First Nations Hosts Asset-Building Institute in Mystic Lake, MN
First Nations Development Institute hosted the "2009 Native Asset-Building Institute: Strengthening Strategies in Indian Country for Asset Control & Management" at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota on October 5-6, 2009. This conference focused on a number of asset-building activities for Indian Nations, such as developing tribal asset-building infrastructure, community development financial institutions, renewable energy development and tribal philanthropy and the role of peer mentoring and learning in Indian Country. Over 70 people from various tribes and Native organizations attended this event to learn from leading practitioners in these fields. Moreover, representatives from some of the nation's top philanthropic organizations were in attendance and participated in a panel discussion titled, "Foundation Funding in Indian Country: Opportunities and Challenges."Mike Roberts, president of First Nations noted, "the primary goal of this Institute was to provide information to tribes as they continue to develop their economies." This event provided practical and necessary information about strategies for tribes as they continue to pursue and develop asset-building strategies within their communities.
"This event was a success. Our expert panelists provided a great deal of information for participants. We are thankful to all the speakers and attendees that made this event a success," said Roberts.
This institute was part of a new First Nations project, the Native Asset-Building Partnership Project, funded by the Otto Bremer Foundation.
Download the report Conference Report 2009 Asset Building Institute
