The Visionary | 1March 2015ISSUE 1

+

PREMIERISSUEThe New Faces of Native American Business

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS

with Tony Duncan

TRIBAL GAMING CHALLENGES TODAY

+ Nonprofit Spotlight+ Eco -Business+ Mo-Money Finances

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The Visionary | 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE COVERNO BUSINESS LIKE

SHOW BUSINESS

The New Faces of Native American Business

page eight-teen

page ten

The New Faces of Native American Entrepreneurship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Challenges to Tribal Gaming Today . . . . . . . . . . . 16

An Exclusive Interview with Tony Duncan . . . . . . 18

Mo-Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Eco-Business Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Non-Profit Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Tony Duncan hoops it up around the world.

6 | The Visionary

ED ITOR IN CH IEF Amanda June

ART AND DES IGN

Eunique Yazzie

ED ITOR IAL CONTR IBUTORS

CONTR IBUT ING WRITERS Fonda D. Walters

Mallory Black

THEV IS IONARYMAG.COM The SEM Express

PHOTOGRAPHY Largo Photography

++++

Publication

A

Loren Tapahe Peter Madrid

Vol. 1 Issue 1. The Visionary Business Magazine is published by SmokeFire Media LLC, 650 North 2nd Avenue Ste. 312, Phoenix, AZ 85003. The Visionary Business Magazine is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believe to be reputable, neither The Visionary Business Magazine, nor any of its employee accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities . The Visionary Business Magazine is printed in the USA and all rights are reserved. © 2015 by The Visionary Business Magazine. No part of this magazine shall be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission of the publisher. Unsolicited manuscript and photographs will be returned only if accompanied by a stamp, self addressed envelope . All letters sent to The Visionary Business Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use in any publication or brochure, and are subject to The Visionary Business Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and comment .

SALES advertise@thevisionarymag .comPRODUCTION production@thevisionarymag .com EDITORIAL editor@thevisionarymag .comSUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@thevisionarymag .comGENERAL INFO info@thevisionarymag .com (408) 458-5863, thevisionarymag.com

The Visionary | 7

LETTER FROM THE EDITORDear Reader,

First, I want to thank you for being a part of our very first issue and supporting our efforts. The journey has been one of huge transformations, spectacular acts of collaboration and community, and every day is a new leap of faith we take to ensure the success of the magazine – and it’s just the beginning! The Visionary Business Magazine is about and for those intrepid leaders in our communities doing new and great things; that are seeing present issues and building forward to create long-term solutions. Whether in business, entrepreneurship, or social enterprises, these are the leaders we will look to in creating sustainable economic development models in the U.S. and beyond.

We hope that the stories, design and purpose of this unique publication are recognized by the community and valued for the immense power and influence they can have in building leaders for the next generation . Our goal is not solely to produce a magazine, but to become a trusted source of business knowledge bringing minority voices to the forefront of the economic development discussion .

Thank you again for your support; when we work together to create innovation and inspire the masses, we are The Visionary .

Amanda June

8 | The Visionary

++++In the contemporary age, tribal gaming enterprises as well as other major ventures are contributing towards tribal economic development, but they are certainly not the “silver-bullet” towards creating functioning, sustainable tribal economies. Rather, they are only part of the puzzle and share the economic space with tribally-owned and tribal citizen entrepreneurship on multiple levels, from small business to mid-size ventures and beyond. To diversify tribal economic development along a sustainable continuum, tribal citizen entrepreneurship can and should play a significant role.

What does entrepreneurship mean for American Indian people? In creating a contemporary entrepreneurial context for American Indians, a perspective that is tailored to accept and honor culture and sustainability, we look towards those featured in this inaugural edition

THE NEW FACES OF NATIVE AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURSH IP

The Visionary | 9

of The Visionary Business magazine. They are forging new ground in areas of tribal economic planning and development, arts and graphic design, public relations, as well as photography and media relations. There are amazing Native entrepreneurs throughout Indian Country who are creating solutions for their communities and they are significant contributors to further tribal economic, community development, infrastructure and sustainability.

