The Power of Opportunity and Self-Reliance
Rod Wilson, Ph.D.
Strategic Advisor | Author | Speaker | Board Director | Managing Partner with 30 years of expertise in leadership and management. Communications expert delivering innovative solutions.
The remarkable journey of Ho-Chunk, Inc. is a story that highlights the incredible power of self-reliance when a tribe is given the opportunity to succeed. From their humble beginnings in a garage, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, securing major contracts with some of the most prestigious organizations in the world—U.S. Space Force, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Defense. This transformation didn’t happen by accident; it was the result of careful strategic planning, strong tribal government oversight, and a keen focus on future generations.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. embodies what the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was designed to support—tribes using gaming revenue not only to provide for their communities today, but also to create a foundation for their long-term success. Gaming wasn’t meant to be a handout; it was intended to give tribes the opportunity to create sustainable economic growth that benefits future generations. Ho-Chunk, Inc. has done just that. By making strategic investments, not just in gaming but in a wide variety of business ventures, Ho-Chunk has demonstrated how a tribe can thrive when given the resources and the freedom to make decisions based on long-term vision.
The careful planning of Ho-Chunk, Inc. didn’t stop with securing initial funding. The real brilliance of their success lies in their ability to maintain oversight and accountability while thinking far beyond short-term profits. Tribal leadership understood that success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. That’s why they have maintained a clear focus on building businesses and partnerships that would continue to provide opportunities for their people in the future. They didn’t just stop with the first successful venture; they have expanded into multiple industries, including technology, construction, and government contracting. Their growth strategy has always been intentional and calculated, based on the idea that each step forward needs to be built on a solid foundation for future growth.
Equally important to their success is the understanding that self-reliance means responsibility—not only to their current members but also to the generations yet to come. The leadership at Ho-Chunk, Inc. has set an example for tribal governments across the country in how to responsibly manage resources and investments to benefit not only the present but also the long-term well-being of their communities. They have established clear governance frameworks that ensure the tribe’s resources are being used efficiently and effectively. Their approach is based on strategic investment that supports sustainable growth, rather than relying on external help or temporary solutions.
At the heart of Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s philosophy is the recognition that tribal governments must plan with an eye on future generations. The choices made today will directly impact the opportunities available tomorrow. By focusing on long-term strategies, building diverse portfolios, and fostering innovation, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has laid the groundwork for future economic independence and sustainability for their people. This is exactly what IGRA intended—empowering tribes to use their resources to build wealth and ensure self-sufficiency, not just for today, but for the generations that will follow.
In a world that often overlooks the potential of indigenous communities, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has shown us that when tribes are given the opportunity, they will rise to the challenge. Through careful planning, effective governance, and a focus on creating lasting opportunities, they have created a model for tribal businesses, and for all businesses, to follow. The world needs to understand that tribal self-reliance is not only a worthy goal—it’s a powerful engine for progress.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker
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Be well,
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Rod