American Indian Culture and Research Journal

This commentary examines local processes in the White Earth Nation in the context of the rise and decline of the United States as the world’s hegemonic power. Using the case of the White Earth Nation, I focus on the hegemonic transition period during two economic downturns—the Great Depression and the Great Recession—to illustrate that even in these difficult times, these Native peoples have managed to keep their communities together and maintain the basic aspects of self-government. My findings suggest that adherence to the Anishinaabe moral ideal of mino-bimaadiziwin and cooperative and reciprocal relationships help maintain the structure of community and restore the balance in life.