Hobbies to Sources of Income:
Small Businesses
Alisa Mae Martinez
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Alisa Mae Martinez
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Fig. 1 Martinez, Alisa. “Me”, 3 Oct. 2025.
Fig. 2 Santo Domingo Pueblo. “Home – Santo Domingo Pueblo.” Santo Domingo Pueblo, 6 Aug. 2025, santodomingopueblo.com.
I grew up traveling the U.S. with my dad, who sang at powwows while my sister and I sold his handmade jewelry. This ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. At powwows, I also learned about beadwork, which I initially took up as a hobby to create earrings for my family. My work gained recognition, leading to sales at Christmas shows in Santa Fe and various art and craft fairs in New Mexico.
As a small business owner from a Native community with a rich tradition of jewelry selling, I aim to expand opportunities for Native artists. However, modern challenges make it hard for artists to sell their work and gain recognition. I'm determined to open more doors for them on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Santo Domingo Pueblo. Our History. Santo Domingo Pueblo, SantoDomingoPueblo, https://santodomingotribe.org/our-history/.
By B. Toastie
This article explores how landscapes often have a story or connection to their names. The author highlights Indigenous views towards the subject. Indigenous people have different approaches to some landscapes. They view landscapes with more respect and honor. Many stories are shared about the landscapes and their connection and meaning to communities.
Toastie, B. How Place Names Impact the Way We See Landscape. High Country News, 1 May 2022.
By Joe Suina
And then I went to school, ¨ by Joe Suina is a short story about his childhood and how he struggles with identity as a young native boy. He grew up surrounded by his Native Community. As he gets older, he begins to attend school, which changes the way he views himself and his surroundings. The school system is challenging his values, opinions, and views. He returns to his home community for a break and reconnects with his native identity, and has some realizations about his Native identity.
Suina, Joe. (1985) And then I went to School; Memories of a Pueblo Childhood. New Mexico Journal of Reading, 5 (2).
Martinez, Alisa. “Santa Fe Indian School”, 27 Sept. 2023.
Martinez, Alisa. “Bandelier”, 12 Oct. 2023.
By Jeanette Armstrong
¨Sharing One Skin¨ by Jeanette Armstrong is an article about the differences in Okanagan culture and modern societies. She talks about the four main capacities that operate together. Those are the physical, emotional, thinking, intellectual, and spiritual selves. Within this article, she goes into detail about each self and how the Okanagan Community views each.
Armstrong, Jeannette, 1996 ¨sharing one skin: The Okanagan Community.¨ pg. 460-470 in Jerry Manders and Edward Goldsmith (eds.)
Deborah Welch - Economic Issues and Development
Contemporary Indian Business Development by Deborah Welch mentions many historical events in which Native American Businesses and economic standing are connected to the U.S. Government. One event that stood out to me was the Sheep Reduction Program in 1936. Federal Agents had slaughtered the Navajo Nation's Livestock. The Navajo people had been left with trauma and lost the majority of their livestock. The U.S. government's actions have a heavy impact on Native Americans. Businesses and jobs have been created, but some have also been terminated throughout history.
My connection to this article is strong, as it mentions Native owned small businesses in rural areas. The article states that small businesses tend to thrive less in rural areas. The article mentions different traditions that Native Americans have incorporated into their small businesses. The dedication of Native Americans to the economic development of their communities has been strengthening as more become educated.
Welch, Deborah. “Contemporary Indian Business Development.” Economic Issues and Development, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=190562.
Deborah Welch - Political Reviews
Native American tribes are recognized as sovereign nations, but their rights are constantly challenged by states seeking control over tribal land. resources, and economic success. From early treaties and forced removals to modern disputes over taxes and casinos, the struggle reflects a centuries-long pattern of exploitation. Native tribes persist in asserting self-governance, rebuilding economies through business and gaming, and contributing to the broader society. Native people embody resilience and continue fighting for true sovereignty.
Tribal sovereignty is an important topic to me because I didn't grow up on the reservation, but I did grow up learning the cultural and significant traditions. Having access to an education and having the opportunity to get a higher education, while others do not. This motivates me to take what I learn and bring it back to my community. Being able to learn, teach, and give back is what I was raised to do.
Welch, Deborah. “Sovereignty Versus the States.” Political Issues, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=190550.
Elena Korneeva
This article is about the sustainability of small businesses. The article discusses the different types of sustainability and why they are significant to small businesses. One quote that stood out to me was "True sustainability integrates economic, social, and environmental factors for long-term global prosperity." This is significant because it shows that sustainability can benefit not just one, but many if done correctly. Sustainability development requires balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
My connection to this article is the desire to be able to find more environmentally friendly aspects of small businesses becoming eco-friendly. Finding and using more sustainable development would benefit not just my community but many others. CSR also connects to my community's values. Those being environment, social justice, ethnicity, and governance. Younger generations demand social and environmental responsibility from businesses.
