American Indian Culture and Research Journal

INTRODUCTION As Native American tribes move toward self-determination in government and self-sufficiency of their peoples, they face daunting problems. Beginning with the status quo of unemployment rates ranging as high as 90 percent, concomitant social and health issues unseen elsewhere in the United States, and limited financial assets, tribes need to develop long-term strategic plans. However, traditional economic development models and techniques are of little use in designing these plans. Additionally, some tribes are earning substantial financial assets through gaming operations. Nearly all tribes, however, still face the challenge of using their assets to build vibrant communities after many years of destitution. To this end, the development of a long-term strategic community development plan is called for. The National Executive Education Program for Native American Leadership (NEEPNAL), in conjunction with the Center for American Indian Economic Development (CAIED), has developed a method for aiding tribes to develop such plans. This paper addresses the multiple, difficult issues surrounding development of an effective long-term strategic planning process for productive uses of tribal assets. Further, the NEEPNAL/CAIED method for overcoming these difficulties is presented, with positive examples from tribal experience.