Alicia White Bear Named as 2017 Volunteer of the Year by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development

Alicia White Bear will be honored as the 2017 Volunteer of the Year as a part of this year's National Reservation Economic Summit (National RES) hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. The National Center will recognize several Native American business leaders and those who have made significant contributions to advancing economic development in Indian Country during this year's National RES. The award winners span businesses large and small, and award categories include tribal leadership, gaming, women-owned business, volunteers, and public advocacy.

The awards are part of the 31st Annual National RES, taking place at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 13-16. National RES is the largest economic development gathering in Indian Country, bringing together over 4,000 Native American leaders, businesses and business owners, subject-matter experts, government officials, and others.

Alicia is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Arikara) and currently works at the UT Southwestern Animal Resource Center in Dallas, Texas. She has a degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech, and she volunteers with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"Alicia White Bear has shown a deep commitment to volunteerism throughout her career, and has a strong devotion to the protection and care for animals," said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center. "She is a very deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award and are proud to honor her achievements."

For more information about National RES and the National Center, please visit http://res.ncaied.org.

About The National Center:The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 40 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development – we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation. Our motto is: "We Mean Business For Indian Country" as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people- both now... and for generations to come.