The Native American Press (Bemidji, Minnesota), 1992-07-31

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MN American Indian Chamber of Commerce: A valuable resource
By Gary Blair
Les King, Executive Director of
the Minnesota American Indian
Chamber of Commerce (MAICC)
told the Press, "MAICC is the best
kept secret in the state, of
course unintentionally." King, who
is an enrollee of the Nett Lake
Indian Reservation, said "We
haven't had media coverage. The
Ojibwe News has been the only
newspaper so far to do a story on
MAICC and that involved a
workshop we sponsored over three
years ago." He continued, "It isn't
that we haven't sent out press
releases on the chamber's activities,
we have, in fact April 17, 1992, was
the date of our last release."
MAICC's latest press release was
entitled A PROSPERING INDIAN
COMMUNITY SHEDS LIGHT ON
BUSINESS SUCCESS AND THE
"NATIVE AMERICAN DREAM".
In it, King outlined how the "Indian
Chamber" has promoted American
Indian business and thus has helped
to address the high rate of
unemployment among Minnesota's
American Indian population. He
stated, "Historically and typically, if
a Native person wanted to become
involved in business, more likely
than not he or she had to do so in a
non-traditional environment. That is
to say, learning the 'white man's'
way."
"General accepted business models
take the shape of a pyramid," King
wrote. "The goal is to work your
way to the top, be number one. As a
result, emphasis and value is focused
outward on the upper and outer
surface appearance. Following this
model, success becomes measured
by external appearances, often to the
disadvantage of employees, society
at large and the environment. By
contrast," King said, "Native beliefs
and value systems take the shape of
a circle with the focus on its center
rather than looking toward an
exclusive pinnacle as its goal."
"The circle model promotes
looking inward to that which has
already been given to us. Emphasis
and value is placed on spiritual
well-being and respect for all things,
and achievement is measured in
terms of balance rather than
dominance. By applying the circle
model to its business practices, not
only the Indian community, but the
entire community reaps the
rewards," King said.
MAICC press release continued,
"A recent study by the Minnesota
Indian Gaming Association suggests
the far-reaching economic
contributions Indian prosperity has
made to the state. The study found
that Indian casinos are now among
the state's top 20 business
employers, with the six largest
employing 4,730 employees.
Eighty percent of casino jobs are
held by non-Indians. In addition, to
date some 5,900 non-casino jobs
have been created because of the
casinos, and out-of-state visitors
traveling to the casinos last year
spent about $26 million on
travel-related goods and services last
year, according to the Association."
King wrote, " Besides generating
more jobs, successful Indian
operations are also easing the state's
tax burden. Aid to Families with
Dependent Children payments
decreased 16 percent between 1987
and 1991 in four Minnesota counties
with Indian casinos; and Indian
gaming operations paid close to $32
million in salaries, wages, payroll
taxes and benefits to employees in
1991.
At the center of the prosperity,
naturally, is the Indian community
itself. Ofthe $143 million net profits
from casino operations last year, $54
million went to fund tribal
government, per capita payments to
tribal members, promotion of
economic development and
improvements in education, utilities,
roads, and other components of the
Indian community infrastructure.
"This (the casino business) isn't an
end unto itself—it's a means to an
end, a tool for self-sufficiency."
King also reported in his press
release a major achievement that
few people, are aware of. He wrote,
"It's also a tool for networking
Indian and non-Indian business
together for the benefit of both. In
the process of building the casinos,
"Indian nations have selected major
corporations partly on the basis of
their willingness to listen to, to leam
from, and act as mentors to members
of the Native community."
"One such mentor, " he said, "has
been the Kraus Anderson
Construction Company (KACC)
which, beginning with the Little 6
Casino in Shakopee in 1990, and has
now built four Indian-operated
casinos, utilizing a number of
Indian-held subcontractors and
providing training and
apprenticeships to tribal members."
According to King, William
Jaeger, president and CEO of the
Kraus Anderson Construction
Company has said, "The contractor
has prospered working with the
Indians, but an added reward has
been a greater appreciation and
understanding of Native American
culture and values by which they are
succeeding in their ventures."
Other contractors who have
worked out mentoring relationships
with Indian-owned firms include
Marcus Blue Roofing, Forest
Electric, Welch Construction
Carpentry, T.R. Riggins Steel, and
Cardianl Construction Company
"They (the corporations) are seeing
just what the Native businesses arc
capable of," said King.
