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As Earth Day approaches, sidestep the greenwashing frenzy for a moment and consider a deeper approach to Indigenous economics. This perspective broadens our understanding of capitalism and climate change, moving beyond the narrow view that reduces Indigenous communities to mere earth stewards. These communities have long mastered complex economic systems, including ancient trade routes, sophisticated land management, robust fishing rights, and resilient governance.

From Hawai’i's concept of Mana to the Blackfoot tribe's Breath of Life, the core of Indigenous economics revolves around relationship, reciprocity, and reflexivity.

So, what does this mean for your business today?

• Relationality teaches us that businesses are part of a larger ecosystem that flourishes on mutual dependence. It’s about crafting enterprises that thrive through partnerships and communal engagement, where success for one fosters potential for others.

• Reciprocity turns our linear consumption into a cyclical exchange of giving and receiving. Imagine business models where products initiate new cycles, empowering local supply chains and transforming waste into resources.

• Reflexivity requires ongoing dialogue with your creations, ensuring agility and adaptability in your business to meet shifting needs and conserve resources.

To help integrate these principles into your business model, I’ve created a quick reflection deck. Dive into these alternative economies of care with a few questions to get you going, which are available here.

Want to dive even deeper? Read this paper - Island and Indigenous systems of circularity: how Hawaiʻi can inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals.

LINKS

I was honored to serve as a judge in the 2GI Alumni Pitch Competition sponsored by the National Disability Institute, which featured a wide range of disabled founders building businesses to solve issues at the intersection of accessibility and innovation. ✨

From 3D-printed prosthetics to video-based job marketplaces, meet the founders.