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Transition of Leadership in Indigenous Governance at Harvard

After an impressive nearly four-decade journey, the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development has entered a new chapter with the passing of leadership from Joseph P. Kalt to economist Randall Akee this summer. This marked a significant generational transition in how academic institutions approach the study and support of Native nation-building.

Founding of the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance

Kalt co-founded what was initially recognized as the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development in 1987, alongside sociologist Stephen Cornell. This initiative launched during a pivotal moment when tribes were beginning to reclaim their self-determination rights, thanks in part to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Their inaugural graduate research assistant was Manley A. Begay, Jr., a Navajo doctoral student who would later rise to become co-director of the project in 1997. This endeavor initially comprised three academics driving rental cars across Indian Country, evolving over nearly 40 years into a respected effort that illuminated a critical understanding: sovereignty is essential, but it must be supported by effective governance mechanisms.

Transition of Leadership to Randall Akee

Randall Akee, a Native Hawaiian economist who received his PhD from Harvard’s Kennedy School in 2006, returns to Cambridge in the role of faculty director of the Harvard Project and as the Julie Johnson Kidd Professor of Indigenous Governance and Development. Akee is not only a prominent scholar but also the founder of the Association for Economics Researchers in Indigenous Peoples (AERIP). According to Kalt, Akee exemplifies leadership in studying both economic and social conditions, including education, health, and governance in Indigenous communities.

Honoring Kalt’s Contributions

Next week, Kalt will be celebrated for his remarkable contributions at the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) 82nd annual convention in Seattle, taking place on November 19-20. The event includes the Honoring Nations program, which acknowledges excellence in tribal governance by announcing its 2025 award winners.

Insights from Kalt and Akee

During an engaging discussion in late August, Kalt and Akee shared valuable insights with Tribal Business News regarding the core findings of the Harvard Project on tribal sovereignty and governance, as well as the persistent challenges policymakers encounter while trying to grasp the complexities of Indian Country. They also expressed their visions for the future of Native governance over the next 25 years.

Early Insights into Tribal Governance

Kalt’s Reflections on Early Research

In reflecting upon the early days of the Harvard Project, Kalt commented on how the focus initially revolved around tribes that were gaining prominence for their innovative ventures—tribes like the Mississippi Choctaw and the White Mountain Apache. While he acknowledged the pervasive poverty in various communities, he emphasized that the project aimed to explore those tribes breaking the cycle of hardship.

As an economist, Kalt was initially trained to consider resources and education as the primary determinants of economic development. However, the project’s immersive approach revealed surprising outcomes: many resource-rich tribes suffered from high unemployment, while economically emergent communities without abundant natural resources thrived by galvanizing local governance. This key realization underscored that effective governance is crucial for prosperity, transforming the project’s focus from merely economic metrics to the importance of governance.

Akee’s Academic Journey and Vision

Akee’s Perspective on Academic Engagement

Akee shared his own journey of discovering the Harvard Project while pursuing a master’s degree at Yale, fueled by his zeal to apply economic development strategies within Indigenous communities. His experience working at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs made clear the imperative to garner authority through research, which led him to seek a PhD at Harvard. The Harvard Project appeared as a pivotal avenue to influence local economies positively.

Key Findings from the Harvard Project

Significant Discoveries in Governance

Kalt identified two critical findings of the Harvard Project: a substantive realization about the role of effective institutions in governance, and a more process-oriented insight about academic engagement. The former highlights that governance sets the framework for economic activities, advocating for a robust rule of Indigenous law. The latter emphasizes the necessity for researchers to produce work that is useful and actionable for tribes, focusing on bridging the gap between academia and Indigenous communities.

Challenges for Policymakers

Misunderstanding of Indian Country Dynamics

Kalt and Akee emphasized that many policymakers lack a thorough understanding of tribal governance and economies. Kalt stated that some tribal governments remain dependent on the federal government, which complicates the perception of their governance roles. This context creates challenges for effective governance, as new council members may view their responsibilities primarily through the lens of securing federal grants rather than focusing on local governance.

Increase in Accessible Research

Akee also pointed to the slow but growing trend among federal agencies to regard tribal nations with the seriousness they deserve. The emergence of research on tribal governance is bolstered by increased data access, fostering better policy and decision-making based on empirical evidence.

Celebrating Success in Native Governance

Emphasis on Positive Narratives

The Harvard Project and the Honoring Nations program demonstrate a commitment to showcasing success stories within Indian Country. Akee noted the need to shift the narrative away from pervasive negativity towards celebrating instances of success and innovation in tribal governance. Identifying replicable policies can inspire other communities facing similar challenges.

Kalt and Akee’s Perspectives on Leadership

The Right Leader at the Helm

Kalt acknowledged Akee’s leadership at this critical juncture. Akee, lauded as a leading scholar in the field, initially faced skepticism within academia for focusing on tribal economies described as too small and idiosyncratic. His commitment to meaningful research has allowed him to establish a path that not only benefits Indigenous communities but also inspires future scholars.

Carrying Forward Kalt’s Legacy

Akee emphasized that one of the core aspects of Kalt’s legacy is the dedication to engaging with tribal leaders and communities—an approach he aims to replicate. This participatory model strengthens research quality by integrating the perspectives and needs of the communities involved.

Future Directions for Native Governance

Evolution in Tribal Government Capacities

In discussing future possibilities, Kalt expressed optimism about the growing sophistication of tribal governance systems and their ability to operate independently, rooted in cultural values. Tribal leaders today face different challenges than their predecessors, navigating a more complex landscape.

Addressing Disparities Across Tribal Nations

Kalt highlighted an ongoing issue with disparities between financially progressive tribes and those still struggling. This socioeconomic divide not only complicates the portrayal of Indian Country to policymakers but also exacerbates tensions among tribes.

Environmental and Climate Change Initiatives

Akee outlined emerging areas where tribal nations are taking proactive stances, particularly regarding climate change and natural resource sustainability. Leveraging Indigenous knowledge and expertise offers unique insights and models for addressing global challenges, transforming tribal nations into leaders in these urgent discussions.

Advice for Emerging Tribal Leaders

Embracing Sovereignty in Practice

Kalt advocated for a deep commitment to the concept of sovereignty—emphasizing not just theoretical understanding but practical application in building governance capacity. He reiterated that tribal nations need to internalize the essence of being a self-governing entity.

Relying on Existing Knowledge Resources

Akee encouraged leaders embarking on their governance or economic development journey to seek wisdom and learn from established models rather than starting from scratch. Engaging with the Harvard Project and utilizing available research can help facilitate this process.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In this context, tools like AI legalese decoder can be immensely valuable for tribal leaders and governments seeking to navigate complex legal frameworks. By simplifying dense legal jargon, the AI can make essential documents and regulations more accessible, fostering clearer communication and understanding. This accessibility empowers tribal leaders to make informed decisions, enhancing their governance capabilities.

By embracing both traditional wisdom and the insights available through contemporary research, emerging tribal leaders can find pathways to effectively build their communities, ensuring that sovereignty and self-determination are not just concepts but lived realities.

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