Also according to King, Jim
Bergman, executive coordinator for
Economic Development of the U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs in
Washington, D.C, called the Nativ
American approach to business "one
of the best definitions of total quality
management he has seen...It's a
vision that could be applied to
American business in general."
"Whether perceived as are
innovative new technique or a
time-honored way of life, the
principles of the Native American
Dream of corporate America has
always cherished profit."
"These companies aren't just doing
this because they're nice people,'
King said. "Profit has motivated these
firms. None of us would be here if
there wasn't the opportunity to make
money," he said.
King added, "The difference lies in
how many can profit. Respecting all
forms of life and honoring each
person for their views is the the
essence of how Native people do
business. It is defining success as
achievement, both personal and
organizational. Maybe success is
being redefined here," he said.
MAICC was incorporated in 1989
and started out in the mid 70's as the
Minnesota Indian Contractors
Association which was not open to
other organizations." He also said,
"We have Indian communities from
across the country asking how they
can get a chamber started."
Presently, MAICC has 94 regular
members, (American Indian business
owners) and 27 associates,
(Corporate sponsors) and plans to
print an updated membership
directory very soon. Also, MAICC is
different from other Chambers in that
they don't lobby because they have a
501-C3 status (non-profit
corporation) which allows them
raise funds from foundations and
other sources.
Recently, the Minnesota
Chippewa Tribe stationed one of its
employees in MAICC's office
which is located in Suite #3-C, 1433
East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis.
This person is Theresa Jones, who is
an enrollee of the White Earth
Reservation. King said, "Her job is
to assist start up owners get through
what can be difficulties getting set
up as a minority business owner."
King added, "As of today, all of
Minnesota's Indian Reservations
have shown support for MAICC's
efforts and they are developing their
own mentor relationships with
Indian and non-Indian owned
companies."
"It all started with Doug Neisen of
KACC and the building of the Little
6 Casino," he said. "It's about
breaking down the misconceptions
others have about American Indians.
They don't realize we are also as
diverse in our thinking as others are.
Many don't realize that there is the
traditional Indian, one who was
taught to retain their traditional
values and beliefs. Then there is the
Indian who through his or her
upbringing has become assimilated.
Right now, we want to let Indians
from both groups know that there is
a place for them in the world of
business and that MAICC can assist
them with their goals."
By and For the Native American Community
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#££»>
The
PTee
Native
American
Press
We support Equal Opportunity For All People
A Weekly Publication
[Founded in 1991
Volume 2 Issue 12
July 31, i992
Copyright, The Native American Press. 1.9.92
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux      j
not interested in Canterbury Downs
Associated Press
The Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux Community says it is not
interested in buying Canterbury
Downs because of financial and
political concerns.
The tribe's Little Six Gaming
Corp., which operates nearby Mystic
Lake Casino, told state officials and
track owners of its ticVsion in a
letter last week.
Leonard Prescott, chairman of the
Little Six board, and F. William
Johnson, chief executive officer,
said the suggested sale price was too
high. They also said the proposal is
unpopular with state politicians, who
view it as a major expansion of
Indian gaming.
The suggested price, which was
never announced publicly by owner
Ladbroke Racing Corp., would make
the track incapable of supporting
itself from racing revenues alone,
Prescott and Johnson said in a letter.
Combining ah Indian-operated
casino with racing at Canterbury to
boost profits may result in demands
to expand legalized gaming
elsewhere in the private sector, and
that could mean competition that is
damaging for Indian tribes, they
added.
Rich Reichow, Canterbury's chief
financial officer, said track officials
were disappointed by the tribe's
decision.
Sen. Charles Berg, DFL-Chokio,
chairman of the Senate Gaming
Regulation committee,'was .uftpng
those opposed to a Mdewakanton
purchase of the track. He said it
would lead to pressure to open up
gaming at other locations throughout
the state.
The Litde Six officials also said a
decision pending in the state
Supreme Court could ban off-track
betting, which would make a
purchase even less appealing. They
said support from Gov. Arne
Carlson "cannot be considered real"
until a commission he appointed to
study ways of keeping the track
open reports its recommendations in
September.
"Obviously, we remain open to
further discussions should favorable
decisions be made regarding the
previously mentioned reasons for
not proceeding with a purchase,"
the letter concluded, leavind the
door slightly ajar for a resumption
of discussions.
Reichow, the track's chief
financial officer, said that
negotiations had not progressed
far enough to discuss a firm price
and that Canterbury suggested onp-
aiid did nut ret :.vc « ... j.■..-.-
from Little Six.
