FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Dina Horwedel, Public Education Director, 303-426-890

Casey Lozar of the American Indian College Fund Visits Wal-Mart as part of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

Denver, Colorado – December 10 -- As part of its celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Wal-Mart hosted several Indian Nations and tribal organizations from across the country November 18-20. Casey Lozar, Corporate Development Officer with the American Indian College Fund, was among the more than 30 partners to attend the event at Wal-Mart's Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The three-day meeting, co-sponsored by Wal-Mart's Corporate Affairs - Diversity Relations and the company's American Indian and Alaska Native Associate Resource Group, Tribal Voices, featured discussions about Wal-Mart's efforts to better serve the needs of Indian Country in the areas of education and recruitment, financial services, marketing, health and wellness and merchandising. The meeting was also aimed towards fostering greater understanding and awareness about the customs and traditions of many tribal nations including the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

“Wal-Mart has long been a friend to our Native community by creating good jobs and products at low prices in Indian Country. It was rewarding to learn more about Wal-Mart's efforts in American Indian communities and share some of our customs and traditions with the company,” said Lozar. ”More importantly, we were able to increase their awareness about our needs and unique perspective, which should lead to a stronger partnership in the future.”

As part of the multi-day event, the group visited Bentonville's Museum of Native American Artifacts. The museum offers a glimpse into what life was like for America 's indigenous people through exhibits and artifacts of five different time periods. There were several other programs and events held at the Home Office throughout the month, including an Osage powwow demonstration event, hosted by Tribal Voices.

“At Wal-Mart, our commitment to diversity in all areas of our business is not just something we talk about, its engrained in everything we do,” said Esther Silver-Parker, senior vice president, Corporate Affairs - Diversity Relations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “With the help of programs and outreach like this, we are able to stay on course during our continuing journey to meet the needs of our friends in the American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”

Currently, Wal-Mart operates more than 150 stores and Sam's Clubs on or near tribal lands and reservations nationwide. Throughout the year, Wal-Mart works to support Native American Nations through scholarship, program sponsorship and service including donating to the American Indian College Fund.