Investing in the Local Economy

After a long weekend of traveling and interesting first day of getting to know the students and the landscape of Montana, we finally got to hear from our first speaker. Harry Barnes, a successful local business owner, chairman of the DLSBS school board, and respected Blackfeet elder, gave us some expert insight on the history of the Blackfeet tribe, how tribal government works and how tribal spending effects the economics of the reservation.

Harry Barnes addresses our immersion group

The history of the Native Americans is one that is rich in culture and spirituality, but, at the same time, is also filled with tragedy and despair. The Indian Wars on the Great Plains with battles such as The Battle of Little Big Horn eventually lead to the Native Americans signing treaties and losing their land to the "white man." By being placed on reservations, the time honored tradition of self-sufficiency was disrupted. Ever since, Native Americans have faced many financial and social problems. Although complying with applicable state and federal law, the Blackfeet reservation has its own tribal laws and government that the people on the reservation must follow. The tribal government is headed up by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, which pretty much have final say in all Blackfeet reservation affairs.

Governments, at the local, state or federal level, have enormous power when it comes to purchasing. Instead of investing in local, Native-owned businesses like his that could create local jobs, the tribal government purchases goods such as office supplies and janitorial supplies from vendors not located on the reservation. Another idea Harry proffered was to open up a local oil change business which would be the exclusive vendor for the tribal government's fleet of 600 vehicles. By investing in these locally owned businesses, local jobs could be created and wages earned would be spent locally as well. More importantly, employment promotes a sense of self-worth that poverty diminishes. These examples of purchasing decisions have the potential to reinvigorate the local economy and community if the tribal council chooses to set the example.

Sam Heaps '15

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