The bottom-line to a Native American entrepreneur means more than the almighty dollar; rather, it can mean community designed master planned communities, arts with deep meaning and cultural story, culturally-aligned design that manifests Native pride and professionalism and creating spaces and events that provide a cultural experience that both educates and inspires.

++++THE NEW FACES OF NATIVE AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURSH IP

Introduction by Fonda D. Walters, Ed. D. Arizona State University Article by Amanda June

10 | The Visionary

++++EDUCATION AND POLICYAs education costs soar and barriers to reservation-based education are slowly broken down, tribes face the impending threats of permanent loss of their cultural customs and language. To mitigate and slow these irreparable damages, Native American scholars and educational institutions supporting their work will be significant advocates and knowledge resources for up-and-coming entrepreneurs preparing to apply and implement their skills back on the reservations.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMERICAN INDIAN POLICY INSTITUTEDr. Fonda Walters, Ma’iideeshgiizhinii clan, born for the Tł’ízí łání, and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation is the Senior Research Analyst at the American Indian Policy Institute and Faculty Associate within the American Indian Studies program at Arizona State University (ASU). She has years of research and management experience and teaches courses on innovation and entrepreneurship. She also works on community level projects that work toward rekindling the American Indian entrepreneurial spirit.

Connect with Fonda: 480-965-1306 Fonda.walters@asu.edu Twitter: @fxwalters

++++COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTConstruction in Indian Country is an on-going struggle and uphill battle for tribes and business owners alike wanting to expand economic growth and development to benefit tribal communities. Bound by complicated federal regulations and tribal-state laws, not to mention unique tribal operations cultures, it’s a whole new world going into

development in Indian Country. This is why the best chance tribal and non-tribal communities have to creating sustainable and thriving tribal economies is to cultivate tribal citizen planning and consulting resource groups to bridge the industry and cultural gaps. The reason: no one will know a tribe better than its own members who are vested in and know the needs of their community.

FOURTH WORLD DESIGN GROUP LLCKim Kanuho is the President of Fourth World Design Group LLC, a 100% Navajo woman-owned planning and consulting firm, dedicated to assisting Tribal Nations with their planning, community and economic development needs. Kim is a member of the Navajo Nation born for the Ta’baaha’ (Water’s Edge People) and Todich’ii’nii (Bitter Water People) clans. She is an alumnus of Arizona State University’s College of Design where she received her Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Master’s in Urban & Environmental Planning. Kim has over ten years of design experience working in Tribal communities in the planning, architecture, and construction field.

Connect with Kim: 480-209-7892 kimkanuho@gmail.com

++++VISUAL ARTS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNWhen it comes to the arts and “visual story-telling”, indigenous peoples have it embedded from their soul right down to their finger-tips – literally. Today, Native American arts, crafts and visual media span the gamut from traditional art forms like weaving, pottery and jewelry making to photography and graphic design with a cultural flare. If you want to view the world from a contemporary indigenous perspective here are the people you need to meet – and do your next photo shoot or design your shoes.

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The Visionary | 11

LARGO PHOTOGRAPHYChris and Tammie Billey, both photographers at Largo, are the dynamic duo that create Largo’s unique brand of imagery. The have been shooting for well over a decade and bring a plethora of experiences to their work. Largo Photography is located in downtown Chandler in lovely, sweltering Arizona. Although housed in a boutique studio, Largo prides itself on being one of the most unique location portrait artists in the southwest.

Connect with Tammie: 480-204-1565 tammie@largophotography.com Facebook: @largophotography largophotography.com

EUNIQUE LLCOriginally from the Navajo Nation, Eunique raises her 7-year-old son in the thriving downtown Phoenix. As a passionate creative communicator, she left the corporate world to work at engaging, connecting and inspiring local native and non-native communities to work together. Through her curiosity and determination in the communication field, she creates design experiences and visual stories for her clients and their audiences. For 12 years, she has stepped boldly into new markets to help diversify brands within Arizona State University, Phoenix Indian Center, Arizona Republic Media clients like Phoenix Zoo, Ballet Arizona, and Fry’s Grocery by applying innovative creative depth. She developed her own business, euniQue LLC, and is the creative arm for The Visionary Magazine.

