Indigenous Student Seminar
at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University
How did indigenous peoples organize themselves before European contact?
How have persistent colonial policies affected indigenous communities?
How are tribal leaders rebuilding their nations and renewing indigenous economies?
The Hoover Institution student seminar on Renewing Indigenous Economies will help Indigenous college students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal Indian policy and self-determination. During the week, students will learn about the evolution of property rights and trade networks before European contact; the philosophical underpinnings of indigenous notions of individualism and governance; the effects of persistent colonial policies on indigenous people and communities; and the innovations in Indian Country that are spurring economic growth.
COVID UPDATE
Given covid, we will be conducting the seminar in two parts: a short online course in August, followed by a two-day seminar at Stanford once we're able to return to campus.
TOPICS & FACULTY
Traditional Indigenous Institutions
Old Indigenous Economies
Terry Anderson
Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Books include: Unlocking the Wealth of Indian Nations
What kinds of property rights institutions and governance structures existed before contact?
Traditional Law and Governance
Sheldon Spotted Elk, Northern Cheyenne
Director, Indian Child Welfare Unit, Casey Family Programs
How did people govern themselves and resolve conflict before contact? What was the Northern Cheyenne approach to law and governance?
Student Group Presentations
How did your ancestors govern themselves before European contact? What did people own? How were treaties formed? How were conflicts resolved?
Colonial Institutions
Tribal Law vs. Federal Indian Law
Joseph Austin, Navajo Nation
CEO of Olea, Solorzano & Austin and co-founder of the ACES School
What is the difference between tribal law and federal Indian law? What kinds of diverse legal systems exist across Indian Country?
Founding Principles and Federal Indian Law
Adam Crepelle, United Houma Nation
Professor, Southern University Law Center and co-founder of the ACES School
Is federal Indian law compatible with America’s founding principles? How does federal Indian law affect daily life on the reservation?
Economic Effects of Colonial Policies on Indigenous Communities
What kinds of rules and ownership structures promote economic development? Can we measure the costs of persistent colonial policies?
Panel Discussion featuring the Hoover Institution’s Campbell Visiting Fellows on Indigenous Capital, Growth & Property Rights:
llia Murtazashvili, University of Pittsburgh
Christian Dippel, UCLA
Donna Feir, Center for Indian Country Development, Federal Research Bank of Minneapolis
Bryan Leonard, Arizona State University
Nick Parker, University of Wisconsin — Madison
Student Group Presentations
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by people in your community? Who is addressing these challenges?
Renewing Indigenous Economies
Reservation Capitalism
Robert Miller, Eastern Shawnee
Professor at ASU College of Law & Chief Justice of Grand Ronde Tribe
Books include: Reservation Capitalism: Economic Development in Indian Country and Creating Private Sector Economies in Native America: Sustainable Development through Entrepreneurship
How are tribes re-asserting jurisdiction over their land and people? What kinds of legal reforms are promoting economic success?
Chief Joseph Freedom Index
Kyle Musser, Montana State University
Thomas Stratmann, George Mason University
What are the basic elements of renewed indigenous economies? How can tribal governments foster entrepreneurship and prosperity?
Student Group Presentations
How does your tribe score on the Chief Joseph Freedom Index?
Native American Values, Business Ethics & Leadership
Deanna Kennedy, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
University of Washington - Bothell
Books include: American Indian Business: Principles and Practice
How can tribes’ ethical values be applied to business ethics and leadership? How can Native leaders contribute to a new era of commerce?
Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Daniel Stewart, Spokane
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Gonzaga University
Books include: Creating Private Sector Economies in Native America: Sustainable Development through Entrepreneurship and American Indian Business: Principles and Practice
What are the unique challenges and strengths of Native entrepreneurs?
Dinner and Closing Ceremony
COST/TUITION
The Indigenous Student Seminar is FREE to all accepted applicants. Program fees, food and lodging will be covered for participants accepted into the program. For students accepted into the seminar, travel stipends will be available upon completion of the program.
COVID CONTINGENCY
We had hoped to gather approximately three dozen indigenous students from diverse communities for a seminar with a high ratio of faculty to students.
Given covid, we will be conducting the seminar in two parts: a short online course in August, followed by a two-day seminar at Stanford once we're able to return to campus.
Please encourage students to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates should submit an essay explaining how this program fits into their professional or educational goals (500 words maximum), a CV, a completed application form, and at least one letter of reference.
Please provide this link to your recommenders.
The seminar content is geared toward advanced undergrads, recent grads, and first year grad students and law students.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The application deadline is May 8, 2020 for all applicants.
The submission deadline for letters of reference is May 8, 2020.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 15, 2020.
ADVANCED READING
Chief Joseph’s 1879 Speech at Lincoln, Hall, Washington, D.C.
On a visit to Washington, D.C., 1879
"The Rise of Tribes and the Fall of Federal Indian Law," by Lance Morgan, Arizona State Law Journal
Apply by May 8, 2020: IndigenousEcon.org/Apply2020