Brian Decorah Is Pechanga Resort Casino’s First Native American Top Executive
With nearly 25 years in the gaming industry, all of it within Tribal gaming establishments, Brian Decorah brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the west coast’s largest resort/casino. Decorah, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, will serve as as general...
A Backstage Pass to Top Entertainment Venues in Indian Country
According to a 2018 Nielsen Music report, 52 percent of the U.S. population attends a live music event each year. For many Tribal enterprises with entertainment venues in their business mix, that’s music to their ears. In 2017 alone, revenue from concert ticket sales...
Yurok Agricultural Corporation Subsidiary Purchases Canning Line
Mad River Brewing Company, owned by the Yurok Agricultural Corporation, has purchased a Wild Goose canning line.
Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite: Cherishing the Past and Building for the Future
Marshall Pierite is not only Chairman of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana; he’s also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a small business owner, a former social worker, a father, and a husband. “But the most important title I cherish is being a servant to all,”...
UW Launches Wind River Startup Challenge With $25K in Seed Funding
“Economic development must occur at the grassroots level in order to be successful,” says James Trosper, director of UW’s High Plains American Indian Research Institute. “With this startup challenge, community members will lead the change rather than wait for...
THE LATEST NEWS
Choctaw Nation Obtains Public Aircraft Operations Authorization
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is the first Tribal Government to be granted Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) authorization by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since the new FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 was signed into law. Prior to the FAA Reauthorization...
Yurok Agricultural Corporation Subsidiary Purchases Canning Line
Mad River Brewing Company, owned by the Yurok Agricultural Corporation, has purchased a Wild Goose canning line.
Naat’aanii Development Corporation to Create Managed Health Care System
The business arm of the Navajo Nation plans to create a managed health care entity under New Mexico’s Medicaid program to improve access and quality of health care on the largest Native American reservation in the United States. The Naat’aanii Development Corporation...
Alaska Native Renewable Industries to Build Largest Solar Project in Rural Alaska
A total of 1,440 solar panels will generate an estimated 700,000+ kilowatt hours of electricity a year in the rural city of Kotzebue in Alaska. (ANRI)Wind power has long supplemented high-cost diesel fuel to power energy grids for the city of Kotzebue in Alaska. Now...
Angela Heikes, SMSC Gaming Enterprise CEO, Leads With Trust & Gratitude
Angela Heikes is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Angela Heikes has been a sure bet for the Minnesota Indian gaming industry for nearly 25 years. In her current role as president and chief executive officer of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Gaming...
Hard Rock Appeals Greek Regulator Rejection of its Casino Bid
Hard Rock International, the Seminole Tribe-owned entertainment empire, has appealed the Hellenic Gaming Commission’s decision to reject its application to build an integrated resort in Athens, Greece. “Based upon the evidence gathered, Hard Rock believes the outcome...
Oneida Indian Nation Acquires Hotel to Accommodate ‘Increased Visitor Demand’
The property formerly known as Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Verona, New York, will reopen to the public as Sandstone Hollow Inn on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. (Oneida Indian Nation)The Oneida Indian Nation has acquired a hotel to meet “increased visitor...
Cherokee Heirloom Seeds Head to Norway’s Global Vault
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. (left) and Secretary of Natural Resources Chad Harsha with heirloom seeds being sent to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. (Cherokee Nation Photo) Preserving heirloom seeds in vaults not only protects Indigenous...
Brian Decorah Is Pechanga Resort Casino’s First Native American Top Executive
With nearly 25 years in the gaming industry, all of it within Tribal gaming establishments, Brian Decorah brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the west coast’s largest resort/casino. Decorah, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, will serve as as general...
Little Shell Tribe to Attend State of Union Address With Sen. Tester
On the heels of Congress finally honoring the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ federal recognition in December, the Tribe is celebrating another significant milestone. Today, Little Shell Chairman Gerald Gray will be Montana Sen. Jon Tester’s guest of honor at...
Simermeyer Outlines NIGC Bulletin on Sports Books
The National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) E. Sequoyah Simermeyer recently met with the New Mexico Association of Indian Gaming Commissions, marking one of his first public meetings since being commissioned to serve as Chairman. During the meeting at the Santa Ana...
The All-Inclusive Business Leader: Sajeed ‘Titu’ Asghar, Morongo Band CEO
Titu Asghar is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.While most of us are still snoozing, Sajeed “Titu” Asghar is already up and running every day. “My morning starts at 4:30 with news, a portfolio review, calls to the broker dealer in New York and answering emails,” says...
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Quapaw Nation Joins Lawsuit, Tribes Ask Court to Dismiss Counterclaims
The six Tribes locked in a legal dispute with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt yesterday asked the federal court to dismiss Stitt’s counter claim that the continuous operation of Class III games after January 1, 2020, is illegal. The Tribes also seek to bar Stitt’s...
