Blackfeet Tribe to hold meeting on economic development deal on Monday

The Blackfeet Tribe is holding a public meeting Monday morning to finalize an agreement with a private venture-capitalist group to explore economic development opportunities on the reservation.

From Tribune reports

The meeting is 9 a.m. in the Blackfeet Indian Housing Authority conference room.

Tribal members will discuss teaming with Robinson & Associates on topics such as oil and gas development, tourism and more business for the Blackfeet corporation Pikuni Industries.

"The meeting is very important to the people interested in this profit-sharing plan of the Tribe and partners, Robinson & Associates," Tribal Chairman William "Allen" Talks About said in a news release.

Robinson & Associates develops resources and income potential for minority groups. Charles Robinson, a representative of the organization, will be present at Monday’s meeting to answer questions.

Robinson & Associates has developed plans to incorporate mentor-protÈgÈ programs into each of the proposed projects to allow the Blackfeet Tribe to manage its own resources, according to the news release.

"The partnership contract will have a positive impact on existing tribal member businesses as well as the entire reservation economy, with job potential expected to reach a minimum of 400 people," Talks About said. "This partnership does not interfere with current tribal government operations."

For more information, call (406) 338-7276.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20030105/localnews/713954.html