The four Dakota tribes (Upper and Lower Sioux, Shakopee and Prairie Island) are small in land base and membership, (less than 500 members each) but are located near large cities in the southern part of the state, which has made Indian gaming very lucrative.
The other four Ojibwe tribes (Grand Portage, Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs and Bois Forte aka Nett Lake) are larger than the Dakota, but much smaller than the three I speak of, (in both land base and membership) in the 1,500 to 2,000 member range.
Although these tribes do not have the advantage of being close to large metro areas, they are close to very popular tourist destinations. Fond du Lac is in Duluth, Mille Lacs on the Lake of the same name, Bois Forte on Lake Vermillion near the boundary waters, and Grand Portage at the tip of the Arrowhead near a State Park, a National Monument, and within driving distance to Thunder Bay Ontario.
Although rich in culture, heritage, and land, Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake are poor in regard to employment, economic development, and gaming...not only because of their large populations, but because of their relative poor placement on the map. Gaming then is nowhere near as profitable for these three tribes as for the other eight.
The three reservations practically border one another with Bemidji at the center. Red Lake is just north, White Earth just west, and Leech Lake just east of Bemidji. Bemidji, in the center northern Minnesota and the three largest Indian Reservations is the largest city (12,000) between Winnipeg and St. Cloud, Grand Forks and Duluth.
The three Indian Nations decided that it might be helpful to work together for economic development. They then formed an Economic Development Commission with economic development and planning directors, and other experts, from all three tribes as members. Andy Wells of Wells Technology is the Commission’s current chair.
The Commission organized the first ever Economic Summit which took place in November 2006 with White Earth hosting at Shooting Star Casino. The second took place with Leech Lake hosting at Northern Lights Casino in August 2008.
On August 11-12, the three tribes co-sponsored the third biennale Economic Development Summit at Seven Clans Casino and Event Center, Red Lake.
Billed as the 2010 Northern Minnesota Reservation Economic Development Summit and Trade Show, the goal of the summit was to enhance business opportunities and foster economic growth from which Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth Tribal Nations will develop healthy and self-sufficient communities.
Tribal Secretaries for the Three Tribes. Robert Durant, White Earth; Donald Cook, Red Lake; Michael Bongo, Leech Lake.
Renewable energy and fostering “Green” businesses was the focus of the 2010 summit. Participants identified successful economic development models for Tribal government and proposed to strengthen Indian owned business by promoting green practices. “Working together as ‘One’ will provide us the resources to save valuable energy, then ultimately Go GREEN”, said Red Lake Economic Development and Planning Director, Sam Strong.
After an invocation by Collins Oakgrove, a drum ceremony by P-Town Boyz and Flag Ceremony, a welcome ensued by the Tribal Chairs of Minnesota’s three largest Indian Tribes. First to speak was Floyd “Buck Jourdain, Jr. of the host nation, Red Lake. Jourdain was followed by Erma J. Vizenor of White Earth Nation, and Arthur “Archie” LaRose of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Emcee David Glass, Chairman Floyd Jourdain, Jr. Red Lake; Chair Erma Vizenor, White Earth; Chairman Arthur LaRose, Leech Lake; and Andy Wells
After the welcoming, the three tribal chairs co-presented the 2010 Excellence in Leadership Award to Andy Wells of Wells Technology.
“Wells, a proud member of the Red Lake Band, invested $1300 back in 1989 to found Wells Technology, manufacturing industrial tools and fasteners, and created jobs near reservations in northern Minnesota...and he’s successful doing it”, noted Jourdain. ”Last year, Wells Technology’s proceeds equaled 54 million dollars, profits which Mr. Wells turns around to better the community.”
“Wells hires people that other business owners pass up – the young, formerly misguided, ex-convicts, alcoholics – people who have made poor decisions in the past, but who now show determination to make something better out of their lives”, remarked LaRose.
Vizenor mentioned Wells’ philosophy that, “you’ve got to help people… that’s the root of success”. “Mr. Wells offers a program that not only teaches the machining trade, but also betters and strengthens character by teaching honesty, self respect, and what it means to truly have pride”, she said. “He does this quite successfully with his unique program of training through Wells Academy”, said Vizenor. Wells Technology invests profits into providing scholarships for apprentice job training at Wells Academy. This then provides opportunity for future industrial employment for economically disadvantaged people.