Connect with Eunique: 602-796-6795 eyazzie@euniquecreative.com Twitter: @euniQuePHX euniquecreative.com

4X STUDIOShon Quannie (Acoma/Hopi/New Mexican) is an experienced creative professional, design educator and principal of 4X Studio. Since 2007, the Phoenix-based design and print communications company has specialized in

brand messaging, marketing communications and creative services for small business, non-profits, tribal, gaming and corporate clients nationwide. Shon is a Faculty Associate at his alma-mater, The Design School at Arizona State University and an active board member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona.

Connect with Shon: 602-370-0018 squannie@4x-media.com Twitter: @4xStudio

++++EVENTS AND MEDIA RELATIONSEntertaining and “spreading-the-word” of latest events or news are fortes of Native peoples the world over; the only thing that’s changed about that in contemporary Native society are digital media and better equipment. Pow-wows, fairs and flea markets are no longer the only venues you will see Natives running these days, thanks to social and business savvy entrepreneurs, you will now see Native American produced conferences, fashion shows, arts festivals, media outlets and promotional events nationwide. Keep these names on your “go-to” list if you have anything that needs to be remotely publicized.

RED NOTE INC.Having received his Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing from Arizona State University, Jason has accumulated more than 18 years of diverse experience in the fields of advertising, business, marketing, production and management. He currently serves as the President/Owner of Red Note, Inc., a Phoenix-based events agency specializing in designing, planning, and managing intimate to large-scale event productions and promotions. Red Note, Inc., has produced and co-produced numerous projects and shows such as the VIP party at the 2008 Native American Village at Super Bowl XLII, the NABI “Chasing the Sun” 10K & Health Fair, and The NCAIED’s 2011 and 2012 Reservation Economic Summits (RES Las Vegas).

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12 | The Visionary

Connect with Jason: 602-903-4380 jc@rednoteinc.com Twitter: @RedNoteInc

AWE COLLECTIVECollege dropout turned top of his game, Ty James Largo pilots his ten-employee marketing agency, Awe Collective which reps some of the biggest names and brands in the Southwestern United States. The PR and advertising powerhouse’s client history includes Uber, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Arizona Golf Association, Kimpton Hotels, Arizona Restaurant Association, Phoenix Art Museum, Wrigley Mansion and many more. As a Navajo-American born in Shiprock, New Mexico, Largo aims to use his culture-barrier-breaking approach to bridge gaps and fulfill unmet needs within Native American tribal government and business.

Connect with Ty: 480-650-6406 ty@awecollective.com Twitter: @AweCollective awecollective.com

SMOKEFIRE MEDIA LLCAmanda June is Editor-In-Chief, head honcho, professional cat-herder and all other duties as assigned as the Owner of SmokeFire Media, a brand spanking-new media company based in Phoenix, AZ. Amanda started SmokeFire Media and The Visionary Business Magazine after 3 years in the marketing and PR fields and 10 years, combined, working in local and international nonprofits. Her goals, short term; establish useful publications people will continue to read after the first issue. Her goals, long term; impact the global community through media - making minority voices the majority. Most days she can be found playing with her son, running between meetings, writing articles in her pajamas, or sometimes…no, never sleeping.

Connect with Amanda: 408-458-5863 amanda@thevisionarymag.com Twitter: @visionaryeditor thevisionarymag.com

The Visionary | 13

For theIDEALIST

Opportunities: You create them, we grow them.

14 | The Visionary

The $28 billion industry continues to present fresh challenges as

the commercial gaming itself expands across the nation. Currently the Indian gaming industry spans 450 gaming establishments associated with 242 tribes across 28 states, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Here are some of the most pressing issues for gaming tribes that center on one recurring theme - competition:

Internet gamblingThere’s been a lot of discussion about what the next step is for legalizing online gaming in Indian Country. Last month Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) reintroduced a bill that would ban Internet poker or games of chance in which real money is involved.

If passed, supporters say the bill would prevent casino marketing from reaching children through apps and social media. Opponents argue the bill gives the federal government too much authority over intrastate commerce.

