1. Tell us about yourself? (What nation you're from, where you grew up?)
My name is Tamra Brennan, I am the director/founder of NDN News. I am Eastern Cherokee, my mothers side of the family is from the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina.
I was raised in Southern California, and now living in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
2. Tell us about NDN News?
NDN News is a grassroots organization which acts as an information hub and resource for many issues in Indian Country. We are dedicated to providing information featuring headline stories, on-going issues, action alerts and upcoming events.
Our goal and focus is unity, solidarity and helping to make a difference in Indian Country.
3. What was the biggest obstacle to getting NDN News of the ground?
NDN News was founded in 2004. The biggest obstacle was getting the information out, so folks were aware of the site. We are on-line only, so our focus is all web based.
4. Tell us about your website? It's a very nice site. Thank you.
Our website is www.NDNnews.com . I designed and also maintain the website. There will be additional information and sections coming soon! It is always a work in progress, so please bookmark the site and check back often for new additions and information.
5. Have you noticed an increase in your stats? And how do you get NDN NEWS to the public? (marketed)
Yes, our website stats have grown tremendously over the past year.
We post pertinent info across the internet, including groups, blogs and myspace. Our online readership and subscribers to our newsletter, now consists of several thousand people and growing each year.
6. I'm sure you have published many interesting stories, what is your favorite?
I honestly, don't have a favorite.
However, my article Eleven Days Later, Disaster finally coming to a close for Pine Ridge Reservation which was published in November after the blizzard slammed Western South Dakota, devastating Pine Ridge and Rosebud, had the most significant impact on my work.
I live in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was personally impacted by this disaster. The article was written with first hand knowledge, experience and passion.
7. What are your current projects?
Throughout the year, NDN News helps Rez Assistance programs, to raise donations for heating assistance on the rez's.
We also have an annual coat and clothing drive thru our Helping the ReZ program. This year we were able to distribute over a hundred new coats and a couple hundred new sweat hoodies. A large portion of this was donated right after the blizzard hit us in November. We had four boxes of coats sent to Wanblee, several boxes were also donated to the Big Foot Riders Annual Ride. On December 26th, we distributed 50 coats and 50 sweat hoodies at a benefit concert and coat drive in Kyle on the Pine Ridge Rez.
My passion is the protection of sacred sites, and is a continual project. In addition to NDN News, I founded Protect Sacred Sites, Indigenous People One Nation which is also a grass roots organization. Our organization is currently focused on the ongoing struggle to protect Bear Butte. You can visit that website at www.protectsacredsites.org
8. Who were your mentor's growing up?
My dad, he always encouraged me to stand up for what I believe in.
9. Tell us about your hobbies?
Running two grass roots organizations, I don't have as much time to spend as I would like. I enjoy anything outdoors, hiking, camping, exploring new places, attending pow wow's, photography and of course the internet!
10. What is your favorite annual Powwow?
Black Hills, South Dakota
11. Do you have advice for young Indigenous Entrepreneur's?
Don't listen to the negativity that overwhelms our people today. You CAN succeed and follow your dreams. Your success is what you make of it, if the passion is within you, don't let go of it! Success takes perseverance, patience and effort in order to accomplish your goals.
When you become successful or famous, remember where you came from, remember your roots and that passion that brought you success.
Life is a journey and each day is another chapter, it is up to you what you write in it.
Always remember, our youth of today, are our elders of tomorrow. You are our future.
12. Do you know of any interesting area's a young Indigenous entrepreneur might want to investigate?
It would be encouraging to see more Native writers and film makers. There are so many documentaries and films out there about Native people, that are written by non Native's. Would be great to see it done accurately and by Native people!
13. What do you have planned for NDN NEWS this coming year?
Continue to create awareness about the ongoing struggles in Indian Country!
Acquire sponsors and advertisers for our website and blog
14. How do you think IICOC could better help our Entrepreneur's?
Help tribal members with funding options by coordinating workshops or conferences with various non profit org's that help fund new businesses or expand existing businesses on the reservations.
Things you could potentially cover:
Help new Entrepreneur's to think outside of the box,
Be creative in their marketing and with starting new businesses.
Help folks put together a business plan, so they are aware of what it will take to survive starting a new business and keep it successfully running.
