Blood entrepreneurs plunge into business

Page 10

There are many ways to attain success. Luck can play a role; so can skill, brains, ambition and opportunity. But if you are a Native person and excel in the world of small business development, you are one of the select few.

A new crop of Native entrepreneurs are springing up everywhere in Indian country developing small businesses ranging from fashion design industries to computer businesses. Native people no longer just talk about developing the economic development potential of their reserves and communities, but are taking the bull by the horn and putting words into action.

Of course, not all the plungers have emerged winners. Some entrepreneurs saw the sunny prospects of their companies or projects turn stormy in a matter of weeks, and their paper profits vanish as quickly. But the march to gain economic self-sufficiency continues.

One of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Native business is 30-year old Lois (Dixie) Frank of the Blood reserve in southern Alberta. As president and manager of her own company, Frank and Associates, it is growing as a company to be reckoned with.

Leaving high school to marry at a young age, Frank showed early promise. With an infant son, Frank "swelled my pride and went back to St. Mary's High to obtain her high school diploma. She received a scholarship and was president of her students union. After that, she took various jobs from modelling, reporter, type-setter, doing contract writing for local publications and assisting her husband with his farming operation."

She also attended the University of Lethbridge for two years and transferred to Utah State University in Logan, Utah, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Family and Human Services in 1986.

Returning to her community, Lois starting looking for a job. Many times she was told that she was overqualified for jobs ? a dilemma faced by many Natives who obtain university or college degrees. But that didn't deter her determination and spirit.

Wile visiting her sister, Doreen, who was studying for her Masters degree in Toronto, Lois met Don Logan. That chance meeting sparked her to venture into high technology and start a computer company for young Natives and unemployed Native women.

With a grant from Canada Employment and Immigration and the couple's own capital, Lois opened her computer operation and started training 26 students on a year-long training program. Hiring an all Native staff, the program encompassed not only computer training but a life skills component. Students were placed in various jobs both on and off reserve. The word spread quickly in the community about a new and innovative business.

"I think like an American," said Lois at her home overlooking the St. Mary's River. "I believe in lots of private enterprise."

She said that too many Native people depend on their local band office for assistance in getting started in small business. "If you think like that, it puts a lot of limitation on yourself."

"There have been too many studies an task forces that supposedly provide answers to Native problems," she said. "You'll never find them because most of those studies are doomed to failure."

She added that there is a mistaken myth among many non-Natives that Indian reserves are havens."

"There is no haven because there is no economic base on Indian reserves ? it's as simple as that," she said.

Because Native people look towards their local government for support and assistance in starting small businesses, it ends up as a frustrating exercise sometimes. "That's frustrating because we are limiting ourselves instead of looking at other avenues and alternatives in getting started."

"We're so conditioned to believe that a study or an outsider will provide all the answers and make everything better."

"Success is within yourself ? trusting yourself and listening" to your heart. I know that sounds like a cliche," she said as she looked out her bay window.

"There is always an element of ear in risk but he thrill is in the risk ? it's in the journey not in the end product. If you address your fear head-on and have 100% commitment towards your business or project, that fear vanishes."

"Too many times we're waiting for somebody, waiting for something to happen ? we all have skills, talents and we can develop ourselves and our communities.

She said most Native people think of the business world as "a dog-eat-dog, aggressive, male-dominated field." But she believes that women are more successful in business. "We're not so concerned with our egos and preoccupied with success or failure. We're naturals in business."

However, Lois is quick to point out, "I'm not a card-carrying feminist. I believe in a lot of their causes but I still believe we can learn a lot from both genders."

What disturbs Lois is that many Natives who spend years studying in post-secondary institutions are not given the opportunity to work in their own communities and end up leaving.

"If nothing else, that person (with university or college degrees) does not make them a better person. It proves that the person has perseverance, commitment and those qualities speak for themselves."

"A post-secondary education is a gruelling process and when you complete it ? it says something of your character ? you have guts and perseverance."

But she believes educated Natives "must give something back to their communities."

"They should not be seduced by the money and power once they get educated," she said.

Lois credits her family and friends for "believing in myself." Besides her son, Michael her other children are Kenny and 10-month old Carley.

Lois would eventually like to expand her business but won't be that public until everything is finalized.