“That’s still something that’s being

worked out on what is possible – technologically what is possible is quite astounding,” says Danielle Her Many Horses, deputy executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association, “but you also have to look at what is legally possible and feasible.”

Her Many Horses says the regulation of Internet gambling largely depends on each tribe’s relationship with state government. California’s gaming tribes are divided on proposed legislation to regulate online poker, where industry experts predict the battle to authorize Internet gambling will take place.

Tribal-state gaming compactsIncreasingly more tribes and state governments are entering into compacts that allow tribal gaming, fueling the debate over how much the compacts effect the balance of tribal sovereignty and federal and state governments. In total, 26 out of 28 Indian gaming states have authorized tribal-state gaming compacts with tribes, according to the U.S. Department of Interior.

CHALLENGESTO TRIBAL GAMING TODAY

EXPERTS EXAMINE KEY ISSUES TO GROWING AND SUSTAINING INDIAN GAMING REVENUES by Mallory Black

14 | The Visionary

(continued on page 16)

The Visionary | 15

For the CreativeCOLLABORATORS

Opportunities: You create them, we grow them.

16 | The Visionary

A Florida and Seminole Tribe gaming compact is up for renegotiation this year. The five-year agreement gave the Seminole exclusive rights to offer Las Vegas-style gaming. In return the state receives a share of the revenues - an estimated $230 million last year. Now Florida lawmakers are considering cutting back on the Seminole’s exclusivity to open up gaming to other parties.

In Wisconsin, the Menominee Indian Tribe is asking state officials for approval to build an $8 million casino with an offered $1.6 billion in state investment. But the casino’s location would sit less than 40 miles from a Milwaukee casino owned by the Forest County Potawatomi, which the state holds a compact with.

In January Governor Scott Walker rejected the Menominee’s casino proposal.

“The [tribal state] compacts themselves are very fluid,” Her Many Horses says. “That individual relationship with the state government is going to be potentially different, and different

tribes have different values as do different states on what is most important to them.”

Demographic shifts:Industry experts say population aging is one of the biggest factors affecting demographics in the commercial and tribal gaming industry.

A 2014 national poll found most gaming businesses are taking a different approach, reaching out to a younger audience ages 21 to 59.

“Casino visitors aren’t who some think they are,” says Glen Bolger, a public opinions researcher at Public Opinion Strategies, a national survey research firm.

Overall the data shows more people are looking favorably upon the gaming industry as a whole. That’s likely driving competition between casinos and spurring customer demand for less-traditional interactive gaming across the board.

“As more casinos have come on line, it’s been increasing imperative that there are policies adopted that enable casinos to keep pace with the changing demands of consumers,” says Sara Rayme, senior vice president of public affairs with the American Gaming Association, speaking of the debate over skill-based gaming in some states.

Officials in Nevada and New Jersey are now reviewing skill-based games, popular among people in their 20s, as a way to draw younger players back into casinos.

As one of the most regulated industries in the country, there is no doubt there are challenges in the world of Indian gaming.

1/2 V

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The Visionary | 17

ECO-BUSINESS

Climate change is an ever-present hot button issue in

both the business and policy making realms, but few have seen the direct impacts of natural resource scarcity and environmental effects from business and policy decision making than tribal nations and those who live on the reservations. With increasing demand for sustainable solutions to renewable and clean energy resources, tribal nations are both a prime consumer and developer for what is sure to be the next great surge in green energy resource development.

In just two short years the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma is attempting to create a natural energy resource supply via solar and wind power harnessing with their recently established enterprise, Southwind Energy LLC. Operating under a $600K grant awarded from the tribe in 2011 to be distributed over the span of three years (they are now in the second year) Southwind Energy LLC is charged with the large undertaking of implementing the tribe’s first and only enterprise that isn’t tied to gaming or tobacco sales.

Director of sales and distribution, Jason Murray, states, “We’re trying to be able to create a long-term solution for the [Kaw] Nation to have more money to do more social services and to do more positive things for our people,” when asked about the purpose of the new venture that is distinctly different from their other tribal enterprises.

