Tribal Sovereignty and Economic Development on the Reservation

Seth H. Row

Georgetown University Law Center; Class of 1998

Some Indian reservations throughout the United States may finally be encountering opportunities to develop a sound economic base and combat endemic poverty. However, with this development comes inevitable conflicts among the priorities of tribes, states, and the federal government. Tribal sovereignty includes objectives such as cultural identity and the maintenance of a land base while governments are seeking to exploit the resources found on that very land. Mr. Row examines the proposals of three experts on Indian economic development and describes their views on the cultural conflicts, their suggestions for institutional change and their recommendations for economic reforms.

The article suggests that some of the most significant problems underlying the Indian reservations? turmoil are scarcity of resources and inefficient management of available resources. In efforts to combat poverty, they often agree to government contracts which prove to be in conflict with their environmental concerns and then regret their choices. Ultimately, the residents on these lands will need to prioritize their interests and find compromises that protect their main concerns while providing for economic growth and security. It is a balancing act between land, culture, environment, employment and income, all with the overriding protection of individual sovereignty.

Vol. IV, No. 1 p. 227 (1996)

Revised July 17, 2003 (MD)