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ONABEN and ATNI-EDC Celebrate 10 Years of Trading At The RiverA Journey of Promoting & Fostering Indianpreneurship® in Northwest Native Communities
Portland, Oregon (May 3, 2012) – ONABEN: A Native American Business Network (ONABEN) and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians – Economic Development Corporation (ATNI-EDC) hosted the 10th Annual Trading at the River Conference and Tradeshow in Portland, Oregon, on April 19 & 20. With a large number of registered participants, Native American vendors, and inspirational keynote speakers, this year’s event was highly successful. The theme, “Transforming Our Communities through Entrepreneurship: Catch The Dream, Follow The Spirit, Make It Happen,” set an empowering tone for the participants as they engaged in an innovative “Think Tank” format.This new conference format was designed to provide, “an environment of collaborative and engaging conversations around key economic development strategies that matter to Northwest Native communities,” stated Tom Hampson, ONABEN’s Executive Director. Throughout the two-day conference, participants had the opportunity to engage in seven “Think Tanks” that focused on key topics that are all critical to promoting entrepreneurship in Native communities in the Northwest.Those key topics ranged from Small Business Development to Fish Marketing & Branding to Developing Native Capital. Facilitated conversations in each of the groups incorporated in-depth dialogue, conceptualization, and follow-up action items to keep the participants engaged and carrying forward the ideas set forth by the “Think Tanks” after the conference.In addition, there were two workshops designed specifically for vendors and veterans. “We threw the bones with a completely new approach and it exceeded our expectations! Easily 90% of the conference attendees were still there sharing ideas at the final drum, with the close of the colors, and in the middle of a nice Friday afternoon in Portland,” said Michael Burton, Executive Director, ATNI-EDC. After ten years of successfully hosting this event, ONABEN (ATNI-EDC has been a partner for the past four years.) has seen vendor numbers grow from 4 in 2003 to over 45 that participated this year.With over 175 registered participants, this year’s conference has been one of the most successful yet. “Without the continued support of our sponsors, vendors, and participants, Trading at the River would not be possible. ONABEN and ATNI-EDC both share a commitment to promoting and fostering Native businesses and entrepreneurship in Indian Country. Our board and staff thank everyone who has helped make this event happen over the last 10 years,” said Hampson. ONABEN: A Native American Business Network is a non-profit, public-benefit corporation created twenty years ago by Northwest Indian Tribes to increase the success of private businesses owned by Native Americans.ONABEN offers training and support and is focused on developing entrepreneurship in Indian Communities. To learn more about ONABEN, please visit: www.onaben.org. The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) was established in 1953 by Tribal leaders and represents over 50 Tribes throughout a seven-state region, including Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and northern California.The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was formed in response to the need for economic self-sufficiency within tribal communities.Program services created and operated within the EDC were established at the request of ATNI member Tribes.To learn more about ATNI-EDC, please visit: www.atnitribes.org. ### Photo by Justin Finkbonner for ONABEN. Permission granted to reprint; please note credit as provided. More photos from the conference are available to tribal media, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 2012 Trading at the River Idea Champions and Think Tank Facilitators
Many thanks to these wonderful folks who gave their time and energy to make the seven Think Tank sessions a success. Photos of the event coming soon courtesy of Justin Finkbonner; table covers courtesy of Deer Creek Pottery and Doe Stahr.
Keynotes Announced for 10th Annual Trading at the River Conference & Tradeshow
ONABEN and ATNI-EDC recently announced three keynote speakers for the 10th annual Trading at the River Conference & Tradeshow - Native Artist Louie Gong, SBA Office of Native American Affairs Deputy Director Christopher L. James, and SEA-ATCO Seafoods Owner Sonny Davis. Louie Gong (Nooksack) is an educator, activist, and artist who was raised by his grandparents in the Nooksack tribal community. He is the past President of MAVIN, co-developer of the Mixed Heritage Center, and a former child and family therapist. Louie is also the founder of Eighth Generation, through which he merges traditional Coast Salish art and icons from popular culture to make strong statements about identity, such as his highly sought-after, hand-drawn custom shoes. By choosing the name "Eighth Generation", Louie intends that respect for the previous seven generations and a spirit of giving back is imbedded in his work. Louie's latest creation is called "Mockups", a DIY design toy based on his work with youth and his desire to a make the experience of personalizing a pair of shoes more accessible. Louie is proud to have represented his family and community through keynote level presentations and custom shoe workshops around the world, as well as in media such as NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, MSNBC.com, and Indian Country Today. His unique merger of art and activism is the subject of UNRESERVED: the work of Louie Gong, a Longhouse Media film that is currently screening at prestigious film festivals around the world, including Festival De Cannes and National Geographic's All Roads Film Festival.
Christopher [Chris] L. James was appointed assistant administrator for the Office of Native
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American Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration in July 2011. James is responsible for coordinating and directing SBA programs within the Office of Native American Affairs, to promote and enhance small business services and opportunities for Native Americans, including reservation-based Native Americans and tribal governments.
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