"Price was the least of our
concerns; it never got that far,"
Reichow said.
As for the future, he added,
"There are other people and other
options that can be pursued."
The track has not made a
definitive statement about
whether there will be racing next
season, but industry
representatives fear that may not
occur. Wagering and attendance
have fallen steadily at Canterbury,
which opened in 1985. Betting
was down 30 percent last year, an
all-time low, and has fallen 50
percent this year with losses
projected at $5 million.
^^^*^
Les King, director of the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce, at his office in Minneapolis.
Indian casinos need state's OK for keno
By Philiip Brasher (AP)
Associate of former Navajo Chairman gets probation
Phoenix (AP)
A federal judge has sentenced a
business associate of former Navajo
Tribal Chairman Peter MacDonald
to three years' probation for his part
in a plan to siphon a $2.25 million
loan from the tribe.
Judge Earl Carroll of U.S. District
Court said he decided on probation
Monday because Carlos Pimentel
has paid $79,500 in restitution and is
to complete 300 hours of community
service.
Under an agreement with
prosecuters, Pimentel pleaded guilty
to one count of racketeering and
agreed to testify against Peter
MacDonald Sr.
MacDonald was convicted in May
of 16 counts of fraud, racketeering
and other charges and is scheduled
to be sentenced August 24. The jury
could not reach verdicts on 14 other
counts, but the government said it
would not seek a new trial for
MacDonald on those counts.
Pimentel, MacDonald and
MacDonald's son, Peter "Rocky"
MacDonald Jr., were indicted on
charges of fraud stemming from a
tribal loan to Navajo Technologies
Inc., a computer supplier controlled
by Pimentel.
A federal judge in Minnesota has
upheld new rules on Indian
gambling that classify keno as a
casino game that cannot be played
without state approval.
The chairman of the National
Indian Gaming Commision says the
ruling will make it more difficult for
Indian tribes to challenge his panel's
gambling regulations.
Two Minnesota tribes, the Lower
Sioux and Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux, claimed keno was a game
similar to bingo and that they didn't
need the state's approval to offer it
in their casino. But earlier this year
the Indian Gaming Commission
classified keno as a casino-style
game which would require approval
by the state.
"In keno, players select numbers,
bet the house that the selected
numbers will match the drawn
numbers, and win if the selected
numbers do match the drawn
numbers. This is clearly not a game
similar" to bingo, U.S. District Judge
Harry MacLaughlin of Minneapolis
ruled Monday.
The tribes argued that the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act on which
the rules were based was purposely
ambiguous, designed to help their
fledgling gambling industry. The act
was passed by Congress in 1988.
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux
tribe has a similar lawsuit pending in
South Dakota over keno.
Seven other tribes have filed suit
against the commission in District of
Columbia court, arguing that
electronic slot machines should not
require state approval.
Tony Hope, the commission's
chairman, said Wednesday that he
expected to win all of the tribal
challenges.
"It's the same set of definitions
and the same question as to whether
the commission has sufficient
expertise and that it should be given
deference," Hope said.
The Journey (A native Anishinabe's perspective of the Democratic National Convention)
By Melvin Rasmussen
Recendy, I had the opportunity to
attend the Democratic National
Convention as an at-large delegate
from the State of Minnesota. My
story begins in Bemidji and ends up
in New York City. It will be part of
a series of articles that will cover
this trip. It will include the thoughts
and attitudes of many who in their
own hearts made this trip with me
and will reflect their input and
concern about what is happening in
our country.
I became politically active about
11 hears ago with the PATCO Air
Traffic Controller Strike. From there
I went on to work for different party
structures including political
organization for AFL-CIO and
working in several different
capacities within the DFL Party of
Minnesota. Most recently, I have
become involved with the DFL 7th
District and hold the office of
Affirmative Action Officer.
My reasons for party involvement
are very simple. The keystone is to
work for and with the people to
affect change in the existing
structure. Only through involvement
can there be an impact made upon
the legislation and mores of the
political enigma we call parties. It is
for the betterment of the people that
you can provide change within the
system and with this point in mind,
you can satisfy the designs of the
foundations of our current form qf
government. Albeit slow and
plodding at times, the forces that are
in action in this country are starting
to bring change for the betterment of
the citizens of this country.
The current term of
representational government that we
have is derived from two areas of
the world. One part, in principle, is
from ancient Greece with its form of
democracy. This was where the
citizens of Greece rotated through
the positions of government and
were directly involved with the
destiny of their government.
