Warmest  greetings  from  the  SD  Department  of  Tribal  Relations!  January  has  been  a  whirlwind  month  of  activity  for  the  Department,  and  I  thank  everyone  who  was  able  to  participate  and  contribute  to  the  events  of  this  past  month.  South  Dakota’s  first  State  of  the  Tribes  address  given  by  Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribal  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  and  this  year’s  State-­‐Tribal  Relations  Events  in  partnership  with  the  South  Dakota  Department  of  Veterans  Affairs  were  incredible  successes.    Thank  you  to  all  our  tribal  leaders,  legislators,  and  state  leaders  who  participated.  Incredible  conversations  have  begun  and  I  look  forward  to  them  continuing  for  the  betterment  of  all  South  Dakotans.  

Legislative  session  is  underway,  and  quickly  reaching  its  halfway  point.  If  you  have  not  yet  had  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  legislative  process,  or  simply  visit  the  legislature  and  see  State  government  in  action,  I  encourage  you  to  do  so.  It  is  a  great  privilege  that  we  as  South  Dakotans  have  an  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  process  that  creates  laws  and  meet  with  legislators.  

SD  Department  of  Tribal  Relations  Issue  #  13   February  2016  

 

From  Secretary  Steve  Emery  

South  Dakota  Department  of  Tribal  Relations    

302  E.  Dakota  Ave.  Pierre,  SD    57501  605-­‐773-­‐3415  

 

 

www.sdtribalrelations.com  

What’s  Inside  From  the  Secretary  

State  of  the  Tribes  

Thank  you  to  Sponsors  

State  Tribal  Relations  Listening  Session  &  Reception  

State  Tribal  Relations  Awardees  

McIntosh  High  School  prepares  meal  

InterTribal  Buffalo  Council  &  Lakota  Thrifty  Mart  

Danielle  DeCoteau  with  the  Lakota  Women  Warriors  places  the  American  flag  during  the  State  Tribal  Relations  Rotunda  Ceremony.  

Highlights  of  Rotunda  Ceremony  

Speakers  at  Rotunda  Ceremony  

2016  Youth  Trooper  Academy  

Strategic  Health  Plan  

Rural  Energy  

Financing  College  

Economic  Development  

Community  Revitalization  

 

 

2  

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

State  of  the  Tribes  Address  January  14,  2016  

Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  gave  the  first  State  of  the  Tribes  Address  to  the  South  Dakota  Legislature  on  January  14,  2016.    Oglala  Sioux  Tribe  President  John  Yellow  Bird  Steele  

made  opening  remarks  with  prayers  from  Spiritual  Leader  Arvol  Looking  Horse.    Tribal  leadership  from  many  of  the  other  tribes  that  share  South  Dakota’s  borders  was  in  attendance.  

Representative  Don  Haggar,  Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  and  Secretary  Steve  Emery.  

Spiritual  Leader  Arvol  Looking  Horse,  Oglala  Sioux  Tribe  President  John  Yellow  Bird  Steele  and  Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier.  

Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  gives  the  first  State  of  the  Tribes  Address.    Lt.  Gov.  Matt  Michels  looks  on.  

Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  gives  the  first  State  of  the  Tribes  Address  in  the  House  Chambers.

SD  Legislature  and  Tribal  Leaders  attend  the  first  State  of  the  Tribes  Address.  

Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Harold  Frazier  at  the  State  Capitol.

 

 

3  

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

A  Heartfelt  Thanks  from  the  South  Dakota  Department  of  Tribal  Relations!  Every  year  the  South  Dakota  Department  of  Tribal  Relations  holds  several  events  during  the  South  Dakota  Legislative  Session.    These  events  would  not  be  possible  without  the  support  of  grants  and  sponsorships.  

This  year  the  Shakopee  Mdewakanton  Sioux  Community  gave  the  Department  of  Tribal  Relations  a  $2500.00  grant  to  help  support  these  important  events.  

Events  included  a  Listening  Session  on  a  variety  of  Veterans  issues,  a  legislative  reception,  Governor’s  Leadership  Breakfast,  and  the  State  Tribal  Relations  Rotunda  Ceremony.  

Other  sponsors  of  these  events  included  Scull  Construction,  Sanford  Health,  Cherry-­‐Todd  Electric  Cooperative,  Wells  Fargo,  South  Dakota  Indian  Business  Alliance,  InterTribal  Buffalo  Council,  Black  Hills  Federal  Credit  Union,  Lakota  Thrifty  Mart,  Thunder  Valley  Development  Corporation,  Prairie  Edge,  Moreau  Grand  Electric  Cooperative,  Avera,  and  1st  Tribal  Lending.  

