has been different in Indian communities?This paper begins by listing a set of assumptions that many Indian communities share. It then proceeds to explore the implications of these assumptions for economic development activities and institutions. Not surprisingly, the implications describe rules profoundly different from what economic development usually means. For example, traditional Indian economic policy would place an upper limit on consumption.