How did indigenous peoples organize themselves before European contact?
How have persistent colonial policies affected indigenous communities?
How are tribal leaders rebuilding their nations and renewing indigenous economies?

The Hoover Institution student seminar on Renewing Indigenous Economies will help Indigenous college students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal Indian policy and self-determination. During the week, students will learn about the evolution of property rights and trade networks before European contact; the philosophical underpinnings of indigenous notions of individualism and governance; the effects of persistent colonial policies on indigenous people and communities; and the innovations in Indian Country that are spurring economic growth.

Seminar Faculty
Terry Anderson, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Books include: Unlocking the Wealth of Indian Nations

Robert Miller, Eastern Shawnee, Professor at ASU College of Law & Chief Justice of Grand Ronde Tribe
Books include: Reservation Capitalism: Economic Development in Indian Country and Creating Private Sector Economies in Native America: Sustainable Development through Entrepreneurship

Deanna Kennedy, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, University of Washington - Bothell
Books include: American Indian Business: Principles and Practice

Daniel Stewart, Spokane, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Gonzaga University
Books include: Creating Private Sector Economies in Native America: Sustainable Development through Entrepreneurship and American Indian Business: Principles and Practice


Due to COVID-19, the seminar will be conducted the seminar in three parts: a short online course in August, followed by a series of webinars until students are able to gather on campus for a two-day seminar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

For questions about the Indigenous Student Seminar, please email Wendy Purnell: wendy@indigenousecon.org[1]

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
National Treasure by Michael Auslin
National Treasure: How The Declaration Of Independence Made America
The Hoover's History Lab and Center for Revitalizing American Institutions invites you to National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made… Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Red Dawn Over China
Red Dawn Over China: How Communism Conquered A Quarter Of Humanity
The Hoover Institution invites you to Red Dawn Over China: How Communism Conquered a Quarter of Humanity, a book talk with the author, Frank Dikötter… Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Wyoming
Powering The American West: Affordability, Technology, And Policy In The Western Energy Landscape
This year’s State of the West symposium will consider the state of energy in the West, from ensuring affordable energy in the age of AI, to… Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building
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