This chapter uses economic theory and tribal-centered writings to explore ways that the Navajo Nation might improve its governance practices. A section on the dominant form of economic theory off the reservation, neo-classical economics, provides a grounding on approaches that have been dictated to tribes by outside experts. The subsequent section on tribal economic development theory, which draws upon work by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development as well as work by leading Native scholars, highlights the importance of cultural match and good governance when it comes to reservation development.

Chapter 5 uses the pan-Indian 2016 anti-pipeline protests at Standing Rock as a launching off point for discussing the complicated relationship between Indians and the environment. It shows why stereotypes about Indians as environmental stewards are misleading while also affirming the special connection that Indians often have to their land. As the chapter shows, tribal sovereignty provides a way of dealing with both tribal environmental justice concerns and tribal decisions to pursue development that harms the environment. Included in the chapter are discussions of everything from coal-fired power plants to large solar energy facilities.