It  is  with  the  help  of  these  sponsors  that  we  are  able  to  hold  these  events  to  bring  together  tribal  and  state  leaders  on  a  variety  of  issues  and  strengthen  the  government-­‐to-­‐government  relationship.    Thank  you  sponsors!  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

4  

State  Tribal  Relations  Listening  Session  on  Veterans  Affairs  and  Legislative  Reception  

The  South  Dakota  Department  of  Tribal  Relations  was  proud  to  be  partnered  with  the  South  Dakota  Department  of  Veterans  Affairs  for  the  2016  State  Tribal  Relations  Events.    Together  we  held  a  listening  session  covering  a  variety  of  veteran  related  topics  including;  Veterans  Claims,  Veterans  Health,  SD  Veterans  Home,  the  Code  Talker  Memorial,  Education,  Job  Training,  Troops  to  Teachers,  Veterans  Home  Loans,  Veteran  Owned  Small  Business,  and  Veterans  Courts.  

The  Legislative  Reception  was  an  opportunity  for  tribal  leadership  to  meet  with  legislators  and  others  in  state  leadership.    We  hope  these  opportunities  help  to  build  our  government-­‐to-­‐government  relationship.

Governor  Daugaard  speaks  to  Listening  Session  Attendees.  

Dave  Puls  from  the  Small  Business  Administration  talks  with  attendees.  

Representative  Don  Haggar  talks  with  CRST  Veteran  Service  Office  Robert  Dunsmore.  

Dianne  Amiotte,  InterTribal  Buffalo  Council  speaks  with  YST  Chairman  Robert  Flying  Hawk.  

Veterans  Affairs  Secretary  Larry  Zimmerman  welcomes  attendees.  

CCST  Chairwoman  Roxanne  Sazue  at  Listening  Session.

Veterans  Affairs  Health  Care  Systems  Sandra  Horsman  and  Darwin  Goodspeed.  

CRST  Legislative  Tech.  Matt  Vogel. Bill  O’Dea  with  Troops  to  Teachers  . SRST  Veteran  Service  Officer  Manaja  

Veterans  Affairs  Program  Specialist  Steve  Olivia.

Lt.  Governor  Matt  Michels  with  Tribal  Relations  Secretary  Steve  Emery.  

A  member  of  the  legislature  speaks  with  Ramon  Bear  Runner  and  John  Hussman,  OST.  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

5  

The  2016  State  Tribal  Relations  Awardees  were  Jerald  Lytle  and  Royce  Loesch.    Each  year  the  Department  of  Tribal  Relations  tries  to  recognize  those  that  make  significant  contributions  to  the  state  tribal  relationship.    This  year’s  theme  “Honoring  Our  Veterans”  had  us  looking  at  those  that  had  made  a  difference  for  our  veterans.  

Jerry  Lytle  

Jerald  “Jerry  Lytle”  comes  to  us  from  the  Crow  Creek  Reservation,  where  he  has  dedicated  himself  to  creating  a  good  place  for  veterans  in  his  community.  Led  by  the  motto  of  “All  Gave  Some,  Some  Gave  All”,  Jerry  founded  the  Veterans’  Memorial  Lodge  in  Fort  Thompson,  South  Dakota  to  provide  veterans  with  a  place  to  gather.    

 While  Jerry  is  not  an  employee  of  the  tribe,  not  a  

Veteran  Service  Office,  he  gives  of  himself  to  each  of  the  veterans  he  serves.  Jerry  has  been  a  consistent  presence  at  tribal  veterans  meetings,  a  supporter  of  the  SD  Code  Talker  Memorial,  and  a  friend  to  Native  veterans  throughout  our  State.  For  his  selflessness  and  dedication,  we  recognize  Jerald  Lytle  for  advancing  State-­‐Tribal  Relations  and  service  to  veterans.  

 Royce  Loesch  

               Royce  Loesch,  who  was  born  in  Faulkton,  S.D.,  and  raised  in  Missouri,  joined  the  Army  National  Guard  Infantry  unit  in  Cape  Girardeau,  Mo.,  in  November  of  1962.  Although  initially  trained  as  an  Infantryman,  Loesch  eventually  moved  to  South  Dakota  and  joined  Artillery  units  in  Sioux  Falls  and  later  Pierre  as  a  member  of  the  147th  Field  Artillery  Headquarters  and  Headquarters  Battery.  Loesch  had  also  served  Battalions  out  of  Belle  Fourche  and  Huron.  