Murray added that the new venture has a three-fold bottom-line; to diversify the tribe’s economic development initiatives, create a sustainable business model other tribes can replicate, and lower the Kaw Nation’s carbon footprint while becoming wholly energy independent. “That’s what we’re shooting for is to where we don’t have to pay utility bills ever again,” Murray explained.

The project is timely with the current federal

administration’s policy and budget developments supporting and expanding renewable energy resource development funding to $8 million in 2015 and builds upon the recent momentum of other tribal efforts in green energy development by the Campo Kumeyaay (California) and Navajo (project located in Arizona) Nations.

If developed to fruition, the Kaw Nation’s enterprise will provide renewable energy sources in the forms of solar powered street lighting, retrofitted LED lighting fixtures, whole facility LED lighting systems, and a wind turbine farm capable of producing enough energy to completely sustain the tribe’s 178 homes and 30 office buildings.

For more information on Southwind Energy LLC visit www.southwindenergy.com or call 580-765-8000.

ECO-BUSINESS PROFILE

Southwind Energy LLC of the Kaw Nationby Amanda June

18 | The Visionary

+NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS An Exclusive Interview

with Tony Duncan by Amanda June

The Visionary | 19

+When people think of

a business leader they have a very defined, preconceived set of criterion that immediately springs to mind; a business degree of some kind, probably from a top-tier competitive program or even an M.B.A, someone who wears a suit and tie to work most days and travels on long-distance business trips for important meetings with other extremely important people discussing crucial things related to current monies,

developing money and future monies to be made, and this individual has probably been doing what they do for a very long time and is now an established business figure. Whatever that preconceived character of a business leader may be, it most definitely isn’t Tony Duncan.

Tony, a 24-7 non-stop, world-traveling ball (or hoop rather) of explosive energy, defies what anyone would argue is a true business leader, but his accumulated accolades at 31 years of age may convince you otherwise.

Having never attended college or held “normal” 9-to-5 employment, Tony’s accomplishments seem unrealistic or, perhaps, a ton of luck considering he’s never led what most conceive to be a professional business person’s career path. But look a bit closer and you may see more commonalities than you think; hard work, extreme dedication, persistence, and being prepared for any opportunity are just a few. Our interview with Tony shows a whole new side to those who thought they knew him best as the world-renowned, champion hoop dancer and flutist.

V: Tell us a bit about your history of performing and how you first were introduced to your arts.

T: I started hoop dancing when I was about five years old, my dad taught me and all my brothers how to hoop dance.

I’ve been dancing ever since then. My flute playing I started when I was about ten, my dad taught me how to play the flute too; I learned just by watching him and a little trial and error. I’ve been performing with my family – Yellowbird Dancers – since I could walk, for about 25 years now. I branched off on my own right out of high school when I was eighteen.

V: The decision to choose hoop dancing and music over a “traditional” career; was it because you didn’t like the 9-to-5 lifestyle? What was the motivation to choose performing as a career?

T: I’ve had some crazy jobs. I was a door-to-door salesman for Cutco Cutlery and sold knives with my buddy, then we both got hard labor day-jobs, then I worked at Chuck-E-Cheese as Chuckie the mouse. So, we tried all sorts of odd labor jobs for one year and I didn’t like it. My friend and I, who I went to high-school with and who also played the guitar, decided to do some music together – I released my first album when I was nineteen. My favorite thing to do is hoop dancing, but I always hear people say, ‘if you love

something, go for it 100%, put your whole heart and being into it and magic can happen,’ so that’s the thing I wanted to do, I just wanted to hoop dance and it just so happened to work out and it became my “job”. I started my business as Tony Duncan Productions about ten years ago and that’s what I’ve created my label under.

V: You’ve won a lot of different awards and performed at some of the most prestigious shows, could you tell us about those and how they came about?

T: After practicing and performing so much pretty soon you find yourself at the World Championship Hoop Dancing Contest - I took first place in the teen division four times, and when I was seventeen I moved into the adult division and took first place in my first year competing in that category. After that, I was asked to perform at the White House a couple times, the Tonight Show, and the Billboard Music Awards.

