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University of Montana Hosts Camp For Young American Indian Business Leaders

June 16, 2010 /

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

American Indian students entering grades 7 and 8 this fall are at The University of Montana this week for an INDigi-Biz 101 Summer Business Leaders Camp.

UM’s School of Business Administration, in partnership with the American Indian Business Leaders http://www.aibl.org , received a grant from the Montana GEAR UP program to conduct the weeklong camp that offers a comprehensive, hands-on academic program that immerses students in business, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The camp runs through Friday, June 18, at UM. Twenty-six Native American youth were selected from across the state to participate and learn about business from both an indigenous and contemporary perspective. Through a Native American lens, they will see snapshots of the business world, make friends with students from other tribes, and live and study in a university campus setting.

Members of UM’s American Indian Business Leaders are serving as camp staff, advisers, and mentors – sharing their knowledge, experience and insight.

At the end of the week, students will attend a luncheon at the newly opened Payne Family Native American Center at UM to present their final projects to family, friends and local business people.

“We are proud to support and participate in the camp,” said Don Luke, business banking specialist with Wells Fargo Bank in Missoula. “It offers an opportunity to nurture economic growth, innovation and the American dream.”

The UM event is one of four camps this summer that provides a unique, reflective experience to geographically dispersed American Indian students interested in business and entrepreneurship, while using technology and enhancing their skills in financial literacy, business communication and marketing.

American Indian Business Leaders is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the representation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in business or entrepreneurship through education and leadership development opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.aibl.org .

Following are the UM camp participants’ names, tribe and middle school:

* Emilie Charlo (Salish), St. Ignatius

* Kourtney Chavez (Crow), Hardin

* Tiffany Clubfoote (Cheyenne), Lame Deer

* Erica Denney (Blackfeet), Heart Butte

* Elvin DogTakingGun (Blackfeet), Heart Butte

* Antonio Galaz, Hardin

* Greg Hall (Blackfeet), Browning

* Ashley Heavy Runner (Blackfeet), Browning

* Vernice Hugs (Crow), Hardin

* Tiana Iron Horse (Crow), Lodge Grass

* Alyssa LaMere (Chippewa Cree), Box Elder