The views and opinions expressed in this "Student Voices" article are solely those of the author and are not endorsed by the Center for Public Leadership.
By Alice Soewito
On April 10, the Center for Public Leadership hosted an engaging roundtable on Indigenous Economic Development in a Changing Political Landscape, featuring Seth Damon, Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, and Eric Henson, Director of the Ittapila Program for Nation Building Education and Outreach at Harvard University. Moderated by MPP candidate Velika Yasay, the discussion offered a deeply insightful look into the evolving practice of tribal sovereignty in the United States.
The room was filled with curious and thoughtful students who came ready to learn and ask questions. Much of the conversation focused on how sovereignty is not a static designation but a dynamic and ongoing responsibility. Tribes must regularly engage in education and advocacy—internally, to build governance capacity, and externally, to reaffirm nation-to-nation relationships with federal and state actors. One major theme that emerged was how Native nations must be adept at working across the political spectrum to protect and advance their communities. Tribal leaders have found ways to navigate shifting federal priorities by focusing on long-term goals of self-determination and economic opportunity. For instance, the speakers noted how tribal communities made use of economic development provisions across multiple presidential administrations.
We were also reminded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach: each tribe in the U.S. has its own history, institutions, and challenges. What made this event especially impactful was how well the conversation balanced internal and external perspectives. Seth Damon brought insight from his leadership within tribal government, while Eric Henson offered a broader policy and research lens from his work at the national level. Together, their dialogue created a rich, multidimensional view of the economic and political realities facing Indigenous communities today—covering everything from internal tribal governance to federal engagement.
For many attendees, including myself, it was a genuinely eye-opening experience. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of tribal nations across the country—from the Navajo Nation to smaller, lesser-known tribes—and a better understanding of the systems they must navigate to exercise sovereignty. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from leaders so deeply rooted in their communities and so committed to ensuring Indigenous voices shape the future of policy and development in this country.