Building strong foundations, fostering connections, and empowering growth—together, we shape a better tomorrow.
Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant community of Native American entrepreneurs who learn, grow, and thrive together, driving sustainable economic and social impact from within their own communities. We aim to create an environment where innovation and shared success fuel a thriving ecosystem of Native-owned businesses. Through empowerment, resources, and a pull-style approach, we envision a future where Native entrepreneurs lead the way in transforming their communities.
Our mission at Tatanka Ska Ventures is to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing essential capital, education, and support, enabling them to succeed and uplift their communities.
We are committed to:
Our goal is to fuel lasting social and economic impact by empowering Native American entrepreneurs to transform their own communities from within. We focus on a pull-style solution, where we enable local innovators to create sustainable growth and self-sufficiency by addressing their communities’ unique needs.
CEO
Desmond Bruguier is a member of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes located in Northeastern Montana. After completing his enlistment in the US Navy, Desmond obtained a BBA in finance from the Zicklin school of Business at CUNY Baruch in New York, NY. Desmond has extensive experience working with Tribes in economic and energy development, project management and project financing. Having experienced reservation life firsthand, Desmond is keenly aware of the lack of opportunity afforded those who reside on them. He is passionate about employing his education and experience to provide guidance to Native Americans embarking on business ventures. Desmond has a dream that Native Americans will have the financial knowledge, business acumen, and resources to realize their ambitions. Tatanka Ska Ventures is an embodiment of that dream. Desmond currently lives in Arvada,CO with his wife (Birdie) and daughter (Bebe).
Board Member
Rocky’s experience in organizational leadership and government contracting makes him a valuable member of the board of directors for the Tatanka Ska Ventures. With his extensive military background, Rocky has gained a unique understanding of cultural diversity, having served in various regions around the world. Rocky’s 10+ years of experience at Ho-Chunk Inc. and his four years at Ford Motor Company have provided him with a strong foundation in collaborative partnerships, innovation, and strategic planning for small and large companies. His people skills and leadership acumen have been recognized at Ford Motor Company, where he was promoted twice in four years. At Ho-Chunk, Rocky’s dedication to hiring Native Americans as a priority on staffing contracts is a testament to his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, his passion for assisting others can be traced back to his family roots, where he credits his mother of Pame Indian heritage, his 12 siblings, his wife, and his 5 children for inspiring him to make a difference in people’s lives. Overall, Rocky’s expertise and passion for building people and organizations make him an asset to the Tatanka Ska Ventures’ growth and success. His experience in leadership and strategic planning, coupled with his commitment to diversity and inclusion, will be crucial in developing an organizational framework that will add tremendous value to Tatanka Ska Ventures.
Board Member
Evan is a member of the board of directors for Tatanka Ska Ventures and brings a diversity of experience and leadership to the organization. Evan’s role at TSV is to leverage and utilize his 14 years of experience in the investment and financial world where he helped stakeholders across the world realize potential in private markets and private wealth management (everything from hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, securities finance, accounting, and valuation). This experience across several industries/channels includes private credit/debt, infrastructure, real estate, sustainability, and technology. Evan believes in thorough due diligence processes and investment rigor when analyzing business opportunities that maximize returns to all stakeholders. Additionally, Evan has served on the board of directors, senior advisory board, and as an officer for national and local non-profit organizations in the Asian-American community for the past 15 years. Evan’s current interests include family time, coaching his son’s soccer team, hiking, golf and traveling whenever possible. Evan lives in Arvada with his wife (Michelle) and two kids (Roman and Callan).
Board Member
Nick Ohitika Najin Souksavath is the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce. He is dedicated to supporting and empowering Native American students, entrepreneurs and businesses. Nick is of mixed heritage, his mother is Mni Coujou Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and his father hailing from Laos. Nick served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2010, completing three deployments—one in Nicaragua and two in Iraq. These experiences have profoundly shaped his perspective on life and service. His diverse professional background spans various fields, including banking, Native culture consulting, finance, nonprofit development, ranching, business management and ownership. In 2021 he helped his daughter found Lakota Body Care, Colorado’s only Native American soap company. Nick is an accomplished tailor and Lakota Artist, specializing in Quillwork and Beadwork. He not only makes traditional regalia, but contemporary Native fashion. In October 2023 Nick headlined the Festival of Color Fashion Show in Denver. He is also a member of the Colorado Inter-Tribal Dancers. Driven by a deep love for his family and community, Nick is passionate about helping others and fostering meaningful connections. His commitment to service and advocacy is at the heart of his work with the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce, where he strives to uplift and support Native American voices. Nick performed with the Colorado Inter-Tribal Dancers in collaboration with Jeffrey Gibson at the Venice Biennale, in April of 2024 as well as October of 2024.
