Politics of Food: Lance Morgan, Winnebago Tribe Member, Focuses on a "Third Way" Economic Model


Lance Morgan, the keynote speaker on October 7, 2010 during Feeding America's Central Region food bank conference in Omaha, outlined the economic development success on the Winnebago reservation. He stressed how Ho-Chunk Inc. and other businesses on the reservation transformed a community with 65% unemployment and widespread alcoholism into a "rural economic miracle."

Morgan described how Ho-Chunk and other enterprises have not only contributed significantly to tribal programs, but offer a different approach to economic development, such as through it's low loan rates for rez cars and houses. The low rates have driven out predatory lenders for cars, a loan policy which has devastated many low income workers. This approach provided borrowers with the means to maintain jobs and "changed the landscape and what's possible in our world," Morgan stated. "It changed the whole dynamic within our community.

Lance Morgan, speaking at
Feeding America conference
in Omaha, October 7, 2010.
He also described the growth of Ho-Chunk that now generates $175 million in revenue with 1000 employees. The business started a non-profit organization with a $1 million investment and a $150,000 annual investment. The efforts led to building high-quality homes with an low 2.9% loan rate for Winnebago tribal members. Part of the housing program donates a large, $15,000 down payment for homeowners that allows them to purchase the home with a $500 monthly mortgage payment.

Ho-Chunk gives 20% of its earnings back to the tribe, which is where the Indian enterprises differ from normal for-profit businesses: they are dedicated to transforming the lives of tribal members. Morgan's humorous delivery turned to a serious note when he pointed out how the US government "stole our property. Look, we're just looking for contracts to sweep your floors," referring to difficult efforts to win government contracts in other enterprises.
Location: Omaha, NE, USA

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