Tribal business, heritage celebrations, Natives and ND state Legislature
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Inaugural Tribal Econ Summit tackles financial growth on Northern Plains
Inaugural Tribal Econ Summit to tackle financial growth, collaboration for Indigenous communities in Northern Plains
By Adrianna Adame
High-fashion designer Kayla Lookinghorse is just one of many presenters set to inspire participants at the inaugural Tribal Econ Summit in North Dakota’s Bismarck Event Center Jan. 22-24.
A citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Lookinghorse is the originator of the fashion brand K. Lookinghorse. At the summit, she aims to shed light on the value of Indigenous-led businesses in the global marketplace, she told Buffalo’s Fire. “It’s important for me to be there and share my unique journey in creating a brand that is expanding into an ecosystem within the fashion industry,” she said.
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage at Bismarck High School
By Adrianna Adame
On Friday, Bismarck Public Schools and the Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee hosted the second annual Indigenous Heritage Night at Bismarck High School. The evening was filled with cultural pride and unity as students, alumni and families celebrated Native culture.
During the game, a slideshow honoring nearly 70 graduating Native students and alumni played on the Jumbotron. At the same time, local organizations like Oún, Sacred Pipe Resource Center, and Native Inc. provided community information.
Attendees enjoyed traditional foods like corn soup and frybread, and those wearing Native "swag" received free admission to the games. The Bismarck Demons took home the win, with the boys defeating Legacy 86-63 and the girls narrowly beating Legacy 65-58.
BPS Indigenous Education Director Tomi Cimarosti shared, "Our kids deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. This event is about celebrating their achievements and showing them they’re represented."
Billi Jo Beheler, chair of the IPAC, expressed gratitude to all who collaborated to make the night possible.
“Indigenous Heritage Night is beneficial to the community at large because it unites all individuals in recognizing the diverse and rich cultures of our tribal nations,” she said. “By organizing an Indigenous Heritage Night, we can combat harmful stereotypes, raise awareness, and share a platform for Indigenous culture and language to be experienced and celebrated in a unique way.”
Standing Rock Chair Alkire urges lawmakers to support Native education
Janet Alkire, chairwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, delivered the opening address at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck on Jan. 7. She praised SB 2304 for highlighting the story of the state’s tribes. She thanked former Gov. Doug Burgum for his support of tribal communities. Alkire urged lawmakers to continue advancing education policies that benefit North Dakota’s tribes.
“As education bills move through the state and at the federal level, we want to work with you to ensure the outcomes are in the best interest of all children,” she said. “I know we agree that the children of our state deserve the best opportunities we can provide for them.”