The People Person: Valentina Sireech, CEO, Ute Tribal Enterprises, LLC
“I have focused on recruiting the best talent, people who are forward-thinking, innovative and creative. Then I inspire them to reach their full potential,” says Valentina Sireech CEO, Ute Tribal Enterprises, LLC, and a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Every morning,...
Hard Rock International to Make Super Bowl Commercial Debut With ‘Epic’ Ad
As Hard Rock Stadium prepares to host Super Bowl 54, parent company Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is looking forward to making its Super Bowl debut with a 60-second commercial. “The stars have aligned for the creation of the first...
$2M Contract With Federal Aviation Administration Awarded to Filtra Systems
Filtra Systems, a Chickasaw Nation Industries family company, has received a $2 million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Native Business App Available For Download Now on iOS and Android Platforms!
After a year and a half of unprecedented success for a Native-owned media business, Native Business has launched the Native Business App, available across iOS and Android platforms!
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NATIVE BUSINESS DIGITAL ISSUES
Issues of Native Business Magazine are available for purchase digitally for easy viewing on your phone, tablet or computer. Purchase them all now by navigating to the “Magazine” tab in the menu above!
Let’s face it, we are living in a digital content delivery world and we at Native Business want you to enjoy our publication as effortlessly as possible. You can purchase issues of Native Business magazine to read digitally in the manner you prefer most.
Our Success & Finance issue charts the business breakthroughs of Tribes and Tribal entrepreneurs in “The Greatest Success Stories of 2019.” We also pay homage to perseverance and tireless devotion to Indian Country. Ernie Stevens, Jr., and Cheryl Stevens, his wife of 37 years, grace one of the covers. We honor Ernie Stevens’ nearly 20 years of stewardship to Indian gaming as Chairman of NIGA. Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite is featured on the opposite cover. He shares how gaming helped his Tribe “to transition from a surviving community to a thriving community,” and reflects on recent success in the financial services industry. We shine a light on financial institutions, such as Stearns Bank, and consider the investment strategy of Mno-Bmadsen. Meanwhile, the DOE’s James E. Campos, underscores: “Energy is our new economy, it is our new currency, and Native Americans play a large part in this equation.”
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POPULAR TOPICS
FEDERAL CONTRACTING
SBA’s Jovita Carranza Pledges More Opportunity for Women & Underserved Entrepreneurs
Jovita Carranza recently took the helm as the 26th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Administrator Carranza will lead the only federal agency exclusively dedicated to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and...
Sister Sky, Inc. to Leverage Native Business Top 50 Entrepreneurs Issue as Curriculum Material
Profiles of the Native Business Top 50 Entrepreneurs will enhance Sister Sky, Inc.’s training materials with modern-day ‘case studies’ of creating and scaling businesses.
Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering: Building Success
The firm’s recent growth is significantly bolstered by its creative approach to healthcare design.
GAMING
Indian Gaming Representatives to Deliver Keynotes at GLI’s 20th Annual Event
National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., will deliver keynote addresses at the upcoming 20th annual North American Regulators Roundtable, hosted by Gaming...
Quapaw Nation Joins Lawsuit, Tribes Ask Court to Dismiss Counterclaims
The six Tribes locked in a legal dispute with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt yesterday asked the federal court to dismiss Stitt’s counter claim that the continuous operation of Class III games after January 1, 2020, is illegal. The Tribes also seek to bar Stitt’s...
The People Person: Valentina Sireech, CEO, Ute Tribal Enterprises, LLC
“I have focused on recruiting the best talent, people who are forward-thinking, innovative and creative. Then I inspire them to reach their full potential,” says Valentina Sireech CEO, Ute Tribal Enterprises, LLC, and a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Every morning,...
CANNABIS
Pequot Perseverance: Chairman Rodney Butler Delivers a Bold Future Forecast
Foxwoods Resort Casino, based on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation in Connecticut, wants to leverage its brand power internationally. “We've certainly been pursuing branding and management opportunities, not just in the U.S. but around the globe,” Chairman...
Plans for 3rd Annual Tribal GREEN Symposium Ramp Up on Tails of USDA’s Revised Hemp Guidelines
Native Network Consulting anticipates interest in the 3rd Annual Tribal GREEN Symposium gaining even greater traction than prior years, given the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s release of revised hemp guidelines on October 29, 2019.
Tribal Cannabis Tasting Room in Sin City Lets You Sample the Goods
The sovereign Nation legally offers a sample “flight” to patrons looking to try before they buy at its new Vegas Tasting Room.
Respected Indian Country Attorney Rion Ramirez Named CEO of Port Madison Enterprises
After a nearly year-long stint as the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s general counsel, Rion Ramirez has returned to serve the economic arm of the Suquamish Tribe — this time as its CEO.
