By Pamela Standing | Project Leader
We would like to continue our story of Herb. Since our last report Herb was just retiring as the Tribal Police Chief for this community to launch his new business. He recently completed a small building on his property to house his machines, fabric and have a beautiful workspace. His business Round Lake Traditions has taken off and is growing rapidly.
Herb embodies the word Indigenpreneur - Definition: verb. An Indigenous visionary and entrepreneur who identifies a problem and creates a solution, striking out to make a better life for their family and community. ~MNIBA
What inspires us most, is that these dedicated and busy entrepreneurs take time to give back to the community. Herb, recently taught a ribbon skirt making class.. The event was hosted and sponsored by a new partnership between rhe American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and the Center of American Indian and Minority Health. AICHO's Gimaajii and Shelter residents along with Native medical students got to learn together how to make their FIRST ever ribbon skirts! There were so many smiles throughout the session. Herb was an amazing teacher who taught not just sewing skills but also cultural significance and customs around ribbon skirts of what he was taught. He shared to the class that making a ribbon skirt is an empowering thing and that when they wear their skirts, that they made, they should wear them with pride. He was joined by a fellow tribal member and artist Wendy, who was there to help the participants when needed. One of the community members made an amazing Indigenous meal to share of manoomin (wild rice) and turkey sausage mushroom stuffed peppers and two delicious salad for the participants.
It is events like this that make our work worthwhile and we burst with pride over the amazing generosity of our native entrepreneurs! This is what Indigenous looks like!
We are excited about the momentum of MNIBA's Buy Native statewide campaign and its impact and how it is elevating our native entrepreneurs. It is through generous donations like yours that make our work possible. Wopida - Chi Miigwech - Thank You!
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