Omaha.com: Take risks to create jobs, Indian congress told

LINCOLN — Nearly 400 representatives of Indian tribes across the country heard a Native American leader from Nebraska tell them Monday they need to take risks to create jobs on reservations.

Lance Morgan, president and chief executive officer of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, said tribal governments are traditionally too conservative to take the economic risks necessary to establish businesses, build housing and encourage entrepreneurs.

He said semi-independent agencies such as Ho-Chunk Inc., with proper funding and empowerment, are more able to take the chances associated with economic development.

“Ho-Chunk Inc. is a calculated risk approach,” he said. “There's no secret formula. All we're doing is thinking about solving our problems and figuring it out.”