American Indian Report - May 2008 - (Page 21)

ping. They also occasionally sample the goods, but some find after working for a length of time with candy, it just doesn’t taste as sweet. Dayish is currently the CEO of the operation and also owns a stake in Lickity Split, which is majority-owned by Native American kids and adults. For him, the effort is more about learning good business practices than eating tasty candy. “The candy is just a way for me to develop my business skills,” said Dayish. He is quite cognizant of the obesity epidemic and the diabetes problems facing many Indians, which is why the business also sells sugar-free candy. There are also healthy plans to expand the Lickity Split brand through a partnership with a local bicycle company. Members of the current staff of nearly 20 youth each have specific jobs, like working the cash register, meeting with customers and helping to produce various candies. As a result of their work — and depending on the number of years they have been there, their stake in the business and the amount of hours they put in — each takes home a small share of the profit every month or so, depending on sales. The students have had some important adult supervision in forming the business, largely from Elaine Borgen, who teaches at the College of Eastern Utah. She regularly answers the kids’ questions about business operations, helps them brainstorm new ideas for growth and has provided much of the seed money to build Lickity Split out of her own pocket. She also tutors the students and always emphasizes the importance of education. “I love helping the kids take their fate into their own hands,” said Borgen. “They’re truly beginning to run their own show.” Thus far, the business has made thousands of dollars — an amazing feat, considering the vast poverty of its home base. In 2007, it became profitable as a limited liability corporation. It’s still a rather small company, but it’s growing every year. When the kids travel to conferences to get the word out about their operation, media attention usually follows. Dayish, who plans to go on to college to major in business, tries to keep his ego in check. “For someone my age who’s all girl-crazed and stuff, they probably wouldn’t know how to handle it,” he said. “But after a while, you get used to it.” n Theodore Roosevelt Middle School Ft. Apache, AZ A full service, non-profit day & boarding school. Located in historic Ft. Apache Departmentalized Curriculum with a technology emphasis School is adjacent to dormitory Intramural sports program Fully supervised dormitory 24/7 with evening and weekend activities including: • Swimming • weekend trips to museums, sports events, cultural events, movies, rodeos, skiing, hiking, fishing, and much more! • guest Speakers • Fully equipped computer lab • Full meal service open to all middle school students Transportation provided for holiday leave. no tuition fees Now accepting applications for Spring and Fall Semesters 2008 928-338-4464 May 2008 21 American Indian Report

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - May 2008

American Indian Report - May 2008 Contents Courts: Blackfeet Housing Authority Can Be Sued For Unhealthy Homes Congress: Activity on the Hill Ethics & Standards of Conduct: Personal Use of Tribal Property Policy: "Meriless Indian Savages" and the Declaration of Independence Green Technology Grants: New DOJ Program Provides Funding For Rape Crisis Centers Listen & Learn: Multiple Indirect Cost Rates Sweet Success Penobscot Nation Restores Cultural Use of Water Tribes Diversify with Private Equity Fund The Native American YouTube Tribal Government: An Introduction to Strategic Planning

American Indian Report - May 2008

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