             Loesch  has  been  a  licensed  barber  for  49  years  having  worked  in  barbershops  throughout  South  Dakota,  including  Pierre.  As  a  member  of  the  American  Legion  in  South  Dakota,  Loesch  has  served  multiple  posts,  positions  of  leadership,  and  has  been  the  recipient  of  multiple  accolades  and  honors.    As  a  veteran,  and  member  of  the  American  Legion,  Loesch  

State  Tribal  Relations  Awardees  Jerald  Lytle  and  Royce  Loesch  

Jerry  Lytle  and  Royce  Loesch  with  the  Lakota  Women  Warrior  Honor  Guard:  Brenda  White  Bull,  Bonnie  St.  John  McGhee,  Kella  With  Horn,  and  Danielle  DeCoteau.  

has  dedicated  himself  to  supporting  the  creation  of  communities  for  veterans  and  highlighting  veteran  issues.  Loesch  has  worked  throughout  the  State,  including  in  Indian  Country  to  support  veterans.  For  his  leadership  and  dedication,  we  recognize  Royce  Loesch  for  advancing  State-­‐Tribal  Relations  and  service  to  veterans.  

             Thank  you,  Jerry  Lytle  and  Royce  Loesch  for  your  service  to  veterans  and  through  this  work  helping  to  improve  the  state  tribal  relationship  in  the  State  of  South  Dakota!  

Jerry  Lytle,  Royce  Loesch,  Veterans  Affairs  Secretary  Larry  Zimmerman  and  Tribal  Relations  Secretary  Steve  Emery  at  the  2016  Rotunda  Ceremony.  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

6  

McIntosh  High  School  ProStart  Culinary  Arts  and  Restaurant  Management  Program  students  prepared  the  meal  for  the  2016  State  Tribal  Relations  Rotunda  event.  

ProStart  is  a  two-­‐year  high  school  business  management  curriculum  focused  on  restaurant  and  food  service  courses.  Through  the  program,  high  school  students  learn  business  math,  nutrition,  workplace  safety,  cooking  skills,  customer  service,  cost  planning,  labor  costs,  inventory  control,  and  other  business  basics.    Nationwide,  ProStart  is  administered  by  the  National  Restaurant  Association  Educational  Foundation.  South  Dakota's  ProStart  Program  was  established  in  2007,  and  is  administered  by  the  South  Dakota  Retailers  Association  in  partnership  with  the  South  Dakota  Department  of  Education.    McIntosh  High  School  ProStart  team  won  the  State  ProStart  Culinary  competition  last  year  and  represented  South  Dakota  at  Nationals  last  April  in  Anaheim  California.    

We  would  like  to  thank  McIntosh  High  School,  instructor  LaKisha  Jordan,  and  students;  Harley  Schell,  Sierra  Nix,  Rio  Mittleider,  Winter  Edinger,  Sunshine  White,  Joseph  Jamerson,  Paige  Clark,  Morgen  Maher,  Dalton  Mittleider,  Emilee  Fergel,  and  Matt  Bunn.  

McIntosh  High  School  ProStart  Culinary  Arts  and  Restaurant  Management  Program  Students  prepare  the  2016  State  Tribal  

Relations  Rotunda  Meal  

Special  thanks  to  InterTribal  Buffalo  Council  and  Lakota  Thrifty  Mart  for  their  continued  support  of  our  State  Tribal  Relations  Events!  

This  year’s  meal  was  a  Buffalo  Meat  Indian  Taco.    InterTribal  Buffalo  Council  provided  us  with  the  buffalo  meat  and  Lakota  Thrifty  Mart  supplied  all  the  other  ingredients  to  make  for  a  delicious  midday  meal!  

InterTribal  Buffalo  Council  and  Lakota  Thrifty  Mart  provided  the  ingredients  for  a  great  meal!  

McIntosh  High  School  ProStart  Instructor  LaKisha  Jordan  with  students  Harley  Schell  and  Sierra  Nix,  ready  to  serve  the  meal  at  the  Capitol  Rotunda.  

SD  Supreme  Court  Justice  Zinter  greets  Marge  Two  Hawk  as  they  line-­‐up  for  lunch.  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

7  

Highlights  from  the  2016  State  Tribal  Relations  Rotunda  Ceremony  

Lakota  Women  Warriors  with  Governor  Dennis  Daugaard  &  DTR  Secretary  Steve  Emery.  

