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ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH NECESSITY




Ivan Sorbel of the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud

Ivan Sorbel of the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud

RAPID CITY, S.D. – When you talk with some leaders and ask them how to solve the “rez’s” problems? Some will say it’s through economic development. The more we create a system of producing economy, like technology, infrastructure, agriculture, etc. the more our relatives will begin to thrive in a prosperous way. An economy will allow resources so our relatives can get help or assistance or the necessary work to help them to flourish. It certainly is a feasible idea and we all can understand how one might view this as a solution.

So, a team of relatives from the Native American Development Corp., Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) Road Dept. and the Pine Ridge Reservation Chamber of Commerce hosted the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Economic Summit held at the Rushmore Holiday Inn on October 10th & 11th, 2019. This was the 3rd annual event, comprised of professionals and invited guests to take part in a 2-day summit by networking and generating ideas.

The early winter storm that came on Wednesday night might have played a role in the low numbers at the summit. The first time this event happened, it was so powerful, an influx of ideas ballooned throughout the year. It was clear a conference pertaining to economic development was needed. Many of our relatives thought it was needed to be an annual event. However, the following year it never followed but was eventually picked up the next year and now it is in its 3rd year.

Tawney Brunsch of the Lakota Fund. Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud.

Tawney Brunsch of the Lakota Fund. Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud.

This year the focus was on Agriculture, Tourism & Business. Hemp is the focus of agriculture these days. Nicholas Hernandez, Makoce Agriculture Development, presented on the future of hemp on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He expanded his talk about his work, the trials and tribulations, along with the process Alex White Plume and his family has been trailblazing in since 2001.

Hernandez also explained how much he’s been involved with the process Alex has been through. He also spoke about his involvement with other Indian tribes that are working to create a hemp business. He is currently a hemp farmer and agriculture and food systems developer. In the keynote speech, William Richmond addressed attendees about hemp pertaining to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He was there to tell us that hemp has always been a cornerstone to the American people. He also stated that tribes have an advantage over states pertaining to hemp laws and production. Mario Gonzalez was also another presenter on agriculture.

Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud.

Photo by Arlo Iron Cloud.

When it came to business, Kyle Smith CEO of Red Wind Group and Clarence O’Berry, CEO of Mandaree Enterprises broke down the process of how business in Lakota country can be successful. A series of charts were presented, along with sticky notes and a lot of participant involvement. He took the session of individuals that participated in his breakout session and walked him through how business in Indian country can succeed. He basically brought the process of how to drive a successful business into the future. Several of the participants came out saying “I forgot that our tribe is tax exempt.” Part of his presentation was about thinking outside the box.

Another business presenter was Terry Broke CEO of Island Mountain Development Group. His presentation was called “Building toward Economic Sovereignty.” Also presenting was Tawney Brunsch of the Lakota Fund.

Another proponent to economic development in this year’s summit was tourism. Presenters were Craig Genzlinger & Mark Hoines of (FHWA) and Jacey Jessop, State Tourism as well as Juan Luna, George Washington University. The second leading economic industry in the state of South Dakota is tourism. So naturally the conversation of this year’s summit revolves heavily around tourism and its potential.

So even though this year’s attendance was very low in the 3rd Annual Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Economic Summit due mostly to the weather, the low numbers didn’t stop the whirlwind of ideas of those in attendance.

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