An interview with new Lakota Funds' Board of Directors’ member, Arvine Standing Elk
Standing Elk says, “When I retired from the workforce I felt I had reached a milestone in my lifetime, so instead of working, I decided to dedicate my journey to helping others to enhance their endeavors in starting their own business”.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE AREA?
I was born in a log cabin at the Standing Elk estate in Porcupine. I lived on the reservation, my growing up years, left for business college after high school, graduated, and moved home to the reservation. I have been in the work force since 1962. I married Morris Brewer in 1968, moved to Topeka, KS, where he was employed.
Our two sons were born, Morris, Jr. and Scott. We moved home for a couple of years, then moved to Portland, OR. Lived there while our sons completed, elementary and high school. When they moved away to go on to school, we moved home to South Dakota in 1989. We opened our own business in Porcupine in 1990. The business was a success, we sold it, and now we are busy helping others.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE ON LAKOTA FUNDS' BOARD?
I feel that with my experience of owning my own business for ten years, that I could help others out there in the community. Our youth want to be entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. Lakota Funds is a good venue to help them with business coaching, and I like to support that endeavor. I like to be a part of reaching Lakota Funds’ goals.
WHAT DO YOU BRING TO LAKOTA FUNDS?
An honest, hardworking work ethic. I believe that our word is our honor and that’s all we have.
ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
Lakota Funds’ employees are an asset to our communities. I am so proud of all the staff. They all work so hard.
The work that they do is very professional. They make me feel comfortable when I meet them in the office or out in the community. They are very respectful. This is what keeps my hope up for a proud nation.
Thank you Lakota Funds.
Lakota Funds provides business loans and technical assistance to members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe who are seeking to start or expand a business to be located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, always pursuing their mission and seeking economic sovereignty for the Oyate.