Gayla  Bennett  &  Shelia  Farmer  with  the  Office  of  the  Special  Trustee  and  Marge  Two  Hawk.  

Sisseton  Wahpeton  Oyate  display  features  Medal  of  Honor  recipient  Woodrow  Keeble.  

Sculptor  Darwin  Wolfe  displays  his  work  on  the  statues  for  the  Code  Talkers  Memorial.  

SD  Dept.  of  Veterans  Affairs  State  Field  Officers  Kevin  Bowen,  William  Huffman,  and  Kevin  Swanson.  

Standing  Rock  Sioux  Tribal  Veteran  Service  Officer  Trainee  Kevin  Jamerson  and  Tribal  Veteran  Service  Officer  Manaja  Hill.  

Yankton  Sioux  Tribe  Veterans  with  YST  Chairman  Robert  Flying  Hawk.  

Former  SD  Indian  Affairs  Commissioner  Art  Zimiga  at  the  Capitol  Rotunda.  

McIntosh  High  School  ProStart  Culinary  Arts  students  feed  attendees.  

Bad  Nation  drum  group  members  Gerald  and  Darrell  Zephier  perform  during  State  Tribal  Relations  Day  at  the  Capitol  Rotunda.  

K.C.  Russell,  Secretary  of  Veterans  Affairs  Larry  Zimmerman,  Kella  With  Horn,  and  Deputy  Secretary  of  Veterans  Affairs  Aaron  Pollard.  

Honor  Guards  include  Lakota  Women  Warriors,  Yankton  Sioux  Tribe  Veterans  and  Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  Veterans.  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

8  

Speakers  at  the  2016  State  Tribal  Relations  Rotunda  Ceremony  

Yankton  Sioux  Tribe  Chairman  Robert  Flying  Hawk  

Governor  Dennis  Daugaard   Oglala  Sioux  Tribe  President  John  Yellow  Bird  Steele  

Lt.  Governor  Matt  Michels  

Crow  Creek  Sioux  Tribe  Chairwoman  Roxanne  Sazue  

Lakota  Women  Warriors,  Cheyenne  River  Sioux  Tribe  and  

the  Yankton  Sioux  Tribe  are  Honor  Guards  for  State  Tribal  Relations  

Day  at  the  Capitol  Rotunda.  

Secretary  of  State  Shantel  Krebs  

Rosebud  Sioux  Tribe  Councilman  William  Bear  Shield  

SD  Attorney  General  Marty  Jackley  

Royce  Loesch,  Jerry  Lytle,  &  Tribal  Relations  Secretary  Steve  Emery  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

9  

[Recipient]  Address  Line  1  Address  Line  2  Address  Line  3  Address  Line  4  

Do YOU have what it takes?

2016 youth

trooper academy

JUNE 27- JULY 1, 2016 ★ PIERRE, SD

Are you interested in law enforcement? The Youth Trooper Academy provides an intensive weeklong experience at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center in Pierre, SD. Veteran Troopers provide mentorship and hands-on training in the following areas:

x firearms safety • leadership x defensive driving • defensive tactics x crash investigation • criminal law x traffic stops

Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors in good academic standing. The program utilizes a paramilitary approach, and is therefore physically and mentally demanding. Be prepared!

to apply: Check out http://www.sdlegion.org/program/sd-youth-trooper-academy/ or

http://dps.sd.gov/enforcement/highway_patrol/ for more information and qualifications. Applications can be found on the website, with any state trooper, your guidance counselor or at your local American Legion.

Application deadline is March 26, 2016

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

10  

 

Health  Department’s  2015-­‐2020  Strategic  Plan  Aims  to  Reduce  Health  Disparities  

