"A “revolution” is sweeping across indigenous lands from Montana to New Zealand, according to one of the country's leading economic development experts. “Indian nations are in the mix of an economic revolution,” said Manley Begay Jr., a faculty member of the Native Nations Institute at Arizona State University. “It's about building societies that work. It's happening in indigenous communities throughout the world. These are really exciting times to see all this occurring.”

Beginning Monday, national experts, tribal leaders and Native entrepreneurs will meet to discuss economic development in Indian Country during the third annual Montana Indian Business Alliance conference. Begay is scheduled to deliver the keynote address for the event, which runs two days at Missoula's Hilton Garden Inn.

The MIBA gathering is expected to draw more than 200 participants, providing a forum for discussion of the challenges and opportunities in creating jobs and developing businesses in tribal communities.

“A lot of tribes have been in the mode of tribal enterprise with c-stores and casinos, which has its place,” said Maria Valandra, MIBA chair. “But tribal leaders also need to be looking out for the entrepreneurs, carving out an avenue for individual businesses.”

In the end, everyone should leave the conference “realizing there are opportunities in Indian Country and on every reservation in Montana,” Valandra said. “Here are people, resources and networking opportunities. This is a place where they can talk and help each other.”"

Get the Story:
Indian Business Alliance: 3rd annual conference plans for future, jobs (The Missoulian 4/15)

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