Keynote Speeches and Breakout Sessions
Wednesday morning saw a keynote address by Jack Stevens, Chief of the Division of Economic Development, O.I.E.E.D. The topic title was “Renewable Energy and Economic Development for Tribal Communities”. A second keynote address followed at noon during the luncheon. It was given by Brian Gillen, from the U.S. Department of HUD. His topic was on “Housing and Urban Development Programs”.
After lunch, breakout sessions were conducted on “How to Make your Business Green”, “Nation Building”, and “Renewable Energy”, and many others of similar note.
Thursday’s keynote speech at 9 AM was entitled “Government Policies Regarding Renewable Energy”. Appropriately, the speakers were state and federal government representatives...State Senator Mary Olson, and Alana Petersen from US Senator Al Franken’s office. This was followed by more breakout sessions.
US Census table in the Trade Show Tent
Trade Show and Entertainment
Not all of the Summit was work however, throughout the two day session a trade show was held under a huge tent on the Casino Grounds. Many organizations and businesses provided information to Summit attendees about arts and crafts, job opportunities, census data interpretation, schools, food service, and lots of information on tribal, state and federal programs.
At the end of session on Wednesday, most attendees visited the Trade show in the Vendor Tent with a special appearance by Keith Secola. Many know Keith Secola by his fun-time hard-driving eclectic music, his promotion of audience participation, and his very popular signature song “Indian Cars”. Secola is a Bois Forte member, and his daughter Margueritte Secola, works for Red Lake Economic Development and Planning.
The day concluded with a dinner and entertainment by fancy dancer Larry Yazzie. Larry wowed the crowd with his dancing and regalia. At one point Yazzie called adults and youth on stage to give a lesson in fancy dancing, much to the amusement of the crowd. The evening ended with a joyous round dance led by Yazzie.
Everyone Participates in the Round Dance
Closing Session
Most elected officials from state and federal governments, who represent the three tribal entities, attended all or part of the two day summit. These included the Regional Director for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Andy Martin; Alana Petersen, State Director for U.S. Senator Al Franken; Toni Merdan, Economic Development Director for US Congressman Collin Peterson; Minnesota Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie; State Senator Rod Skoe; State Senator Mary Olson; State Representative Brita Sailer; and State Representative John Persell.
Musician Keith Secola, Sen. Mary Olson, and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie received blankets as gifts for their participation in the Economic Summit.
These elected officials joined tribal elected officials, from all three reservations, for a “closed” tribal leader working lunch session.
The purpose of the “closed” session was to evaluate the the two-day event just concluded, it’s successes and challenges, and to generate new ideas that the group can be working on during interim before the next summit. Everyone had a chance to comment, and a list of priorities was prepared.
Red Lake Hereditary Chief Alexander Gillespie confers with Chairman Jourdain.
Chairman Jourdain suggested that the tribes invest in other business and to not restrict themselves to economic development just on Reservations. He also suggested that some quit playing the “race card”, and work with non-Indians to invest in businesses off-reservation. Several participants agreed and went further by suggesting they look into buying or building a bank convenient to all reservations, perhaps in Bemidji.
Weweni (in a good way)
Omakakii
4 comments:
Thanks, Michael, for such an informative story. I always learn a lot from your writing. - Liz
Sounds like it was a wonderful event. I have learned so much about Indian Country from you!
Good to see the three primary nations working together for the betterment of all. I would think the nations might be doing much in forest product development, perhaps working in conjunction with the U. of M. and the U.S. Dept. of Forestry. They are faced with the same dilemma that all small nations face, that of creating economic benefits based on the gifts of their region, and becoming competitive in the marketplace.
Forget the government, they will never do you any favors long term.
I like the fact that they give people a second chance to prove themselves, and don't seem to be as punitive as our culture. Here's hoping for good things in the future for all the nations.
I second Frank on giving folks a chance. I like that alot. Great piece Michael.
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