“Famous” Dave donates stock for tribal embassy project

Leaders want to create a Washington D.C. home

Native American Times

A drive by the National Congress of American Indians to build an Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. just received a $50,000 boost from a well-known Indian Country figure.

“Famous” Dave Anderson, an entrepreneur who also served a stint as the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, donated $50,000 worth of stock towards the project.

“I am honored to support NCAI's Embassy of Tribal Nations Capital Campaign in Washington, D.C.," said Anderson in a statement. "There are many foreign nations represented in our nation's capitol but the most obvious is the sovereign nations of this country's first people. Each Native person and tribal nation has a responsibility to step up and support this effort to make our historical and political presence known, both here at home and internationally.”

"This generous contribution puts us another step closer in realizing our initial goal of $2 million to purchase a building in Washington that will house the embassy," said NCAI President Joe Garcia. "Mr. Anderson's continued commitment to the betterment of Indian Country is well reflected in this contribution. This donation will greatly assist in providing a place where tribal leaders and Native organizations can come together to enhance the presence of sovereign tribal nations in our nation's capital."

Anderson's Famous Dave's restaurants are known nationally. Anderson, a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Lake Superior Band of Ojibwa tribe and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, served one year with the BIA, and was appointed by President Bush to the President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities in 2002. He is also founder of the LifeSkills Center for Leadership, which was awarded Oprah Winfrey's "Angel Award" for the center's work with Native youth. During his stint with tenure with the BIA Anderson was known for speaking to Indian youth and conveying a positive message.

The NCAI board launched its embassy campaign in late 2004. Officials have set a goal of raising $12 million over the next three years towards the project.

“The Embassy of Tribal Nations will further advance our sovereign visibility and will be a national focal point for all Native people,” Anderson says.ject.