Are politics and economic growth compatible on Navajo Nation?

TWIN ARROWS, Ariz. - The 2016 Navajo Nation Economic Summit took place at Twin Arrows Casino Resort April 12 focusing on building tribal communities while maintaining tribal identities and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Lance Morgan, president and CEO of the HO Chunk, Inc., Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska was the summit's key note speaker. He talked about the importance of separating business and politics within tribal communities. He said to do this, the Winnebago Tribe used boards while defining clear roles and responsibilities between the tribal council, governing boards and corporations.

"A politician's view is different than that of a businessman," Morgan said. "If you're going to be serious about economic development then you need to get the political process out of the business making process."

Crystal Deschinny, director of the Division of Economic Development for the Nation, said the insight Morgan presented provided encouragement for the Nation to follow in similar footsteps.

"The Winnebago Tribe is completely different, but if we can take away some things to help us grow our economy then I think that's what makes this conference worthwhile," she said.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said the Nation needs to consider creating business opportunity zones where entrepreneurs can start businesses while receiving tax breaks or other beneficial assistance to foster economic development on the Nation. He also stressed the need to build infrastructure to support economic development.

"We need infrastructure," he said. "We need electricity and we need waterlines. To start a business, you need adequate water and power. Our current system isn't enough to hold up a strong economy. We need to build it up."

Dr. Manley Begay, a professor at Northern Arizona University in Applied Indigenous Studies, talked about developing tribal economies by reforming tribal governments to embrace cultural teachings. He also touched on separating politics from business.

"Politics cannot get involved in business operations," Begay said. "We need to change our government to be more Navajo, in essence. Our goal shouldn't be to make more money, but to protect language, culture and our land, Diné bí' Keyah. It should be about maintaining who we are as a people."

Begay said the summit provided energy in thinking around the challenges that all tribes face in developing successful economies.

"Once you get the energy going, you begin to develop creative solutions to challenges," he said. "This summit is providing the opportunity for this energy to be funneled toward creative solutions."

Vice President Jonathan Nez said the Navajo Nation needs to establish a balance between culture and economy.

"We need to find ways to diversify the Navajo economy," he said. "We need to diversify local economies while keeping culture in mind. How do we balance this? Sometimes we have to remember the teachings of our grandparents to take care of the land while also maintaining spiritual wellness."

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