Indian Country On Wall Street

Tribal Leaders Ring Opening Bell at Exchange

Submitted by NAFOA

NEW YORK — The leaders and finance officers of five Tribal Nations made history on Sept. 7 when they became the first Native Americans to preside over the ringing of the opening bell at a global financial exchange. Maurice “Moe” John, president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Richard Bowers Jr., president of the Seminole Board of Directors, and Deron Marquez, former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, sounded the start of trading at the New York Mercantile Exchange, accompanied by cheers and applause from traders on the floor and the more than 100 Tribal council members and finance professionals packing the audience for the occasion.

The bell-ringing was the highlight of the final day of the Native American Finance Officers Association’s (NAFOA) 25th Annual Conference – “The Wall Street Summit,” an event that brought together many of the most respected leaders and experts in the field of Tribal finance and enterprise. For the representatives of some of the most successful Tribes who took part in the Mercantile ceremony, ringing the bell in the capital of the financial world was a thrill, and represented a milestone event for all Tribal nations.

“I rang the bell not only on behalf of the Seneca Nation, but all natives in the country,” said John, who dressed in traditional Seneca regalia for the event. “I rang it in memory of all the Seneca elders who have helped all Tribes reach the point where we are investors in the stock and commodities markets.”

“In my time as a Tribal leader I have had the opportunity to participate in a lot of interesting events, but the ringing of the bell is one of the coolest things I have ever done,” said Marquez, whose term as chairman at San Manuel saw the Tribe become an innovator and leader in economic development.

Seminole Tribe Vice-Chairman and President Richard Bowers stated: “On behalf of the great Seminole Tribe of Florida and other great Native American Tribes, it was an honor to be a part of this historic day in the presence of billions of dollars being traded for oil, gas, commodities, etc.; it was a great opportunity to be a part of the ringing of the opening bell.

“It shows the world that Native American Tribes can gain economic power and success,” Bowers continued. “Not long ago Wall Street was a wall to keep Indians out, today it is a red carpet for Native Americans and Native American Tribes who seek financial economic independence.”