The second part is from the
Iroquois Confederacy with their
basis for the Constitution. The
framework of a representational
form of government was originally
laid out on these two models.
Unfortunately, there has been some
modifications since this country
formed and this form of government
has been altered to a great degree.
The state has become the
all-consuming entity while the
people or tribes have become extinct
and expendable in order to ensure
the survival of the state. Within
these seeds lies the basis of the Cold
War Era that has existed and is now
again be recognized and understood
to ensure the survival of our lives.
I believe our world has been on a
collision course for thousands of
years with the modern industrial
society  on one side and the
traditional tribal society on the other.
In the traditional society we see
that people are regarded as valuble
resources and treated as such. In the
modern industrial society we see
things, i.e., products, hardware,
material wealth, are of value and
that people have become disposable
and of a second level of
consideration.
This breakdown of our basic
"tribes" is what has caused a great
concern in our country today and
created the upwelling of the people
to speak out against the State and its
policies of domination and control
over all.
People are afraid and know that
they have slowly lost control of their
own destiny, (not to be confused
with manifest destiny). This
isolation of the individual can be
seen through some of the
symptomatic breakdowns that are
occurring in our country. For
example, the Los Angeles and New
York riots. The issues of no jobs,
health care, educational issues,
pro-choice/life issues, and a general
fear for the ongoing recession and
depression that has come over this
country that we are seeing and
concerned about.
Do we have an environment that
we can pass on to our descendants?
Americans are scared and frightened
by the forces that are loose and
wonder what they can do to change
the direction of their country's
direction.
All of these statements became
quite apparent while attending the
different levels of the Democratic
National Convention. As I had also
been at a State Convention as a
delegate, I began to see more clearly
that my concerns were again brought
up by a greater number of
individuals. Throughout my trip
through the political world I saw and
met people that voiced the same
fears and concerns about where was
our government and country going.
What could we do to try and provide
a shift in the direction of this
madness?
Recently, I read an article in which
the definition of crime and
democracy were described. When I
read them, I felt that this in one
small way was part of the essence of
our breakdown in the political
system. The definitions are as
follows:
Crime: this is a hot-button word.
Push it often. Concentrate on violent
actions by individual criminals and
not cold-blooded (sometimes
deadly) decisions by corporate
managers.
Democracy: commonly a system
where each adult has a vote, and the
wealthy have more effective ways to
determine government policies.
At the state convention, I began to
see a better picture of the
manipulations that was being used
by the different forces to try and
gather delegates into their
prospective camps. The shell artists
and hucksters for all of the
presidential candidates were
definitely in a state of turmoil and
unrest in the business of collecting
souls for they're in the business of
collecting souls for masters in
Washington. My thoughts were in a
state of unrest as I heard the
promises and salesmanship these
jackals of their masters speak. I
wondered how this could occur
through the primaries and their
glamour techniques ofthe 10 second
soundbite and short catchy phrases.
Where was there the right of the
individual and elected delegate to
make his choice like his forerunners
of old in Greece did? I felt that it
was important to make a statement
by not giving up that right of choice
and by doing so would best
represent the constituency that
elected me to this level in the
process.
At this convention, I was
approached by several individuals
and asked to run as a uncommitted
delegate at large from the State and
be their representative to the
Democratic National Convention.
My first thoughts were, "Wait a
moment, I turned this down once
before and I could not make this
decision alone. I told them that I
would be* honored by their request,
but that I would have to ask my own
group of delegates first and seek
their approval, advice and counsel
on this matter.
I asked my fellow delegates from
Beltrami County what I should do
and how we could make this work?
Without the overall support of the
Veos', Nips', Beckmans', Killiians',
and Halls', I could not make this
decision by myself. In very blunt
terms, I was told by all means to go
for it, and that they would help me
in raising the funds for this trip. So
with their support I ran as an
uncommitted delegate from the
state.
The competition was stiff within
the uncommitted ranks. We has
garnered enough support to have
four delegates given to our
uncommitted caucus and through
gender balance, we would have
three women and men representing
our caucus. I ran against eight other
men from across the state and
through a plurality ballot process
involving five separate votes. I was
elected as a National Delegate to
attend the convention in New York
City.
So here I am, just a little
ol' country boy from Beltrami
County going to the Big Apple to
represent my brothers and sisters
from the State of Minnesota. I felt
greatly honored and moved by the
support I received from new friends
and supporters from all over the
The Journey/pg.3
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