Indigenous Policy Journal
| Bradford D. Wazaney |
| Dept. of Anthropology, Washington State University |
| July, 2006 |
Abstract |
| This dissertation examines the progression of Jicarilla management from traditional tribal leadership to the current corporate-style management system. Understanding the need to remain flexible, the Jicarillas elected to adopt a corporate charter in 1937, assuming the name Jicarilla Apache Tribe. Today, the Jicarilla Apache Nation's corporation is an example of a successfully managed reservation that pays shares to their "stockholders" in the form of dividend checks. The success that the Jicarilla Apache Nation has as a corporation, and the manner in which they operate, can be seen in direct contrast to the operational practices of large, multi-national corporations. The Jicarilla Apache Nation's management system is examined along side current and older economic theories, particularly the "single tax" theory proposed by nineteenth century philosopher Henry George. The Jicarillas' system and George's single tax alternative taxation method have similar outcomes: the redistribution of public resources for the betterment of the community. Georgist economic philosophy has been successfully implemented in three Delaware communities, with the eldest township, Arden, having recently celebrated its 105 th anniversary. The ultimate goal of the project, then, is to demonstrate how a small-scale, directly represented governmental system better serves its constituents and improves the overall quality of life for its residents. |