South  Dakota’s  American  Indian  population  experiences  shorter  life  expectancies,  higher  rates  of  health  risk  behaviors  and  higher  rates  of  infectious  diseases  like  STDs  and  chronic  disease  such  as  diabetes.  Eliminating  those  health  disparities  is  a  critical  guiding  principle  of  the  Department  of  Health’s  just-­‐released  2015-­‐2020  strategic  plan.  Tribes  are  key  partners  in  the  department’s  mission  to  promote,  protect  and  improve  the  health  of  South  Dakotans  and  have  long  worked  with  the  state  on  such  issues  as  controlling  TB  outbreaks,  preventing  sexually  transmitted  diseases,  and  promoting  safe  sleep  practices  for  infants.  The  new  plan  offers  a  roadmap  for  improving  public  health  over  the  next  five  years  under  the  broad  goal  areas  of  healthcare  accessibility  and  quality,  health  across  the  lifespan,  response  to  public  health  threats,  strategic  partnerships,  and  strengthening  the  public  health  infrastructure.  Each  goal  area  includes  detailed  objectives  and  strategies  along  with  key  performance  indicators  and  a  commitment  to  eliminating  health  disparities  cuts  across  the  entire  plan.  The  strategic  plan  and  supporting  materials  can  found  on  the  department’s  website  at  doh.sd.gov/strategicplan/.  As  work  on  the  plan  proceeds,  watch  the  site  for  progress  reports  and  trend  information  on  performance  indicators.  The  latest  addition  at  the  site  is  a  set  of  detailed  data  dashboards  for  selected  indicators—routine  physician  checkups,  infant  mortality,  smoking,  immunizations,  and  suicide.    The  Department  of  Health  looks  forward  to  continued  collaboration  with  the  tribes  in  the  many  areas  where  our  missions  overlap.  Working  together,  we  can  achieve  the  vision  of  Healthy  People,  Healthy  Communities,  Healthy  South  Dakota.  

RURAL  ENERGY  FOR  AMERICA  PROGRAM  

How  can  the  Rural  Energy  for  America  Program  (REAP)  work  for  you?  

Application  Deadline  -­‐  for  all  size  projects  is  May  2,  2016.      

In  2015  REAP  helped:      

•   South  Dakota  grocers  save  money  on  their  energy  costs  by  replacing  lighting  and  coolers.  

•   South  Dakota  rural  small  businesses  install  energy-­‐efficient  equipment  like  new  HVAC  systems     and  lighting.  

•   South  Dakota  farmers  and  ranchers  replace  expensive,  fossil-­‐fuel-­‐based  energy  systems,  such  as     grain  drying  equipment,  with  cost-­‐effective,  energy  efficient  systems.  

REAP  can  finance:    thermostat  controls  for  heating  and  cooling;  LED  lighting  replacement,  solar  panels  or  wind  turbine  to  help  reduce  energy  costs;  anaerobic  digesters;  renewable  biomass  conversion  systems;  and  more  options  for  energy  savings.  

How  to  start  an  application:  Visit  the  energy  program  webpage  to  learn  more  and  find  application  toolkits.  Contact  Jolene  Pravecek,  USDA  Rural  Development  Energy  Coordinator  at  (605)  665-­‐2662,  Ext.  116  or  email  jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov  for  assistance.  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

11  

Unless  you  were  the  lucky  winner  of  the  gigantic  Powerball  lottery  this  year,  financial  assistance  is  critical  when  paying  for  college.  Luckily,  there  are  a  lot  of  financial  aid  resources  available.  The  key  is  to  understand  how  to  find  the  resources  and  when  to  apply  for  them.  

Where  to  start?  It  really  all  begins  with  completing  the  federal  financial  aid  form  known  as  the  FAFSA.  All  colleges  require  this  form  before  they  can  award  any  type  of  financial  aid.  The  different  types  of  financial  aid  are  (1)  grants,  free  funds,  (2)  student  loans,  low-­‐interest  loans  that  do  not  have  to  be  paid  back  until  the  student  is  done  with  school  in  most  cases,  and  (3)  work  study,  or  part-­‐time  employment  usually  on  campus.    

Many  high  schools  and  colleges  partner  to  offer  Financial  Aid  Nights  or  Workshops  for  families  and  students.  You  can  get  your  questions  answered  and  receive  assistance  in  completing  the  FAFSA  online  while  attending  the  events.  Families  can  also  go  online  to  get  information  and  complete  the  FAFSA:  https://fafsa.ed.gov/.  

2016  Financial  Aid  /FAFSA  Workshops  

February  17  –  Lyman  County  HS,  Presho,  6:30  p.m.  February  18  –  White  River  HS,  White  River,  6  p.m.  February  24  –  Red  Cloud  HS,  Red  Cloud,  5  p.m.  February  29  -­‐  Chamberlain  HS,  Chamberlain,  7  p.m.  