Korneeva, Elena, et al. “Small Business and Its Place in Promoting Sustainable Development.” E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 250, 2021, p. 06007, https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202125006007. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Shows, Art. “Stories Unbound: Exhibition of Narrative Art Shows More than a Century of Native Life on the Plains | NMAI Magazine.” NMAI Magazine, 2024, www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/Unbound-Exhibition-narrative-art-Plains.
The ongoing battle with outside society is no longer fought with guns or cannons. The weapons have changed over time; they are now pens & pencils. Native Americans face many threats from outside corporations, many of which try to exploit, take advantage of, and even shut down. The economic development of Native American communities is ongoing and growing. With the development comes many challenges. Money earned on the reservations is spent off it. This means not many Natives are running businesses that can benefit their community.
Contemporary Indian Economic Challenges by Deborah Welch discusses many topics within this article. The topic of Bureaucracy, education, discrimination, revitalization, and ongoing problems that Native Americans face in today's world. One important link between the article's themes and my own perspective is how the ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans relate to the crucial role of reservations in their lives. My connection to this article is that reservations are safe havens for Native people. It is where we learn about life and how it is. I found one quote to be very strong ¨We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be.¨ -Cherokee Feast of Days. This means that we don't have to limit ourselves to what is given. We were not taught to take more than what we need, not to be greedy with food, money, or other resources. Money was never in question for our ancestors. Money is the power of the Europeans; our power is within our tradition, culture, and language. As Native people, we can achieve more and give back more to our communities. This doesn't mean to take advantage and exploit the power, but to use it with the intent to give back to our Native communities.
Welch, Deborah. “Contemporary Indian Economic Challenges.” Economic Issues and Development, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=190565.
We have established that Native Americans face the most challenges in the U.S. as a minority group, according to History - Native Americans Today Tomorrow Winds of Change Blow Across the land by Michael Garrett and J. Garrette. From having the highest suicide rate to the lack of education. Native American communities lack in many areas, but despite all challenges. We do remain the Native people of this land. We believe in our culture, we continue to practice our traditions, and remain connected just as our ancestors once did. The world is changing, and with that comes influence, interest, and pressure. Despite all of it, we must remain true to our identities, culture, religions, and language.
I found this source to be so fascinating. I discovered some current issues that I had no idea occurred in Native Communities today. Within my identified communities, I have noticed patterns with these challenges. Some of these challenges my own family members or even I have faced. So this article is a good example of showcasing the challenges without falling into the stereotypes or ideas that Native Americans get free money and resources from the government. Although we do, it does not cover what our ancestors survived through. Hundreds of years of colonization and assimilation. Our history is not forgotten; we are strong people, and we continue to be strong despite these challenges.
Garrett, J., and Michael Garrett. “Native Americans Today and Tomorrow: Winds of Change Blow Across the Land.” Native American Faith in America, Third Edition, Chelsea House, 2023. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=416711.
Afzal. “The Spanish Trade of Enslaved Peoples - Manifest.” Manifest, 12 June 2023, www.projectmanifest.eu/english-translation-will-be-available-soon/.
Commerce, Trade, and Free people are all over the world, but this article focuses on countries in the Americas, divided into North America (including Central America and the Caribbean). I focused on the mainland of Spanish America, the British Caribbean, and Brazil. These countries have a rich history of business and economic development.
The British Caribbean had the most highly developed Sugar Cultivation regions. Whites dominated wholesale and international commerce in the British world. During the 18th-19th century, there was less opportunity for black-owned businesses
Throughout the mainland of Spanish America, free people of color did not commonly own commercial businesses; some free Afro-Mexicans and Afro-Peruvians owned businesses. It was mostly skilled tradesmen selling their services or products they manufactured, because most slaves were taken to work in manufacturing rather than agriculture. Once they were established in a trade, guild restrictions meant that one was more or less guaranteed a good living and the right to pass on one's business to one's heirs. Going into bigger business or getting involved in other lines of work, like an entrepreneur of a later century, was not encouraged by society or laws.
King, Stewart. “Commerce, Trade, and Free People of Color in the Americas.” Encyclopedia of Free Blacks and People of Color in the Americas, Facts On File, 2012. Modern World History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE53&articleId=570530.
