Critical Indigeneities
J. Khaulani Kauanui and Jean M. OBrien, series editors
SERIES ADVISORY BOARD
Chris Anderson, University of Alberta
Irene Watson, University of South Australia
Emilio del Valle Escalante, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kim TallBear, University of Texas at Austin
Critical Indigeneities publishes pathbreaking scholarly books that center Indigeneity as a category of critical analysis, understand Indigenous sovereignty as ongoing and historically grounded, and attend to diverse forms of Indigenous cultural and political agency and expression. The series builds on the conceptual rigor, methodological innovation, and deep relevance that characterize the best work in the growing field of critical Indigenous studies.
This book was published with the assistance of the Fred W. Morrison Fund of the University of North Carolina Press.
2019 The University of North Carolina Press
All rights reserved
Set in Charis by Westchester Publishing Services
Manufactured in the United States of America
The University of North Carolina Press has been a member of the Green Press Initiative since 2003.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Lewis, Courtney, author.
Title: Sovereign entrepreneurs : Cherokee small-business owners and the making of economic sovereignty / Courtney Lewis.
Other titles: Critical indigeneities.
Description: Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, [2019] | Series: Critical indigeneities | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018024858 | ISBN 9781469648583 (cloth : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781469648590 (pbk : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781469648606 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH : Eastern Band of Cherokee IndiansEconomic conditions. | Cherokee business enterprisesNorth CarolinaCherokee Indian Reservation. | Small businessNorth CarolinaCherokee Indian Reservation. | EntrepreneurshipNorth CarolinaCherokee Indian Reservation. | SovereigntyEconomic aspects.
Classification: LCC E 99. C 5 L 397 2019 | DDC 975.004/97557dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018024858
Cover illustration: Wampum belt by Joseph Erb; background by Eky Chan, Adobe Stock.
Acknowledgments
This research would not have been transformed into a completed book without the considerable support of mentors, colleagues, friends, family, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community.
My goal to work withand forNative Nations was honed at the University of Michigan, where I first considered focusing specifically on Native Nation economic development. This focus was galvanized in a course taught by Frank Thompson on Marxist economics that opened my eyes to alternative ways of economic being, in both theory and practice. I am also grateful to the UM Native American Student Association, where I had the rare luxury of being surrounded and supported by many other American Indian students, whether in studies, socials, or protest.
During my graduate work at the University of North Carolina, I found a true home for my research interests. The challenges, questions, and abundance of encouragement from Meg Kassabaum, Rachana Rao Umsahankar, Georgina Drew, Malena Rousseau, Joe Wiltberger, Duane Esarey, Krystal DCosta, and Jillian Johnsonwhich continues todaymade PhD work exciting, even at eight in the morning. I am in awe of the outstanding scholarship and generosity of spirit of those who shared my passion for American Indian studies at UNC, beginning with Jean Dennison, Julie Reed, Rose Stremlau, and Dana Powell, whose support has never wavered.
I am indebted to those whose conversations, critiques, and personal works continually inspire me, and I thank all those who took time from their own work to help improve mine. Jessica Cattelinos seminal research is foundational to my own and her extensive feedback was indispensable to this books development. Margaret Benders guidance on the direction of this book was crucial. Among those whose support has also guided me are Malinda Maynor Lowery, Ben Frey, Jenny Tone-Pah-Hote, Keith Richotte, Karla Martin, Mikaela Adams, Sandra Hoeflich, Megan Goodwin, Elizabeth Hoover, Clint Carroll, Honor Keeler, Geoffrey Goodwin, Anitra Grisales, Em, Margot Weiss, Sarah Croucher, Patricia Hill, Bo Taylor, Lisa Lefler, Marcie Ferris, Bill Ferris, Kay McGowan, and Faye Givens. Many thanks, (Wado), also to Tom Belt and Brett Riggs for their countless conversations and enduring faith in me.
Without question, my mentor and friend Valerie Lambert has had the most influence on my work. The amount of time she spent reading and rereading drafts of papers, applications, and this manuscript seems immeasurable. Her wisdom guided methen and nowthrough the shifting maze of academia while bringing out the best in my work. I was also extremely fortunate to have Michael Lambert as a mentor. He never failed to provide a new, innovative perspective that always deepened my research.
Jim Peacock grounded me in the foundations of anthropology while also helping me to set my sights on its future, including what it can, and should, be. Rudi Colloredo-Mansfelds gracious support, many hours of work, and invaluable comments continue to influence all my work. Theda Perdues frank, essential, and much-appreciated critique of my writing helped forge me as a scholar and an academic. I deeply cherish the serious discussions as well as the social times shared in her and Michael Greens home.
I am also grateful for my colleagues at the University of South Carolina in the Anthropology Department, Institute for Southern Studies, and Lancaster Native American Studies Program. I was welcomed into the rarest of worlds where collegiality, support, and friendship meet stimulating discussions, critique, and collaboration. Because of them, I look forward to faculty meetings. Further appreciation goes to those whose time and conversations helped with this work: Jennifer Reynolds, Sherina Feliciano-Santos, Sharon Dewitte, Marco Moskowitz, Kim Simmons, David Simmons, Drucilla Barker, Mindi Spencer, Bob Brinkmeyer, Brett Burgin, Stephen Chriswell, and Brooke Bauer. My thanks to each of you.
The research and writing of this book was supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, the Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at Wesleyan University (Center for the Americas), the Royster Society of Fellows Sequoyah Dissertation Fellowship program, the Cherokee Nation Education Corporations Nell D. Brown Memorial Award and Mission Award, David McNelis Scholars of Tomorrow, a Lynn Reyer Award for Tribal Community Development, an Archie Green Occupational Folklife Graduate Fellowship, a Special Graduate School Doctoral Merit Assistantship, a North Carolina Native American Incentive Grant, and a University of South Carolina ASPIRE grant. I appreciate beyond measure the support I have received from these programs.