Scholarships  and  Other  Resources  

Scholarships  and  resources  are  available  for  students  as  well.  Some  are  found  through  local,  state,  and  national  organizations.  Others  can  be  found  through  high  school  counselors,  Indian  Education  offices,  and  college  Financial  Aid  or  Admissions  offices.  Check  out  the  following  links  for  more  information  about  scholarships:  

• http://www.selectdakota.org/resources/scholarships/    

• http://www.olc.edu//student_services/fin_aid_links/scholarships.htm  

• National  Indian  Education  Association    US  Department  of  Education  Office  of  Indian  Education    

Financing  College  When  You  Didn’t  Win  the  Powerball:  

SD  Jump  Start  Offers  Financial  Assistance  and  Resources  for  College  

• Bureau  of  Indian  Education    National  Johnson-­‐O’Malley  Association  

• American  Indian  College  Fund    Hagen  Harvey  

• http://college.usatoday.com/2016/01/06/best-­‐scholarship-­‐resources/  

Financing  your  college  education  can  take  little  more  effort  than  buying  a  Powerball  ticket,  but  the  odds  are  ever  so  much  more  in  your  favor  –  especially  if  you  do  the  work.  Early  applicants  tend  to  get  more  money,  so  begin  the  FAFSA  and  scholarship  application  processes  today!    

South  Dakota  Jump  Start:  Here  to  Help.  

South  Dakota  Jump  Start  is  a  grant-­‐funded  program  that  assists  Native  American  and  low-­‐income  students  throughout  the  college  process.  Jump  Start  Advisors  help  students  in  the  high  schools  navigate  college  details  such  as  financial  aid  applications  as  well  as  finding  and  applying  for  scholarships.  In  addition,  Jump  Start  Advisors  are  available  to  meet  with  families  one-­‐on-­‐one,  often  coming  to  their  homes  or  communities  to  help  students  and  families  through  the  process.  

If  students  are  Native  American  or  low-­‐income  and  choose  to  attend  a  participating  Jump  Start  college,  they  can  join  the  Jump  Start  program  and  qualify  for  additional  services  and  resources,  a  total  value  of  over  $8,000.  The  program  includes  a  free  summer  bridge  program,  a  living-­‐learning  community  with  other  Jump  Start  students,  a  lending  library,  an  advisor,  and  so  much  more.  

For  additional  information  or  assistance  with  FAFSA  or  scholarship  applications,  contact  South  Dakota  Jump  Start  toll-­‐free  at  1-­‐844-­‐601-­‐6957  or  find  us  at  www.sdbor.edu/jumpstart  or  on  Facebook.  

SD  Jump  Start  Participating  Schools    Black  Hills  State  University  Dakota  State  University  Northern  State  University  Oglala  Lakota  College  SD  School  of  Mines  &  Technology  South  Dakota  State  University    University  of  South  Dakota  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

12  

Improving  Economic  Development  in  Your  Community  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  

Bringing  businesses  or  jobs  to  your  community  is  the  dream  of  most  community  leaders  involved  in  economic  development.    However,  getting  it  done  seems  impossible  at  times  –  especially  with  limited  funding.      But  there  could  be  an  answer!  

The  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  Rural  Development  is  now  accepting  applications  for  grants  to  support  rural  businesses  and  help  create  jobs.    The  funding  is  available  nationwide  to  improve  economic  development  in  rural  America.  

The  Rural  Business  Development  Grant  (RBDG)  is  designed  to  assist  with  startup  and  expansion  of  small  and  emerging  private  businesses  and/or  nonprofits  in  rural  communities.    Eligible  applicants  include  public  bodies,  government  entities,  Indian  tribes,  and  non-­‐profit  organizations.  Funds  can  be  used  for  business  incubators,  leadership  and  entrepreneur  training,  acquisition  or  development  of  land  or  buildings,  capitalization  of  revolving  loan  funds  to  be  re-­‐lent  to  local  businesses  and  many  other  purposes  –  all  to  assist  small  businesses.    

Funds  have  been  set  aside  nationally  to  assist  Native  Americans,  and  additional  monies  will  be  allotted  among  the  states  for  non-­‐set  aside  applicants.  All  grants  will  be  awarded  competitively,  based  on  several  areas  including:    

• Evidence  showing  job  creation  to  occur  with  local  businesses;  

• Percent  of  nonfederal  funding  committed  to  the  project;  

• Economic  need  in  the  area  to  be  served;  • Consistency  with  local  economic  development  

priorities;  • Experience  of  the  grantee  with  similar  efforts;  and    

“This  program  is  one  way  the  USDA  demonstrates  its  commitment  to  strengthening  our  rural  communities,”  said  Bruce  Jones,  Acting  South  Dakota  State  Director.    “These  grants  can  help  rural  businesses  in  accessing  resources  they  need  to  maintain  and  grow  their  business  and  create  jobs  in  the  communities  they  serve.”  

