Status: Ongoing (2025–present)
Faculty advisor: Professor at Texas A&M University

This independent research project examines the economic potential of Indigenous cultural events, specifically the Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s annual PowWow in Delaware. Using economic theory from the University of Chicago’s field experiment tradition — including Professor John List’s non-market valuation methods — we investigate how cultural tourism can generate sustainable revenue while preserving Indigenous heritage.

Three core research questions:

1. How much are visitors willing to pay for Nanticoke cultural experiences, and what factors influence their valuation?
2. What motivates visitors to attend Indigenous cultural events?
3. Is year-round cultural programming feasible and desirable beyond the traditional two-day PowWow?

Key Findings (n=420 survey respondents + 35 interviews)

Our regression analysis (R² = 47%) found that income level and prior PowWow attendance are the strongest predictors of willingness to pay — meaning the more people experience the PowWow, the more they value it. In interviews, 89% emphasized they wanted to “learn from actual tribal members, not interpreters.”

This data gives the Nanticoke Tribe evidence-based tools to advocate for economic development, federal recognition, and sustainable cultural programming.

Status: Annual (since 2023)
Location: Millsboro, Delaware

Each September, we volunteer at the annual Nanticoke Indian PowWow — one of the longest-running PowWows on the East Coast. Our team helps with event logistics, visitor engagement, and educational outreach. Vivian has also organized Girl Scout troops to participate, introducing young people to Indigenous culture and creating lasting connections between the tribal and broader Delaware community.