Mr. Chenery is recognized as a descendant by the Gros Ventre and Chippewa Nation. As part of the Ah-Ah-Nee-Nin Nations, the Gros Ventre reside on the Fort Belknap Reservation in North Central Montana near the Little Rocky Mountains and across the United States. Gros Ventre, pronounced Grow Vaunt, is French for "big belly" which some believe was derived from the misinterpretation of the local Indian sign language for "waterfall" which was a sweeping downward gesture with their hand, outward from the chest to the waist area.

The Gros Ventre people call themselves A'aninin (pronounced Ah Ah Nee Nin) which means White Clay People. This was derived from a custom of washing their clothing in a clay substance which when rubbed on wet buckskin, caused the material to become very white in color. The Gros Ventre people are considered part of the Plains Indian culture with their beginnings linked to the Arapaho nation.

For more information regarding the Gros Ventre people, please visit the official website of the Gros Ventre of Fort Belknap or try these links for the history, language, culture and commerce.

Using his skills in the business community, Mr. Chenery is working with tribal leaders to create and nurture opportunities for the Gros Ventre community. For more information on career opportunities or professional services available at VSI contact us via email or calling our office.