Nay Ah Shing students graduate from Yes! Camp
After spending three days working on their business plan and on Friday morning presenting their plan to area business professionals it was time to celebrate.
Fifteen eighth- through 12th-graders from Nay Ah Shing School participated this week in Yes! Camp, an American Indian Business Leader Student Camp at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The goal of the camp was to inspire and encourage Indian students to become entrepreneurs and to provide them with the skills to help them follow through with their plans. This was the first year that CLC hosted the camp, but the seventh year that Nay Ah Shing School has put on the camp.
The Nay Ah Shing Singers, including members Brandon Anthony (left), Ron Kingbird, Farrell Kingbird and Jack Kingbird, performed an honor song during the closing ceremony Friday for Yes! Camp, and American Indian Business Leader Student Camp at Central Lakes College.
The students, members of Nay Ah Shing's high school chapter of American Indian Business Leaders, created a business plan that they will develop throughout the upcoming school year. They will then compete against other Indian students at the national competition with their plan. The school has placed at nationals for the last three years.
Two of their plans have developed into school-based businesses. Pow Wow Picz is a business where students sell photos taken at school pow wows and other events and last year's plan was for Cultural Connections, a school concessions stand that offers native products and logo clothing.
If this year's business plan comes to fruition, the students will likely need assistance from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe since this plan would not be school-based.
The students' plan is to open the Recreational Entertainment Zone, or "REZ," an entertainment center that would offer bowling, go carts, laser tag, mini golf, a snack bar and a party room that people could rent for birthdays or anniversaries. It would provide teens with something to do on the reservation.
Michael Garrow, commissioner of corporate affairs for the Mille Lacs Band, was enthusiastic about the students' proposal. He told students during the camp's closing ceremony in the CLC cafeteria that gaming on the reservation may sunset and band members need to come up with other ideas for economic diversification on the reservation.
"As our youth and our future, where do you see the future of the Band?," Garrow asked students. "I really want to encourage you. This is the start of greater things to happen for you. You can do anything you want, don't let anybody say you can't."
Marge Anderson, Mille Lacs Band chief executive, also attended the ceremony to honor the students.
"It makes me proud and proud to be your leader," Anderson told the students. "You are our future leaders and I'm so proud of you. If you need help, I'm here for you."
Dennis Olson, commission of education for the Mille Lacs Band, told students they may have naysayers who will try to discourage their entrepreneurial efforts, but they need to hold on and follow through with their dreams.
"Everyone in this room supports you and doesn't doubt your ability to be an entrepreneur," said Olson. "We're excited you took this opportunity to believe in yourself and your community."
Brainerd Mayor James Wallin and Kathy Gaaslwyk, president of the Initiative Foundation, also addressed students.
Students were given certificates for graduating from the camp. At the luncheon that followed, the students served food to their tribal elders who attended the ceremony.
Music was provided by the Nay Ah Shing Singers.
The camp was sponsored by CLC, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Nay Ah Shing School.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.