Anthony Genia , Northwest Area Foundation

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Big Idea

Native American reservations and urban Indian enclaves are among the most impoverished spots in the nation. In this environment, many Native American youths grow up at an economic disadvantage and have limited life choices; they are isolated from opportunities and a chance to achieve the American Dream. The Native American Youth Economic Warrior Project will create a culturally responsive, values-based entrepreneurship curriculum to orient preteen Native American youth to the American economic system and the world of business.

How Winning Will Help

The money will help me develop and field test the curriculum. The curriculum will have strong prospects for success because it will be developed by Native Americans for Native Americans and it will be built on proven teaching techniques that incorporate well-accepted cultural values.

Tribes vary vastly, yet many subscribe to a long-standing set of cultural values. These native values are sometimes called Warrior Values, the Sacred Way or the Seven Grandfathers, and they reflect the sort of qualities needed for entrepreneurship. The project will revitalize long-dormant entrepreneurial behaviors that enabled Native American tribes to thrive for thousands of years before conquest.

About Anthony Genia

Based in Lauderdale, Minn., I am a practitioner of traditional Native American culture, an experienced curriculum developer and a trainer in disadvantaged communities. I am connected to multiple reservations and native economic development programs. I work at Northwest Area Foundation to help low-income communities overcome chronic poverty. Among other things, this work involves coaching reservation, rural and urban Indian communities to develop and implement community economic development strategies, including small business development. Prior to this work, I operated my own retail business and worked in corporate management.