Lummi Artists and Fishers Combine Culture with Microbusiness in Unique Economic Development Plan

Contact: Susan Buckles, APR                                         Sharlaine LaClair
                Public Relations Specialist                                Lummi Nation
                Northwest Area Foundation                               360-384-7167
                (651) 225-3865
                sbuckles@nwaf.org

Bellingham, Wash., (July 30, 2008) – Perched on the banks of the Puget Sound, the Lummi people have for generations made their livelihood off fishing and hunting. The seaside setting has nurtured a culture of artists eager to capitalize on their creative talents. Downturns in the fishing industry and limited markets for the artisans have contributed to the reservation’s 28 percent poverty rate.

In bold and innovative steps toward prosperity, the Lummi are developing a unique micro business plan that would develop almost unheard of small business owners on the Lummi Nation reservation.

The economic development plan centers around a new Gateway Center and office building that will be located along the busy I-5 corridor outside Bellingham, a well traveled highway linking Seattle to Vancouver, with 90,000 motorists passing by everyday. Plans call for an 8,000 square foot building that will house a fresh fish market, artist gallery, artist studio and gift shop as well as a small business incubator with classrooms to offer training to budding entrepreneurs. An adjacent building will lease office space, providing additional revenue to support the Center.

“This Building has been a dream come true for many people and will help create financial stability in a community struggling to cope with the decline of the fishing industry,” said Kathy Pierre, executive director of Lummi Nation Ventures.

“This is a way to balance community needs with economic development needs. We figured out a way to do this and pay for it without gaming dollars. This is truly a unique business model,” said Mike Rawley, business development manager, Lummi Ventures.

The Gateway Center will be decorated with traditional Lummi artwork designed to tell the story of the tribe’s rich heritage and culture, featuring live storytellers in native costumes.

“A lot of people don’t have a reason to come to the reservation. This gives them a reason to visit and learn who the Lummi are. This is not just a business opportunity, it’s also an opportunity to showcase our culture,” said Pierre.

The project represents a number of groundbreaking achievements for the Lummi people, not the least of which is an historic partnership with the city of Ferndale, Washington and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. In order for the Lummi to secure their spot along I-5, they had to purchase land from the city of Ferndale. Ferndale agreed to allow the transfer of the land from its tax rolls into Indian land trust.

The project is financed in part with a $450,000 grant from the Northwest Area Foundation to stimulate additional funding for the multi-million dollar Gateway Center.

“This is a truly historic and commendable project,” said Tony Genia, senior program officer at Northwest Area Foundation, who works with Native American tribes. “The strategy of integrating culture with economic development is innovative and helps create the market niche needed to make the program successful. It has great potential for long-term success in reducing poverty and creating prosperity.”

Lummi Nation will begin construction on the Gateway project as soon as the land along I-5 is moved into Indian Trust. The tribe’s goal is to open for business by December 2009, just months before the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics in nearby Vancouver.

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to `reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill’s son, Louis W. Hill, established the foundation. To learn more, visit www.nwaf.org.