Economic Identities

Abstract

Sorting out the diversity of small businesses and small- business practices begins with two seemingly simple but central questions: Who owns these businesses, and what markets do they serve? To delve into these questions, this chapter begins by examining the contextual distinctiveness of American Indians’ economic identities and their related experiences, especially in the context of capitalism. Addressing these constructions helps refine our theoretical understandings of what has been termed Indigenous entrepreneurship by following how the external shaping of Indigenous economic identity has hindered its representation as well as its expression. Family business ownership is highlighted here, followed by an examination of issues for tourism businesses, including buffering for privacy as well as complications of the “Buy Local” movement for tourism-based businesses.