An Exclusive Interview with Tony Duncan

It all just came from being

prepared, and once you’re given an

opportunity to take it and make the

best of it.

““

(continued on page 22)

Tony Duncan Apache, Arikara & Hidatsa

20 | The Visionary

HOWRESAREYOU?Answer YES or NO and tally your score.

1 Do you check if you’re related to a person before asking them to meet-up for a drink or set up a meeting?

2 You have found 5 or more relatives on the first day of the conference.

3 During conference workshops, you always sit at the back of the room.

4 While at the tradeshow, you visit every booth just to collect freebies and giveaways.

5 Are you the first one to ask at your table during catered meals, “Where is the frybread?”

6 Do you size-up potential business partners by their bolo tie and turquoise?

7 Do you plan your business activities around the solstices and planting cycle?

8 Have you and your colleagues planned at least one meeting at a buffet?

THAT’S SO “RES”!At the National Reservation Economic Summit 2015 If you’ve ever been to the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s (NCAIED) Reservation Economic Summit (RES) Conference, or have worked in tribal business a while, you know Indian Country isn’t as big as it seems. On the contrary, whenever there’s a gathering of Natives large enough to warrant a frybread or jewelry stand it’s more than likely at least half the attendees are related or have met before. When this happens, there’s also a good chance our inner “rez” will come out – it’s not a stereotype, it’s a fact and we embrace it! Therefore, as we debut the inaugural issue of the Visionary Business Magazine at this year’s National RES Las Vegas, we ask conference attendees and anyone who’s ever attended the RES Conference; HOW “RES” ARE YOU?

Take this quiz to find out just how “RES” you are and how much you know about doing business in Indian Country!

‘ ’

The Visionary | 21

9 Do your travel plans this year include at least 4 pow-wows?

10 While at RES, if you didn’t find relatives at the tradeshow, you immediately head to the art show and find some there.

Tally your “yes” responses and see how you rate:

0–3 URBAN INDIAN We appreciate the effort, but you’re basically Native by association. Don’t worry, you’re still welcome at all the pow-wows just don’t over-exert yourself trying to fit in.

4–6 RES AT HEARTAre you exhausted? Because you’ve been living in two worlds! You’re busy keeping the traditions alive and building a successful business. It’s tough work, but your communities (both of them) need you, keep up the good work!

7–10 BONAFIDE RESYou are a rare breed! You can spot tribal kin a mile away and you make no excuses for your “rez” tendencies. Your business life comes second to your traditional life or not at all and that’s the way you like it. You’re the heart of the RES and we salute you!

IF YOU’RE JOINING US AT THE RES CONFERENCE THIS YEAR, STOP BY

FIND US!#THATSRES #THEVISIONARY #BETHEVISION

BOOTH #724FOR A FREE “THAT’S SO RES!” BUTTON!& HAVE SOME FUN AT OUR PHOTO BOOTH!

See LIVE POSTS, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS from RES

Las Vegas 2015 on our Visionary Business Magazine social sites!

22 | The Visionary

V: Those are some very big performances; I think most performers would be grateful to earn even one of those titles or land a spot on just one of those shows at such a young age. Could you tell us, from a business aspect, what it takes to attract, and continue attracting those types of opportunities?

T: The main thing is being persistent. Many of the places that I perform now at regularly, like the Santa Fe Indian Market, I used to get turned away from and asked to leave. When I was first starting, I would set up with my music, uninvited, and just start playing. They would tell me I had to move and couldn’t be there, but I was very persistent and I moved to another spot and set up again – eventually I would perform on the main stage in the plaza. At the Heard Museum Indian Market this year I’m a featured artist, but when I was first starting I also tried to set up there and they told me, basically, to go away. I even used to try to sell my music at resorts and would play the flute inside the elevators because once the doors close people couldn’t walk away and would have to listen to me. I would just always be persistent about it, in a respectful way, to try to get my music heard. The same thing with Canyon Records, I submitted my first album when I was nineteen and they said that they were going in a different direction, but Robert Doyle was very kind and took me on a tour of Canyon Records and told me if I kept doing music that,

eventually, this is where I would be recording. About five years later he asked me to come back, but this time to record an album – now I’m working on my fifth album with Canyon Records and tenth album total. It’s just about being persistent and getting yourself out there; that’s the main thing, just taking the first step, not being afraid of rejection because with any type of failure you

will always learn something from it.

