WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs Carl Artman today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Great Plains Regional office will host the 10th Annual Great Plains Tribal Economic Development Summit April 15-16, 2008, in Sioux Falls, S.D. The theme for this year’s summit, “Contemporary Economic Resources for Great Plains Tribes,” reflects a renewed commitment to the Bureau’s overall emphasis on modernization.
“We are excited about this 10th anniversary milestone and the exciting economic growth in Indian Country it represents,” said Alice Harwood, acting BIA Regional Director, Great Plains Region. “The Summit provides a place where resources and ideas connect with the many excellent economic opportunities available in the Great Plains region and throughout Indian Country.”
The Summit will feature JuniKae Randall, founding director of Circle of Nations Publishing and creator of the critically-acclaimed PBS series, “Indian Pride” to present the opening keynote address. Additional featured speakers will include Elsie Meeks, Executive Director of First Nations Oweesta, Lance Morgan, CEO, Ho-Chunk Inc. and Dr. Robert Middleton, Director, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Office of Indian Affairs. The Summit will also have sessions on tribal energy development, gaining financial resources, community development financial institutions, government and corporate procurement, contemporary tribal management, financial literacy, and successful Indian Country entrepreneurship. In addition, a number of the tribal leaders in the region will discuss their economic achievements and plans for the future.
The Great Plains Region encompasses the tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska. The Summit provides opportunities for those interested in improving tribal economies to convene, learn from best practices and network. It is attended by tribal government leaders, tribal economic development staff, non-profits, financial institutions, state and federal agency staff, and others interested stakeholders.
Co-sponsors of the Summit are: the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development; Citigroup; Ho-Chunk Inc.; Mandaree Enterprises Corporation; First Nations Oweesta; PLAINS-Procurement Learning for American Indian Nations & Societies; Seventh Generation Fund and Wells Fargo Bank.
For more information about the Summit, please contact Dani Daugherty, Economic Development Specialist, BIA Great Plains Regional office at (605) 290-4089.