A new study commissioned by Michigan’s nine federally recognized tribes indicates in 2019, 38 tribally owned non-gaming businesses generated an economic impact of $288,756,091 and created 1,847 jobs with an average wage of $45,664.
The tribes recently presented the results to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Co-author Eric S. Trevan, Ph.D., a faculty member at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, said, “The purpose of the study was to quantify and provide empirical data used to consider the benefits of non-gaming tribal business entities in Michigan. Specifically, this study analyzes jobs, business development and retention, expansion and development investments. Ultimately, we’re considering how and in what way tribal business entities impact overall economic development throughout the state.”
The study represents the first collaboration of its kind among the Michigan tribes. Study Coordinator Deidra Mitchell, president and CEO at Waséyabek Development Company, the non-gaming arm of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, said, “This project highlights what tribes, operating as minority owned business investors, can do when they work together. While the overall impact is significant, it’s still small compared to the overall state GDP and well below the population rate of Native Americans in Michigan. We see this as a baseline from which to further grow non-gaming tribal business activity and impact.”
Mitchell added, “A tribe’s business approach often focuses on much more than revenue generation. Many times, it also encompasses environmental stewardship, career development opportunities and community sustainment, all aimed at fulfilling the tribes’ socio-cultural mission on behalf of their citizens and their communities.”
The 38 businesses that were subjects of the study all are minority owned and operated and produce economic activity in utilities, construction, manufacturing, retail trade, finance and insurance, real estate and rental and leasing, professional, scientific and technical services, company management, administrative, support, waste management and remediation services, arts, entertainment and recreation and accommodation and food service.
