The Hoover Institution is organizing a workshop in November 2023 that is focused on tribal governance. Scholars from both the United States and Canada are attending the workshop, titled "The Economics and Politics of Tribal Governance, Past and Present." The workshop is being directed by two fellows and includes the discussion of six research papers.
During one session, historian Anne Hyde will discuss her book. Scholars from a variety of disciplines, including law, political science, history, and economics, are participating in the workshop. Additionally, new scholars to the project will present their research on topics such as trade practices, assimilation policies, and contemporary governance issues.
The aim of the workshop is to explore the complex relationship between tribes and external powers throughout history. By bringing together scholars from different backgrounds, the workshop seeks to promote a comprehensive understanding of tribal governance. Through the examination of research papers and discussions, participants hope to shed light on the economic and political aspects of tribal governance in both the past and present.In the concluding session of the workshop, Paasha Mahdavi, an associate professor of political science at the University of California-Santa Barbara, delivered a paper titled "Indigenous Governance and Political Participation." Coauthored by Parker and Christopher Alcantara of Western University, the paper delves into the connection between politics, democratic representation, and tribal economies in present times. Through the presentation of research and evidence, the workshop illuminated the operational methods of early tribal economies, underscoring the vital role played by institutions that fostered entrepreneurship, economic cooperation, and responsible asset management. Additionally, the contemporaneous analyses emphasized the profound impact of economic, legal, and political institutions on the growth and prosperity of modern economies.