This article is about the poverty in Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus created a form of credit that allows poor people to borrow small amounts of money. Due to all the money being paid back right away, the term "micro credit" was a success. Due to the success of this, many opportunities became available to people of this poor community in Bangladesh. All the beneficial factors took place in this community. This article falls into the category of community and economic development, which allows poor communities to nourish and thrive by using their own knowledge and authority. "Hereditary poverty could be broken." This quote stood out to me because it supports the idea that poverty can be passed through generations, but it can be prevented. Through community efforts and participation, an issue can be solved permanently or for a period of time.
Stefania Yunus, Muhammad. “Muhammad Yunus Commonwealth Lecture: "Poverty Was All around Me"” Primary Source Documents: 2000 to 2009, Facts On File, 2003. Modern World History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE53&primarySourceId=7428.
Bangladesh famine of 1974 - Wikipedia. “Bangladesh Famine of 1974 - Wikipedia.” En.wikipedia.org, 2019, share.google/vyKnVf0Gv1YhbKsEt. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Rome. “Rome Italy, Scenic View of Colosseum, One of the Most Important ...” Www.dreamstime.com, 2019, share.google/SzFvrBhfjq4F9r1Te. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
According to this article, we shift and focus more onto the numbers and rates, such as the employment rates and gross value. The article gave an introduction and a summary of the SME Business Environment in Europe. Competition is the essential ingredient in the European business environment. It encourages businesses to make efficient use of resources. People will patronize efficient businesses rather than their inefficient rivals, so the efficient firms flourish and the inefficient ones go out of business. The small business sector is regarded as a fundamental ingredient in the establishment of a modern, progressive and vibrant economy. There are a number of reasons why there is considerable interest in the creation, management, dynamics, and contribution of small businesses. Such as small firms help to diversify a nation’s economic base and provide it with the opportunity of responding to a variety of market conditions; the creation of a new business venture provides an opportunity to transcend social inequality and the unemployment trap; the presence of small firms in an economy is an expression of healthy and necessary competition against the excesses of big business and monopoly power and exploitation; small firms are better able to adapt to changing and sometimes disruptive economic circumstances. Due to its flexibility, the sector is in an advantageous position to face challenges and changes. It is ideally poised to attract both technology and funds to generate rapid growth and sustained process of technology upgradation and quality improvement.
Anca Stan, 2014. "The Role Of Small Business In Economic Development Of European Economy," Studies and Scientific Research. Economics Edition, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacau, Faculty of Economic Sciences, issue 19. https://ideas.repec.org/a/bac/fsecub/14-19-19.html
Anca Stan, 2014. "The Role Of Small Business In Economic Development of the European Economy," Studies and Scientific Research. Economics Edition, "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacau, Faculty of Economic Sciences, issue 19. https://ideas.repec.org/a/bac/fsecub/14-19-19.html
Armstrong, Jeannette, 1996 ¨Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community.¨ pg. 460-470 in Jerry Manders and Edward Goldsmith (eds.)
Huaman, E. S., & Brayboy, B. M. J. (Eds.). (2017). Indigenous Innovations in Higher Education: local knowledge and critical research. In Sense Publishers, B. Sriraman, D. Ambrose, R. Este, R. Gunnarsdóttir, S. R. Jónsdóttir, M. Papastephanou, A. Penaluna, L. Shavinina, & I. Winchester, ADVANCES IN INNOVATION EDUCATION (Vol. 4). Sense Publishers. https://www.sensepublishers.com/
King, Stewart. “Commerce, Trade, and Free People of Color in the Americas.” Encyclopedia of Free Blacks and People of Color in the Americas, Facts On File, 2012. Modern World History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE53&articleId=570530.
Kelly, Lawrence C. Federal Indian Policy. Chelsea House, 1990.
Korneeva, Elena, et al. “Small Business and Its Place in Promoting Sustainable Development.” E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 250, 2021, p. 06007, https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202125006007. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Stefania Yunus, Muhammad. “Muhammad Yunus Commonwealth Lecture: 'Poverty Was All Around Me'” Primary Source Documents: 2000 to 2009, Facts On File, 2003. Modern World History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE53&primarySourceId=7428.
Suina, Joe. (1985) And then I went to School; Memories of a Pueblo Childhood. New Mexico Journal of Reading, 5 (2).
Toastie, B. How Place Names Impact the Way We See Landscape. High Country News, 1 May 2022.
Welch, Deborah. “Sovereignty Versus the States.” Political Issues, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=190550.
Welch, Deborah. “Contemporary Indian Business Development.” Economic Issues and Development, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2019. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=190562.
Garrett, J., and Michael Garrett. “Native Americans Today and Tomorrow: Winds of Change Blow Across the Land.” Native American Faith in America, Third Edition, Chelsea House, 2023. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=18626&itemid=WE43&articleId=416711.