Urban Indian Policy Roundtable - Rural Dynamics

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Jeanne Saarinen
Participants: Jose Jimenez, Daniel Pocha, Wendy Stewart, Shannon Hahn, Jennifer Perez-
Cole, James Parker Shield, Charlie Brown, Bob Parisien, Luke Walawander, Eric Mudd, Susan
Ockert, Philip Belangie, Jason Smith
Participants from the Economic Development table expressed similar suggestions throughout the roundtable
process. The policy priorities recommended by this group were comprised of three goals with various strategies
for attaining them. Primarily, the necessity of expanding and amending language for economic development
programs and policies to encompass all (urban, state and federally recognized) Indians and Native-owned
organizations was identified. Secondarily, the group addressed the lack of access to capital and financial support
for urban Indians. Finally, the need to secure a placement for an urban Indian representative on the State Tribal
Economic Development Commission (STEDC) was unanimously agreed upon.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
Increase funding for urban Indian economic development by amending state and federal policies to
recognize all Indians (urban, state and federally recognized) and their respective organizations.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: Pass legislation that will allow greater access for
all Native American economic development organizations to grant programs such as the Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG).
Create a State Bonding Pool to lend greater ease of access to financial capital in urban Indian economic
development activities.
Desired outcome statewide: Pass legislation or utilize established banking networks to establish a bonding
pool so that Native-owned businesses have the necessary financial surety to obtain contracting opportunities.
Appoint an urban Indian representative to the State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC) to
be a voice for urban Indian economic needs.
Desired outcome statewide: So that greater communication is fostered between urban Indian communities
and their state and tribal governments, amend the language in the STEDC bill to include the appointment of
an urban Indian representative.
Fund a Native American Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) to provide technical
assistance, program information, equipment, and have the development capacity to serve urban Indian
entrepreneurs.
Desired outcome statewide: Culturally attuned support for Native-owned businesses with regards to
assistance with infrastructure, capital accumulation, economic development training, and general means for
achieving self-efficacy.
“Urban Indian development is something we’re just getting
into. New social service organizations are starting to
develop, however, fewer sources of federal funding are
currently available and sustainability is an issue.”
Leonard Smith (Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux),
Director of the Native American
Development Corporation
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