Indigenous Peoples Working Group
The Indigenous Peoples Working Group (IPWG) seeks to promote Indigenous leadership through programs and initiatives which link the socially responsible investment (SRI) industry and Native communities.
SRI in Oneida Conference
Engaging in Socially Responsible Investing:
Building Collaboration Among Our Nations
August 3 & 4, 2010 | Oneida Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay, Wisconsin
Over the course of two days, financial officers and leaders concerned with Indigenous Peoples issues in North America and world-wide learned about socially responsible investment (SRI) strategies that build wealth while supporting the economic, environmental and social/cultural concerns of tribal nations. Conference attendees received a copy of “Creating a Sustainable World: A Guide to Responsible Stewardship of American Indian Assets” released by the Social Investment Forum. The guide draws parallels between American Indian and socially responsible investors’ principles and offers a framework for American Indian investors on SRI investing.
Update: "Oneida Advocacy Through Investment Holdings" submitted by Oneida Trust Committee has advanced to the final round for the Honoring Nations 2010 Award by the Harvard Project of American Economic Development.
SPONSORS
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
8:30
Oneida Nation Welcome
Welcome by Tribal Chairman Rick G. Hill and Oneida Color Guard Performance.
8:50
The Opening: Oneida Nation student
9:00
Introductions
Carole Liggins, Chairwoman of Oneida Trust Committee
Loretta Metoxen, Vice Chair of Oneida Trust Committee
10:00
History of Indigenous Peoples and SRI
Sherry Salway Black, National Congress of American Indians
10:20
Overview of Socially Responsible Investing
George Gay, First Affirmative Financial Network
Tim Smith, Walden Asset Management
11:00
Indigenous Peoples' Human Rights and Food Sovereignty
Andrea Carmen, International Indian Treaty Council
Without our food sovereignty, we will alwasys be dependent. Food sovereignty for Indigenous Peoples is tied to our right to land and natural resources, cultural rights and traditional knowledge. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, along with shareholder advocacy efforts by sustainable investors, can provide a strong framework for understanding, defending and asserting these rights which are fundamental to our traditional and modern economies, as well as our health and cultural survival.
12:00-12:50
Keynote Lunch: "Investing in Native Americans Today"
Rebecca Adamson, First Peoples Worldwide
Presenting the worldview where all are related, where everyone is some one’s mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, where the whole, not just a part of it, must be considered stands in stark contrast to the economics of externalities. The design principles of an Indigenous Economy will be used to examine both tribal and social investing as the means for transforming capital markets.
1:00
Native Entrepreneurship & Community Development
Gerald Sherman, Indian Land Capital Company
Paul and Jill Ninham, Duck Creek Coffee
Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have been making significant contributions to Native economies around the country over the past few years. This session provided an overview of the national movement and show why Native CDFIs are a source for community-driven lending. Business owners of Duck Creek Coffee shared their experience in securing a loan through their tribal-owned bank and developing a successful business from the ground up.
2:30-5:15
Tour of Oneida Reservation
5:30
Dinner
7:00
Comedian Charlie Hill 
Charlie Hill, a Native American comedian, whose laugh-out-loud comedy routines are seasoned with insightful cultural observations about modern America. Charlie’s humor has helped break many stereotypes about Native Americans and Non-Native Americans, which was acknowledged with the Ivy Bethune Tri-Union Diversity Award 2009 for SAG. Charlie was also recently featured in a Showtime Special, "The Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations Needed", which aired November 2009 on Showtime. Charlie is the featured performer in the PBS program “On and Off the Res” from Native American Public Telecommunications, and has appeared with such comedy stalwarts as David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, and Roseanne. He appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman” as part of the CBS show’s 13th anniversary episode. Much of Charlie’s humor focuses on his experiences as a Native American performer in the national spotlight, but his funny, relevant stories and observations which cross cultural lines to lighten and enlighten audiences everywhere with healing laughter.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
8:30
Overview of
“Creating a Sustainable World: A Guide to Responsible Stewardship of American Indian Assets”
Sylvia Panek, Social Investment Forum
8:45
Chapter One: Connections between Native and SRI Communities
Sherry Black, National Congress of American Indians
Oftentimes American Indian financial officers and socially-concious investors find common ground in their work. Sherry Black will discuss similarities (and cooperation) in the efforts to preserve land, promote social justice and build healthy communities.
9:00
Chapter Two: SRI Approaches for American Indian Investors
Investment dollars can build wealth, but learn how American Indian investors can also encourage better business practices from corporations as stock owners, minimize negative impacts on reservations and spur community development. Susan White, Oneida Trust Director, will moderate the discussion.
Pillar One: Shareholder Advocacy - Steven Heim, Boston Common Asset Management and Shelley Alpern, Trillium Asset Management Corporation
Pillar Two: Portfolio Screening and Benchmarking - Stephanie Leighton, Trillium Asset Management Corporation
Pillar Three: Community Investing - Susan White, Oneida Trust Committee
10:10
Chapter Three: SRI and the Role of the Fiduciary
Jan Bryan, First Affirmative Financial Network
Georgette Frazer, First Affirmative Financial Network
Indigenous Peoples can be viewed as the original fiduciary investors, who see their duty not only to current tribal members but to future generations as well. In today's complex investment world, instituting a formal process to fulfill fiduciary duty is imperative. This session will provide tools to aid fiduciaries in doing so.