Native American Tribes Increase Giving

As some Native American tribes have begun toShakopee's provided a grant so the Kiowa's could
prosper, they have also been able to increasepurchase the land and attractions.
their giving. Tribes give to many groups and notWhile all tribes endeavor to help their own tribal
just their own tribal members. Giving from tribesmembers, some provide certain help to all Native
is nothing new. In 1847 the Choctaw's, who hadAmericans. Both the Cherokee's and Citizen
recently been forced to move from Mississippi toPotawatomi in Oklahoma have assistance available
Oklahoma, drew up a collection of $170 to providefor Native American entrepreneurs. The
relief to the Irish during the Great Potato Famine.Cherokee's open their small business development
This during a time when many Choctaw's werecenter to all Native entrepreneurs. The Citizen
struggling to survive. But now that some tribesPotawatomi have a business capital lending
are prospering, that giving spirit is able to be moreprogram that is open all Native entrepreneurs. Of
active.course, to make use of these programs a Native
A nice trend is the tribe-to-tribe help. Not all tribesbusiness owner should be in relative geographical
are geographically situated to take advantage ofproximity.
certain economic development endeavors. So, it isNot all giving is limited to Native Americans. Tribes
nice to see that tribes that have certainalso give a lot to local communities. Cherokee
advantages provide help for other tribes. A fairlyNation Enterprises gave Nintendo Wii systems to
recent example of this assistance is the help thea local senior care center to keep help keep
Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma received from theseniors physically active. In the 2009 Christmas
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Theseason the Choctaw's gave food, clothes, and
Shakopee's provide over a million dollars so theChristmas presents to various charities. That
Kiowa's could purchase Indian City in Anadarko,same Christmas season the Citizen Potawatomi
Oklahoma. Indian City is a long time touristemployees gave $50,000 to the United Way.
attraction that also has grounds the Kiowa's useThese are just a small examples of tribal giving
for ceremonials. It came up for sale and thethat extends year around.