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Alaska Native Renewable Industries to Build Largest Solar Project in Rural Alaska
A total of 1,440 solar panels will generate an estimated 700,000+ kilowatt hours of electricity a year in the rural city of Kotzebue in Alaska. (ANRI)Wind power has long supplemented high-cost diesel fuel to power energy grids for the city of Kotzebue in Alaska. Now...
Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite: Cherishing the Past and Building for the Future
Marshall Pierite is not only Chairman of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana; he’s also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a small business owner, a former social worker, a father, and a husband. “But the most important title I cherish is being a servant to all,”...
Tanka and Niman Ranch Partner to Assist Economic Revitalization on Pine Ridge
Native American Natural Foods’ Tanka brand has entered a new partnership with Niman Ranch, a leader in sustainable agriculture known for its award-winning beef, pork and lamb. The partnership, announced January 24 at the Edible Institute 2020, is designed to help...
FEATURED SECTIONS / SECTORS
Native Business: Most Popular 5 of 2019
As we head into 2020, the Native Business team wanted to share some of our most popular stories from 2019. Native Business App users and NativeBusinessMag.com visitors like you determined the articles read, liked and shared the most this year. We’ve chosen 5 of the...
Go Big & Go Home: Cherokee Nation Is Leading the Way in World-Class Healthcare
The Cherokee Nation is blazing new trails forward in healthcare with two leading-edge “firsts” for Indian Country and the United States.
Honoring Canada’s First Indigenous Woman to Lead a Commercial Lending Institution
The 2020 Indspire Award for Business and Commerce recognizes the groundbreaking career of Dawn Madahbee Leach — the first Indigenous woman in Canada to head up a commercial lending institution.
Calculated Risk Taker Holly Gagnon: This Industry Powerhouse Seriously Loves the Casino Industry
Holly Gagnon, Seneca Gaming Corporation President and CEO, is a certified CPA who started her career at large accounting firms.
The Nation Builder: Jason Campbell Gives All his Energy to Advancing Spokane Sovereignty
“If Jason Campbell were a chess player, he would be a grandmaster,” says Mike Tedesco, Executive Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Mno-Bmadsen Leverages an Innovative Investment Strategy
Mno-Bmadsen was created in 2012 to diversify the Pokagon Band’s business interests, revenue streams and wealth for future generations.
Native Business: Most Popular 5 of 2019
As we head into 2020, the Native Business team wanted to share some of our most popular stories from 2019. Native Business App users and NativeBusinessMag.com visitors like you determined the articles read, liked and shared the most this year. We’ve chosen 5 of the...
Lac Vieux Desert Band Reaches Historic Milestone With Payment in Full of Long-Held Casino Debt
The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Indians has paid in full the $30 million loan taken out in 1995 to finance the construction of Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino Resort.
Native Business Celebrates Groundbreaking Milestones & Achievements of 2019
As we close out 2019 and the current decade, we want to say thank you to our community, which is growing daily, particularly since the launch of the Native Business App this month. Propelled by your readership and support, we accomplished some exciting things at...
Native Business Celebrates the Greatest Success Stories of 2019
The end of a year invites the opportunity to commemorate successes and to acknowledge progress.
Go Big & Go Home: Cherokee Nation Is Leading the Way in World-Class Healthcare
The Cherokee Nation is blazing new trails forward in healthcare with two leading-edge “firsts” for Indian Country and the United States.
The Honorable James E. Campos: Advancing Equity in Energy
The Honorable James E. Campos says opportunity exists for all minority groups at the DOE Office of Economic Impact and Diversity — particularly for Native Americans. The Honorable James E. Campos, nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by...
Fond du Lac Band’s Biomass Project Garners Energy Award
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's environmental specialist and projects manager, Bruno Zager (second from left), received an award for the Band's biomass thermal project from Heating the Midwest with Renewable Energy on January 6th. On the the Fond du...
Native Business: Most Popular 5 of 2019
As we head into 2020, the Native Business team wanted to share some of our most popular stories from 2019. Native Business App users and NativeBusinessMag.com visitors like you determined the articles read, liked and shared the most this year. We’ve chosen 5 of the...
Angela Heikes, SMSC Gaming Enterprise CEO, Leads With Trust & Gratitude
Angela Heikes is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Angela Heikes has been a sure bet for the Minnesota Indian gaming industry for nearly 25 years. In her current role as president and chief executive officer of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Gaming...
Brian Decorah Is Pechanga Resort Casino’s First Native American Top Executive
With nearly 25 years in the gaming industry, all of it within Tribal gaming establishments, Brian Decorah brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the west coast’s largest resort/casino. Decorah, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, will serve as as general...
The All-Inclusive Business Leader: Sajeed ‘Titu’ Asghar, Morongo Band CEO
Titu Asghar is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.While most of us are still snoozing, Sajeed “Titu” Asghar is already up and running every day. “My morning starts at 4:30 with news, a portfolio review, calls to the broker dealer in New York and answering emails,” says...
