The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, with an unwavering mission of defending tribal sovereignty.
In an exclusive interview with the National Congress of American Indians executive director, Larry Wright, Jr., National Indigenous Times explored the nuanced aspects of the economic development, diversification, resiliency, and sovereignty of Native American Tribes, as well as the lessons that can be gleaned for Indigenous Australia.
"When this (NCAI) was started, termination policy was the policy of the federal government looking to terminate and assimilate tribes and tribal people. And so for 79 years, that's been the mainstay and the mission of the National Congress to protect that tribal sovereignty on all fronts," Mr Wright said.
The NCAI will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year as a body that has been a mainstay in not just representing Native American Tribes, but being a representative advocacy body directly to the Congress and President of the United States.
Over its history, the NCAI has played a fundamental role in advancing the interests of Native American Tribes since its founding in 1944 and has contributed to the enactment of important legislation like the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
In addition to policy advocacy, legal support, cultural preservation and many other key issues, the NCAI has initiated programs and conferences aimed at economic diversification and self-sufficiency for the 574 Tribal nations.
Mr Wright emphasised the sophistication of tribes in leveraging resources and technology in a shift to diversification beyond casino gambling, a move that has played a vital role in Tribal economic resiliency.
"Those tribes that have been able to diversify their economies have shown remarkable resilience," he said.
"Beyond gaming, tribes are actively investing in retail, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and healthcare. This diversification not only builds a stronger economic foundation but allows tribes to weather economic downturns."
Mr Wright highlighted the role of technology, especially in remote reservations, stating, "Those tribes that have been able to get on with technology, even in the remoteness of the reservations, that's made a difference.
"But that's also a hindrance for many Tribes today, who don't have access to broadband."
Historically, a key part of the many Tribal Nation economies has been casino revenue, with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enacted in 1988 becoming the single biggest economic driver that led to a $36 billion industry.
However that has led more to a concentration of wealth rather than widespread economic success.
"Many tribal governments have gaming incomes. But those have been concentrated in relatively small number of tribes. And that growth that comes from casino revenue is those tribes that are near metropolitan populations," Mr Wright said.
"But on average American Indians residing in Indian Country, remain the poorest group in America."
Mr Wright points to the ever-increasing sophistication of Tribes holds the key to moving beyond gaming revenue and paving the way for broader economic success across the Native American community.
".. as they become more sophisticated, and develop out their resources, and leverage their resources, and diversify their economies, not just from casino gambling, but looking at other other ventures and in other business opportunities, they've really been able to take advantage...," he said.
Mr Wright offers valuable insight into the economic development, resource management, diversification, and resiliency of Native American Tribes at a time when there is an increasing desire for economic sovereignty amongst the Australian Indigenous community.
The lessons learned from the U.S. context present intriguing parallels and contrasts to the Australian experience, underscoring the importance of honouring tribal sovereignty, embracing technology, and creatively diversifying economic opportunities.
