Arlee youth win at National American Indian Business Leaders Conference with Frybread-in-a-Jar business

An adorable shy Isaiah LaMere holds his award and check. (Courtesy photo)

Move over Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray, there’s a new cook in the making.

Isaiah LaMere, representing the Arlee K-6 AIBL Chapter brought home 2nd Place, in the National American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) Business Plan Competition, with his Frybread-In-A-Jar business.

Isaiah with his business partner Nathan Butler came up with the idea to mix together ingredients to make frybread in one jar.

"Isaiah was nervous about presenting in front of 100 people, but after receiving a phone message of encouraging words from his mother Sarah Wahl, he proudly walked to the podium and brought home a trophy and $250," said Tina Begay one of the chapter's advisor.

Two chapters (K-6 grades and Jr. High) from Arlee attended the National AIBL Conference, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 7-9.

The students competed in the chapter competition showcasing their chapter activities throughout the year. They attend a workshop called Nurturing Your Inner Talent for Business Success, presented by Chance Rush. Rush said, "He believes young people have the capacity and responsibility to improve the future of their communities." They toured the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and experienced the horseshoe shaped glass-bottomed walkway that extends 70 feet out from the edge of the Grand Canyon. This phenomenal architectural feat was commissioned by the Hualapai Indian tribe. The students listened to Waylon Honga, Tour Operations manager express the rewards and challenges of the Skywalk in terms of economic development and cultural values. A total of 13 students and three chaperones attended the conference. The students who went on the trip were as follows: Jenna Pablo, Tashina Malatare, Marti Eaglefeathers, Tayla Desjarlais, Elizabeth Morigeau, Shanndyn Fyant, Isaac Desjarlais, Isaiah LaMere, Laurencia Starblanket, Nellie Desjarlais, Willie and Maranda Frost.

The chapter would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the following that supported the chapter: Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, Decker & Desjarlias Law Firm, First Interstate Bank Foundation, Dr. Mary Stranahan, Linda King, parents/grandparents, and the community of Arlee.

The winners of the raffle held on April 5, were as follows: Star Quilt: Dane Morigeau, Pendleton Blanket: Phyllis Haynes, and Shawl: Fudd Peak.