Native American Approaches to Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Few groups face more significant, complex, and difficult economic and social problems than those confronted by American Indians. Economic impoverishment, unemployment, exploitation of natural resources, a failing educational system, insufficient housing, inadequate healthcare, and loss of cultural identity all threaten the wellbeing of native communities. Social entrepreneurship has proven an effective avenue for the pursuit of tribal economic development, sustained economic independence, and sovereignty of Native American people. Native American social entrepreneurs have specific and unique characteristics which impact business decision making, strategy, and enterprise growth. American Indian entrepreneurs can leverage knowledge of their distinct history, institutions, indigenous culture, and local economic resources in order to add value to their social entrepreneurial ventures.