V: After you got your foot in the door and started to get noticed, how did the “big” performances come into play, like the Nelly Furtado shows and touring the world?

T: The big ones, I think, are a result of all the small ones because for the Nelly Furtado event, she had seen me hoop dancing at the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest and it just happened to be the year that I won in 2011. Her agent called me up and asked if I wanted to perform with her and asked me to send a promo

package. I always have my promo kit ready to go so I sent it off right away; that same day they sent me a contract and flew me out to Los Angeles with my brother and wife. Two weeks after the shoot, the music video (Nelly Furtado- Big Hoops, Bigger the Better) was done and released, then I starting touring with her through the Island of Malta, Paris, Tokyo and London. It all just came from being prepared, and once you’re given an opportunity to take it and make the

++++Tony as the 2013 Native American Music

Awards Artist of the Year

Tony with indigenous performers from around the world on their European tour 2013.

The Visionary | 23

best of it.

V: How do you balance the business and art sides of your work and what does your work schedule look like?

T: Social media and Canyon Records are my main channels of promotion and they do most of the work in promoting our shows. Fall, winter and spring are all local events and summer is for touring because tourism really dries up here in Arizona due to the heat. As an artist, I really don’t like the business part of the work I feel it restricts my creativity – bookkeeping, contracts and terms – my wife actually handles a lot of that for me. The performance contracts are all unique each one is set up differently and have their own terms. I always try to get travel and accommodations paid for so I don’t get stranded somewhere.

V: What are your next goals and long-term aspirations?

T: My next big goal is Europe – in Europe there is a huge appreciation for Native American culture and will be the

next step for me as far as touring internationally and music. I like to read business magazines and see what other businesses are doing and how much they make, but as Tony Duncan Productions, I’m proud to say I’m in the six-figures for income in just music and hoop dancing and I think it’s pretty cool for myself being a young Native to be doing something that I like to do. Long-term I would like to get more into online sales and having my own products.

V: If you had one piece of advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs or performers what would it be?

T: Take at least one finance or business class; because the only way to learn, if you don’t, is by losing a lot of money and learning the hard way. I wish I had done that in the beginning.

Connect with Tony: 480-296-1468 nativetd@hotmail.com Facebook: @Tonydhoopflute tonyduncanproductions.com++++ Tony balancing work and play in

Italy while touring Europe in 2013.

24 | The Visionary

How do they do it? NFC works on behalf of the business owner, with their permission of course, to negotiate with their existing financial provider to lower their rates and, if needed, dispute charge-back fees. When asked how this cost-cutting method works for NFC’s bottom-line Kenworthy states, “we’re willing to make less profit than the company that they’re currently with…we win by helping the business.” In short, NFC works by offering their clients options and advocates on their behalf to help them save money making their services a “win-win” for all parties involved.

While Native Financial Consulting focuses their services towards the Native American business community, Kenworthy states they do not exclude or discourage anyone from utilizing their services. In the near future NFC plans to launch a series of educational awareness components to add even more value to their consulting services in forms of a blog, informational pamphlets and e-newsletters.

When asked what NFC brings to the industry that differentiates them from all other financial service providers Kenworthy’s answer is simple, “knowledge, honesty, and integrity.”

When considering payment processing options from the

myriad of financial institutions and credit card processing services available today, a business owner could drown in the sheer number of providers that exist in this single market, not to mention the mind-boggling web of fees, terms and third-party mark-ups that occur behind the scenes unbeknownst to the business owner.

Unfortunately, most business owners turn a blind eye to this hazy issue content to tolerate it as a necessary evil in day-to-day business operations. We’re happy to report, not all payment processing services need be so mystical. After chatting with Cathy Kenworthy, President of Native Financial Consulting (NFC), we’ve found there is at least one company out there looking out for the business owner and their company’s financial future.

