ASHAI
PO Box 276
Swanton, Vt. 05488
802-868-7146
fax: 868-5118
email: mark.mitchell@doleta.sprint.com
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
The health food and drink market is rapidly growing
and diversifying. Consumers are also showing a great interest
in Native American culture. The Abenaki Nation of Vermont is
in a position to take advantage of both of these trends with it
plans to develop and manufacture a beverage. It would joi
the family of successful Vermont "specialty foods", a
manufacturing category described by the Vermont
Department of Agriculture, which includes Ben & Jerry's
Homemade.
An in-depth planning and feasibility study on the
proposed product, which includes strategies for production
and marketing and projections for financial need, was
conducted this year, and the results were very positive. They
have provided a framework under which the Abenaki would
like to proceed with the venture, if funding can be secured.
The largest concentration of the Abenaki population is
in Franklin County in northern Vermont. 1990 census data
shows that Vermont's Native Americans make up a
disproportionate number of those living below the poverty
line, receiving special needs school funds, and not
completing their education. The company would be owned by
the community as a whole; profits that are not reinvested in
the business would be directed at provision of community and
social services that are severely lacking at present. Strategies
for the We believe that this is a unique opportunity to support
an entire community through a venture that promises to be
self-sustaining, and will finally allow the Abenaki to
participate economically in the dominant culture.
THE PROPOSING ORGANIZATION
The Abenaki Self-Help Association, Inc. (ASHAI) is
headquartered in Swanton, Vermont. Incorporated in 1976 to
be the service arm of the Abenaki Nation, the agency has
grown into a multi-service center that offers programs in
education, employment, drug abuse, youth, housing, and
economic development. It has been supported through the
years by federal, state and private sources.
The Abenaki Development Corporation (ADC) was
started in 1993 to direct economic development for the
Abenaki Nation. ASHAI has a 501c4 designation because it
makes a small profit on the low-income housing program it
administers; ADC has a 501c3 designation, and the two
organizations are able to work together to promote the self
sufficiency of the Abenaki community.
OUR NEEDS
Despite the recent popularity and success of gaming
(gambling) as a path to economic development for many
"recognized" tribes, the Abenaki community has repeatedly
indicated no interested in pursuing it. The Abenaki Nation
has sought federal recognition, and the petition is being
processed. However, various state agencies and local
organizations have been working with the Governor's Advisory
Commission on Native American Affairs towards the success
of this and other programs in the Abenaki community, in the
common interest of social and economic health of Franklin
County and the state as a whole. The Abenaki Nation is also
excited about the prospects for this venture. Apart from
securing funding, we have all the support we need.
The Abenaki Nation is seeking funds to cover the
projected startup and operating costs of the beverage
business. According to the feasibility study, it would be most
prudent to concentrate first on product development and
marketing, and building a management team. The funds
would be managed by the Abenaki Development Corporation,
and the Abenaki Self-Help Association management would be
responsible for selecting a management team, but once the
funds are secured, the beverage company will incorporate as a
separate entity.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
We have applied to foundations for startup funding and
we are also preparing a proposal for the Eagle Staff Fund, a
collaborative that helps Native economic development
initiatives.
In addition to funding for the project itself, plans are
being made to develop the expertise and human capital that
will make this project sustainable as a community venture.
We are exploring possibilities for capacity-building with other
Vermont businesses and organizations in the areas of
production, distribution, and sales and marketing.
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