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The answer is in the culture.

You are so right on. The driving force of capitalism is competition which is not a significant part of Navajo culture. Competition destroys "balance." I remember back during the hanta virus mess stumbling across a PSA on a Navajo radio station about the use of bleach and dealing with rodents. The theme was not 'do this to protect yourself' it was 'do this to restore harmony.' Their's is a beautiful and fascinating culture but not one equipped to thrive in a capitalist society.

I have often seen Navajos pulling $1000 a day out of a roadside stand. No books, no income tax. After a few months they are gone. They just shrug and say *That is enough".

One lady I know weaves rugs. She sells them for $400 to
Trading Post across the highway. They sell them for $2500. I asked her why she didn't build a leanto by the road, weave there and sell her own rugs. She looked at me like I was crazy and said *No. That is not the way things are.*