Key  Dates:  

March  30,  2016:  Native  American  Set  Aside  RBDG  applications  due  

May  2,  2016:  Non-­‐Set  Aside  RBDG  applications  due  

Applicants  are  encouraged  to  contact  a  local  Business  &  Cooperative  Program  Specialist  or  the  State  Office  for  more  details  about  the  application  requirements  and  process:  

Dana  Kleinsasser,  Rural  Business  &  Cooperative  Programs  Director  (Huron  State  Office)    Phone:  (605)  352-­‐1142  Email:    dana.kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov  

 

Cayla  Hilbrands,  Assistant  (Huron  State  Office)  Phone:    (605)  352-­‐1142  Email:    cayla.hilbrands@sd.usda.gov  

 

Shelby  Kraemer,  Assistant  (Aberdeen)  Phone:    (605)  226-­‐3360,  Ext.  4  Email:    shelby.kraemer@sd.usda.gov  

 

Gary  Wedel,  Specialist  (Mitchell)    Phone:  (605)  996-­‐1564,  Ext.  105  Email:    gary.wedel@sd.usda.gov  

 

Clark  Guthmiller,  Specialist  (Pierre)    Phone:  (605)  224-­‐8870,  Ext.  120  Email:    clark.guthmiller@sd.usda.gov  

 

Hettianne  Cekalla,  Specialist  (Rapid  City)    Phone:  (605)  342-­‐0301,  Ext.  118  Email:    hettianne.cekalla@sd.usda.gov  

 

Jolene  Pravecek,  Specialist  (Yankton)    Phone:    (605)  665-­‐2662,  Ext.  116  Email:    jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov  

 

President  Obama’s  plan  for  rural  America  has  brought  about  historic  investment  and  resulted  in  stronger  rural  communities.  Under  the  President's  leadership,  these  investments  in  housing,  community  facilities,  businesses  and  infrastructure  have  empowered  rural  America  to  continue  leading  the  way  -­‐  strengthening  America's  economy,  small  towns  and  rural  communities.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)  

 

 

Issue  #  13    

February  2016  

13  

 

Creative  Financing  Plants  Seeds  for  Community  Revitalization  Lakota  Funds,  Contact:  Heidi  Cuny  (415)  279-­‐0185  

[Recipient]  Address  Line  1  Address  Line  2  Address  Line  3  Address  Line  4  

The  small  town  of  Whiteclay,  Nebraska  lies  just  outside  of  the  boundaries  of  the  Pine  Ridge  Reservation  in  southwestern  South  Dakota.  It  is  infamous  for  its  liquor  stores  and  some  of  the  highest  rates  of  alcohol  sales  per  capita  in  the  nation.  With  a  population  of  14  and  average  sales  of  13,000  cans  of  beer  a  day,  it  has  become  a  site  of  frequent  protests  and  controversy.  However,  it  is  also  the  location  where  Martin  Pilcher  is  realizing  his  entrepreneurial  dream  with  the  purchase  of  Arrowhead  Foods,  a  grocery  store  and  deli.    

Pilcher,  a  member  of  the  Oglala  Sioux  Tribe,  has  seen  many  of  his  schoolmates  on  the  streets  of  Whiteclay,  where  he  is  now  a  business  owner.  While  others  may  see  the  hopelessness  of  social  ills  painted  on  the  faces  of  those  huddled  up  in  abandoned  buildings,  Pilcher  sees  opportunity  for  community  revitalization.    

Out  of  a  desire  to  make  his  community  a  better  place,  Pilcher  identified  a  business  to  purchase  –  Arrowhead  Foods.  As  a  large  industrial  building,  it  had  plenty  of  space  and  features  to  house  a  successful  business  with  a  full  selection  of  groceries  and  a  deli.  Because  access  to  healthy  foods  is  limited  in  this  rural  area,  it  is  something  that  is  a  critical  need  in  Whiteclay  and  the  surrounding  communities.  “I  really  wanted  to  do  something  that  would  benefit  the  people,”  says  Pilcher.  