With more than 20 years experience in the credit, debit and merchant services payment processing industry Cathy knows where all the hidden fees are and how to find them. By providing one-on-one financial consulting, Native Financial Consulting is able to analyze, assess and pin-point the fees, charge-backs and mark-ups in your everyday transactions processing that could be costing your business thousands of dollars per year.

“Most businesses, absolutely, don’t even understand how much they pay for credit card processing,” Kenworthy states, and added that after obtaining consultation through NFC, most businesses are able to save, on average, anywhere from $100 to $10,000 per year in processing fees alone.

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F IGHTING THE PAYMENT PROCESSING TUG-OF-WARNative Financial Consulting is on Your Side by Amanda June

Cathy Kenworthy, President of Native Financial Consulting (NFC)

The Visionary | 25

Native Financial Consulting

Spreading the Truth

Our Philosophy

We believe every business has the right to fair pricing and extraordinary customer service when dealing with a merchant service company. That's

why we've made it our mission to help ensure you receive the best customer service and fairest price possible.

Our Guarantee

We promise to never offer you services that are not beneficial to your business. We promise to always deal with you in an ethical and honest manner. We

promise to be there when you need us.

We make sure your solution is the right one for your business by negotiating on your behalf with your current processor, or we will help you find a better

fit for your business' payment processing and marketing needs. With so many choices, you will be happy you went with a 100% Native American, Women owned company with many years of industry experience. We are

dedicated to helping Native American Enterprises navigate thru the complexities of the Merchant Services industry.

Allow us to help you nurture and grow your business.

Unique Business & The Right Solution

Contact Us: cathy@nativefc.com

866-451-7706 (office) 602-373-2010 (cell)

www.nativefc.com

NFC is an agent for American Payment Solutions. American Payment Solutions is a registered ISO/MSP of Esquire Bank, Garden City, NY

For many young Natives, the transition from reservation life to

big city living can be extremely difficult. The community-based Morning Star Leaders Youth Council (MSLYC) is hoping to make that transition easier.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the Morning Star Leaders Youth Council is an inter-tribal youth group that works to strengthen and renew cultural identity through leadership skill development. Sponsored by the Morning Star Leaders Foundation, the council of 35 Native students ranging in ages 7 to 18 engages their community through cultural performances, service drives and other volunteer activities.

Debbie Nez-Manuel, executive director of the Morning Star Leaders Foundation, who also co-founded the MSLYC program, and a member of the Navajo Nation, says the council serves as a safe haven for Native youth.

“We try to remind the students of their grandmother’s or grandfather’s voice that drives their spirit wherever they’re going. That voice is the one that matters…that voice that says they want their child to be a strong leader and to be giving back.”

Last year the students held a backpack drive for families living in remote areas of the Navajo reservation. Together, they gathered more than 300 backpacks, exceeding their goal of 200. Manuel says the project allowed the students to see how the backpacks make an impact on multiple levels within the community.

Overall, the goal of the program is to promote inter-tribal networking as a way to cultivate the next generation of Native leaders. Nez-Manuel says a major part of the council’s success hinges on educating members to respect other cultures - Native and non-Native – through civic engagement and by exposing them to diverse worldviews.

“Traditionally and indigenously, we’ve always had ways of making decisions, and there’s always been people who have led others in making final decisions,” Nez-Manuel says, “understanding parliamentary procedures from the Western society and integrating indigenous decision-making is something we try to balance.”

The Morning Star Leaders Foundation is currently applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is fund raising to support the youth’s educational program activities. They plan to hold their annual pack back drive between June and July with deliveries of the collected items to take place in August, 2015.

For more information on the Morning Star Leaders Youth Council upcoming events and how you can support them, visit: www.morningstarleaders.org

THE NEXT GENERATION OF NATIVE LEADERS

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NPRO

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SPO

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CULTIVATING

Since 2013, MSLYC members have organized

fundraisers and backpack drives to serve the needs

of those living in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

“

“Morning Star Leaders Executive Council members.

Opportunities: You create them, we grow them.

For the revolutionaryENTREPRENEUR

28 | The Visionary