Economic and Human Development on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation of Nevada -- Progress Report on a Pilot Project

A long-range economics and human development program, launched in 1967 by the Fort McDermitt Tribal Council, outlined various projects for improving economic and living conditions on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, including the attraction of small industry. The purpose of this report was to make an informal assessment of development progress on the reservation as a result of the program, giving particular attention to assessment of the first new small industrial project that had been attracted to the reservation. A description of the reservation was presented in terms of geography, education, housing, health care, employment, population, and community development. The progress and potential for development of the reservation was described, and information on the new industry was presented. Major findings were that the reservation Indians can and are willing to become industrial workers, that the success of the industry project was owing to the fact that it was a "self-reservation" project, that local resource cooperation was essential, that manager-employee relations were important, that the autonomous development corporation idea is better than working through the tribal council, that a democratic group process does not work well with the McDermitt Indians, and that it takes time and patience to start a new industry. Further plans, hopes, and suggestions were also presented.