Native American communities have experienced significant social and economic challenges throughout history. In recent years, businesses – both Native-owned and external – have been increasingly investing in these communities, hoping to foster economic growth, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.
This article will examine such businesses’ social and economic impact on Native American communities, highlighting both the positive and negative consequences and discussing potential ways to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.
Positive impacts of businesses on Native American communities
There can be no doubt that job creation and investment often have a positive impact on those involved, regardless of location or socioeconomic level. For Native communities, which often experience very low employment levels due to various factors, reliable jobs are needed: jobs which don’t clash with the already oppressed culture and heritage.
Job creation and economic growth
One of the most direct and immediate benefits businesses bring to Native American communities is job creation. Providing employment opportunities for those in Native communities will help to reduce employment rates and homelessness and increase household income, which will have a multiplier effect in the local communities. This will result in improved living standards, increased access to education and healthcare, and a stronger sense of self-reliance.
Preservation & promotion of culture & heritage
Many Native-owned businesses, such as cultural centers, museums, and art galleries, actively work to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures and traditions. By promoting Native art, history, and customs, these institutions will help educate visitors, raise awareness, and grow pride within the community. Visibility is a crucial factor here, and by showcasing thriving Native businesses, more will become aware of their struggles and the barriers they face in the wider world.
Development of infrastructure
Business investments in Native American communities often lead to improved infrastructure, such as better transportation, communications systems, and public utilities. These improvements attract more businesses to begin operations and improve the quality of life for nearby inhabitants, improving productivity. Access to modern infrastructure can contribute to increased educational opportunities, better healthcare services, and greater cohesion with those living beyond Native communities.
This improved infrastructure is essential if Native communities are to survive. With the world becoming increasingly digital, good internet connectivity is vital if these proud communities aren’t to be left behind. Being online means Native communities will have greater job opportunities, popular remote working examples include marketing roles, forex trading or streaming on platforms like Twitch, all of which only require an internet connection and a compatible device.
Negative impacts of businesses on Native American communities
For all of its merits, there are downsides to businesses setting up shop in Native areas, often done due to free-market capitalism, which shows no regard for traditions or culture. If there’s money to be made, it’ll be made, no matter the impact this can have.
Cultural disruption and exploitation
While some businesses contribute positively to preserving Native cultures, others may have detrimental effects. Commercializing cultural practices and sacred sites can lead to cultural appropriation, exploitation, and a loss of traditional values, which are very much at odds with Native traditions and culture. Moreover, external businesses will often prioritize profit over the preservation of sacred sites, which they have no connection to, and see as being less important than their pursuit of capital.
Environmental degradation
Many businesses operating in or near Native American communities rely on natural resources such as mining, logging, or agriculture. While essential for day-to-day Native life, these industries have been shown to negatively impact the living world, which is central to many native traditions and customs. The growth of these industries can undermine traditional lifestyles and threaten the long-term sustainability of Native American communities.
Loss of land & sovereignty
Business development often leads to external people increasing their hold on Native American lands, resulting in land dispossession and infringement on tribal sovereignty. This loss of land and autonomy can have lasting consequences on these communities’ cultural identity, social cohesion, and self-determination. Native people are already seeing their land taken away for public and private projects, which continues the trend of reservations shrinking with time – this isn’t sustainable.
Maximizing benefits & minimizing drawbacks
There is a fine line between encouraging business growth and putting rules in place to prevent exploitation; such is the world we live in. That being said, here are a few suggestions that could do just that.
Promoting Native-owned businesses
Supporting the growth and development of Native-owned businesses can help ensure that the economic benefits generated remain within the community. They are more likely to prioritize local interests and look to work with fellow members of their community, contributing positively to both economic and social well-being.
Fostering sustainable development
Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices can minimize the negative environmental impacts while promoting long-term economic growth. By investing in sustainable industries, looking to offset the damage caused, and holding those responsible for incidents accountable, we can help improve Native communities and ensure that they have a future in this fast-changing world.
Establishing strong governance & regulatory frameworks
Clear and robust governance and regulatory frameworks can play a crucial role in reducing the potential negative impacts of businesses on Native American communities. By ensuring that businesses operate responsibly and adhere to cultural and environmental standards, we can protect Native communities from actions which may appear positive at first glance but are motivated primarily by the desire to gain capital, no matter the damage.
Conclusion
Businesses can have both positive and negative impacts on Native American communities. While they can foster economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to cultural preservation, they can also lead to cultural disruption, environmental degradation, and loss of land and sovereignty.