Economic Development Means Community Development (Paul Bresette, President 6/13/05)

We are all painfully aware of the long list of social ills in Indian Country. Unemployment rates that far exceed those found anywhere in the United States, Diabetes, Alcoholism, Teen suicide, Poverty and more. For years, we have looked outside of Indian Country for the answer. We look to the State Government or the Federal Agencies, or even to Charitable organizations to find the solutions to these problems.

In a speech given at our recent Conference, Dr. Stormy Hicks, President of ITT Industries, Fluid Handling Systems, sited example after example of Native people being first at many things. He sited such innovations as the first syringes to calendars, to recognizing the healing powers of the plants and herbs around us. The Native people have always been innovators and leaders and it is time we focus that energy on the positive of Economic Development.

Economic Development in Indian Country will put the resources to begin to deal with all of the social issues we have into the hands of the people best qualified to solve these problems…..The Native American people themselves.

Our Mission, to build relationships between Indian Country and Corporate America, is critical to Economic Development. Until the Corporations of the world see the vast potential and benefits of doing business in, and with, Indian Country growth will be slow. As Corporations begin to know Indian Country and Native America better understands the Corporate world, I am convinced that unprecedented growth will take place.

We all need to rededicate ourselves to making this a reality. Find an area where you can help someone succeed (no matter how small) and make it happen. One success leads to another and then to another. This is far too important to leave to someone else to do.

DO IT YOURSELF AND DO IT TODAY!