Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc.
"Making life better!"
Spirit Lake Reservation Company Hits One Million in Contracts
October , 2006 -- Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc., a firm founded and headquartered on the Spirit Lake Reservation passed the $1 million mark in contracted business this week with a $471,000 grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The award, for Small Business Innovation Research funds the company to further develop its computer-assisted training program for persons with disabilities and their families. According to SLC President Erich Longie, “Based on the reservation, we have unique insights into the needs in small communities. For example, our training CD-ROM includes a virtual library where fact sheets or booklets are available on everything from Alzheimer’s to Diabetes to Social Security disability requirements. We understand that most rural residents do not have a large library close at hand, so we provide everything they need in one CD. Our on-site training walks people through using our CD so when we leave they can actually use it to find the information they need.”
This award follows up a second Small Business Innovation grant of $296,000 the company received last month from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for computer-assisted training for staff members working in the disability or special education field.
“It has been a great week for me, “ the company president added, “I have completed my dissertation, becoming the first enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota to receive a doctoral degree. Also, my company is now the first Indian-owned business on the reservation to top one million dollars, and we may be the first Indian-owned business in the state to do so.” Unlike many reservation based businesses, Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. is not owned by the tribe but rather, is a private business with majority ownership by tribal members. Two of the three co-founders, Erich Longie and April St. Pierre are members of the Spirit Lake Dakota Sioux. Both reside on the Spirit Lake reservation.
These awards will provide employment and income for individuals on the reservations. Dr. Russell McDonald will be coordinating the Spirit Lake site for the software testing, while Willie Davis will coordinate the Turtle Mountain test site. The company is seeking special education staff as well as persons with disabilities and their families to participate in the testing. In the software development phase, training is provided free and participants receive a small stipend for their time. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact Erich Longie (701) 351-2175 or email INFO@spiritlakeconsulting.com for more information.
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