Native American Asset Watch: Rethinking Asset Building in Indian Country

This report explores the asset stripping purpose and effects of federal Indian law and policies, discusses existing mainstream asset-building models and then proposes a model for asset-building in Indian Country. This model recognizes and incorporates tribal sovereignty as the overarching asset for tribal communities. The model provides a broad definition of assets that takes into account tribal culture and traditions. It addresses the need for tribes to create strong government and economic infrastructure. It takes into account the range of problems created by nearly two and half centuries of oppression.