He  approached  Lakota  Funds,  a  Native  community  development  financial  institution  (CDFI)  located  on  the  Pine  Ridge  Reservation,  to  obtain  capital  that  would  transform  his  vision  into  a  successful  business.    However,  Pilcher’s  request  of  $300,000  to  purchase  the  commercial  building  in  Whiteclay  topped  out  their  loan  limit.  

Tawney  Brunsh,  Executive  Director  of  Lakota  Funds,  says  she  knew  that  the  high  amount  and  some  other  circumstances  might  make  it  difficult  for  them  to  approve  the  loan  request.  “As  a  Native  CDFI  we  are  in  the  business  of  innovation,  so  we  got  creative.  We  believed  in  Martin  and  knew  the  impact  a  viable  grocery  store  would  have  in  Whiteclay  and  Pine  Ridge,”  she  says.    

Since  part  of  the  building  was  used  as  a  residence  by  the  previous  owners  and  was  a  significant  portion  of  the  appraisal,  Lakota  Funds  decided  to  approach  Mazaska  Owecaso  Otipi  Financial  (Mazaska),  a  Native  CDFI  located  in  Pine  Ridge  that  provides  housing  loans.  Mazaska  agreed  to  partner  in  a  participation  loan  for  the  deal  on  the  Whiteclay  building.  “We  were  so  grateful  that  Mazaska  was  on  board.  We  knew  that  their  partnership  would  help  us  in  deploying  the  capital  for  Martin’s  business,”  says  Brunsch.    

Lakota  Funds  and  Mazaska  put  a  memorandum  of  understanding  (MoU)  in  place  to  describe  their  roles  in  the  partnership,  and  both  organizations  had  teams  in  place  to  outline  details  of  the  deal.  For  example,  with  only  one  lien  on  the  building,  Mazaska  agreed  to  take  2nd  position.  But,  Lakota  Funds  agreed  to  split  50/50  with  Mazaska  any  proceeds  recouped  in  the  case  of  a  default.  Ultimately,  the  agreement  spread  the  risk  and  benefits  so  that  it  was  an  appealing  deal  for  both  of  the  organizations.    

Lakota  Funds  approved  the  loan  contingent  upon  Mazaska’s  approval.  Mazaska  approved  shortly  after,  and  Pilcher  gained  access  to  capital  for  the  purchase  of  the  Whiteclay  building.  There  was  still  one  last  piece  that  had  to  come  together  in  order  for  Pilcher’s  business  dream  to  become  a  reality,  though.  It  was  a  line  of  credit  needed  to  purchase  the  initial  inventory,  and  it  was  also  a  requirement  by  the  food  distributor  that  Pilcher  had  contracted  with.    

With  another  lender  backing  out  at  the  last  minute,  Pilcher  was  left  scrambling  to  find  a  financial  institution  that  would  provide  the  line  of  credit.  That’s  when  Tony  Taylor,  Loan  Officer  at  Lakota  Funds  who  had  worked  with  Pilcher  throughout  the  loan  process,  suggested  First  National  Bank  in  Gordon,  Nebraska.    

“I  suggested  to  Martin  that  he  might  want  to  try  First  National,  and  within  15  minutes  he  had  contacted  their  loan  officer,”  said  Taylor.  Needless  to  say,  Pilcher’s  line  of  credit  was  approved.  With  the  final  piece  of  the  financing  puzzle  in  place,  all  three  lenders  and  the  borrower  met  for  a  loan  signing.  “It  was  really  a  festive  occasion.  We  were  all  happy  to  be  partnering  together  on  this  unique  deal,”  said  Taylor.    

On  December  2,  2015,  Martin  Pilcher  took  ownership  of  Arrowhead  Foods  and  became  the  first  Native  American  business  owner  in  Whiteclay.  Acknowledging  the  negative  image  associated  with  the  town,  Pilcher  says,  “I  want  my  people  to  know  this  is  possible.  We  have  the  power  to  make  our  community  a  better  place.”    

In  all,  the  financing  deals  necessary  to  launch  Arrowhead  Foods  required  two  Native  CDFIs  and  a  bank.  This  unique  mix  of  community  loan  funds  and  a  more  traditional  financial  institution  shows  the  value  of  mission  in  the  finance  sector.  “This  was  not  a  cookie  cutter  deal,”  says  Brunsch.  “It  was  because  we  all  –  lenders  and  the  borrower  –  are  committed  to  growing  our  local  economy  and  improving  the  lives  of  our  community  members  that  we  worked  together  –  we  wanted  to  go  the  extra  mile  –  to  make  it  happen.”