Represent? Norhan Alshihabi, Peter Stanley Federman, ‘Intersecting paradigms of indigenous representation: Representative bureaucracy theory in the settler-colonial context’, Administrative Theory & Praxis, 2025 | settler colonial studies blog

Represent? Norhan Alshihabi, Peter Stanley Federman, ‘Intersecting paradigms of indigenous representation: Representative bureaucracy theory in the settler-colonial context’, Administrative Theory & Praxis, 2025

26Sep25

Abstract: This research proposes using representative bureaucracy theory, in conjunction with settler-colonial theory, to better understand how a lack of meaningful representation within government may help us to understand why and how Native American’s have struggled to move from passive representation to active representation, even within organizations and structures that are ostensibly for the purpose of promoting indigenous interests. This research suggests that utilizing a settler-colonial theoretical framework sheds light on the symbolic nature of representation of Native Americans in government, with implications for representation of indigenous peoples around the world. This study proposes a revised theoretical framework that explains this lack of representation as the result of bureaucratic institutions in the United States acting as part of a settler-colonial project, both in a historical and ongoing manner. Our findings indicate that even when constructed with good intentions, institutions intended to represent tribal interests may fail to serve the long-term economic and cultural needs of indigenous communities in the United States.

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