Indigenous Entrepreneurship

The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), with support from the Duluth LISC and McKnight Foundation Seed Grant, is offering a three-part Indigenous Economy, Indigenous Entrepreneurs series. AICHO was excited to welcome Nick Hernandez of Makoceag Agriculture Development on August 28 to share his expertise on launching Indigenous economic development and the business start-up process from an Indigenous perspective. Nick shared development strategies, planning process tips, and personal experiences from his work at Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation and his new startup organization, Makoceag Agriculture Development. 

Nick Hernandez showed up early for his workshop so he could meet and visit with members of our Gimaajii Youth Market Team. They educated Nick on their Indigenous Food and Indigenous products, how they are made and how they sell their products and Nick educated them about his bee, chicken, and garden farm/business. Great trade in information. The Youth also gave Nick a tour of the Gimaajii Gardens. So great for these Urban Anishinaabe youth entrepreneurs meet a Lakota Business owner who is doing similar work as themselves.

Biography: 

Nick Hernandez is a member of the Oglala Lakota Oyate and a citizen of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Nick is the partner to Liz Welch and the father of two boys Alee Jax and Kai Tyndall Hernandez. In 2019 Nick earned a master’s degree in Lakota Leadership and organizational management from the Oglala Lakota College (Kyle, SD). in 2015 Nick helped to develop the Food Sovereignty Initiative for Thunder Valley CDCand managed the initiative for 4 years as its Director. Today, through his many years of developing experience, training, partnerships and education in the realm of agriculture and food systems for his community and people. Nick’s passion and dedication are focused on developing Indigenous agriculture and food systems designed to regenerate healthy equitable communities, economies and our environments.