Grand Canyon Closes Indefinitely After Tribal Insistence
The Navajo Nation, whose lands abut the Grand Canyon to the east, were among the governments and agencies requesting the closure of the National Park. The Grand Canyon closed indefinitely to visitors April 1 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Tourists access...
COVID-19 Spurs Glove Manufacturer on Navajo Nation Into Rapid Production
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez tours the glove factory in Church Rock, New Mexico, in November 2019. (Photo/Office of the President and Vice President)A manufacturer of medical-grade nitrile gloves situated on Navajo land is meeting a critical need for personal...
Tribal Gaming Excluded From SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program
A brief ray of hope came when the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, providing $2.2 trillion in aid, including $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll and expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. ...
Shinnecock and Southampton Collaborate With COVID-19 Billboard Message
A July 2019 photo of Shinnecock leaders in front of their billboard in Southampton The Shinnecock Nation's previously controversial billboard off Highway 27 (also known as Sunrise Highway) in Southampton, New York, is now being used to issue advisories related to the...
Energy Keepers Inc. Starts Selling Hydroelectric Power to Washington Utility
Flyovers provide a birds-eye view of the Seliš Ksanka Qĺispe Dam in Montana. (Photo Courtesy Energy Keepers, Inc.) Energy Keepers Inc., is selling hydroelectric power to Washington state utility Puget Sound Energy. The corporation owned by the Confederated Salish and...
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Oklahoma’s Casino Market Is Closed Statewide to Curtail the Coronavirus Outbreak
Oklahoma Tribal gaming properties statewide have temporarily ceased operations to prevent the further spread of coronavirus, according to officials of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA). As the second-largest Indian gaming market nationwide, just shy of...
Tribal Organizations Emphasize Strain of COVID-19 on Tribal Governments
The number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a total of 26 for residents of the Navajo Nation. That anecdote merely paints a picture of the escalating situation countrywide, and how all Tribal Nations are severely impacted. Tribal economies are taking a...
Tribal Energy Atlas: A Way to Measure Tribal Energy Potential
Using wind to generate electricity, as is being done here at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., is an opportunity for many Tribes and capacity can be estimated using the Office of Indian Energy’s Tribal Energy Atlas.Tribes have long touted...
Up to $2M in Disaster Loans Available for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Entrepreneurs seeking to sustain their small businesses amidst the COVID-19 outbreak may be able to seek disaster funding assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses across the economic landscape can apply for loans up to $2...
CDC to Fund $80 Million for Tribes to Fight Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will give $80 million in funding to Tribes, Tribal organizations and Urban Indian Organizations as part of the government’s effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Department of Health and Human Services...
Greenfire Takes Precautions, Continues Onsite Construction Work
Greenfire Management Services is taking precautionary measures — yet still continuing its construction work at all of its jobsites.While the hospitality sector, in response to the coronavirus, has largely shut down or shifted gears to takeout-only nationwide, and...
FCC Moves Create Broadband Opportunities For Pacific Northwest Tribes
Tribes in the Pacific Northwest seem poised to narrow the digital divide, thanks to a couple recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The digital divide, a term that's been with us for over 20 years, describes the discrepancy between those who...
Reality of COVID-19 Hits Home for Cherokee Nation, as Citizen Passes Away
Watch the News on 6 report on the loss of Rev. Merle Dry, the first coronavirus death In Oklahoma, here. A Cherokee Nation citizen who contracted COVID-19 has passed away. Rev. Merle Dry, 55, who died on March 19, is the first coronavirus-related death in Oklahoma....
NIGA Chairman Stevens Releases Statement Amid ‘Unprecedented Times’
On Tuesday, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee suspended operations indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. The casino will continue to pay employees during the closure. As Indian Country — particularly the gaming sector — grapples with adapting business...
MBDA, Amazon Business Launch ‘Minority Business and Technology Initiative’
2020 is shaping up to be a tumultuous year for the world and country, not to mention small business owners. It also presents a sense of urgency to harness technology and e-commerce. A new initiative announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Minority...
NIGA Requests $18B in Federal Aid for Tribal Gaming
Tribal casinos across the country are shutting down temporarily to prevent the spread of coronavirus. NIGA, helmed by Ernie Stevens, Jr. (pictured), seeks $18 billion in federal aid to support Tribal economies and employees. The National Indian Gaming Association...
How to Launch a Native Energy Startup
Tulsa-based Big Elk Energy Systems builds massive parts, the size of semi tractor-trailers, for use in the pipeline industry. Geoff Hager has some advice for potential Native entrepreneurs who want to follow his lead in starting up a successful energy-related company:...
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NIGA Chairman Stevens Releases Statement Amid ‘Unprecedented Times’
On Tuesday, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee suspended operations indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. The casino will continue to pay employees during the closure. As Indian Country — particularly the gaming sector — grapples with adapting business...
NIGA Requests $18B in Federal Aid for Tribal Gaming
Tribal casinos across the country are shutting down temporarily to prevent the spread of coronavirus. NIGA, helmed by Ernie Stevens, Jr. (pictured), seeks $18 billion in federal aid to support Tribal economies and employees. The National Indian Gaming Association...
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...
$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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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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FEDERAL CONTRACTING
Cherokee Nation Businesses Launches Cherokee Federal
Cherokee Nation Business' team of globally competitive contracting companies is now Cherokee Federal.Cherokee Nation Businesses has rebranded its diversified businesses, announcing a new name, logos, website and social media accounts with a shared aim of better...
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...
Rex A. Rock, Sr.: 25 Years and Counting of Leading Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Rex A. Rock, Sr., is a Native Business Top 30 CEO. For more than 25 years, Rex Rock, Sr., has been involved with the management of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) — first as a member of its Board of Directors and then, starting in 2010, as its President and...
GAMING
Closed Tribal Casinos Donate Tons of Food in Time of Need
Pechanga Warehouse team member Darren Henderson lifts eggs on a pallet jack. (Photo Courtesy Pechanga Resort Casino) Tribal casinos nationwide have temporarily shut down to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Meanwhile, their restaurants are stepping up to care for their...
NIGA Chairman Stevens Releases Statement Amid ‘Unprecedented Times’
On Tuesday, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee suspended operations indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. The casino will continue to pay employees during the closure. As Indian Country — particularly the gaming sector — grapples with adapting business...
NIGA Requests $18B in Federal Aid for Tribal Gaming
Tribal casinos across the country are shutting down temporarily to prevent the spread of coronavirus. NIGA, helmed by Ernie Stevens, Jr. (pictured), seeks $18 billion in federal aid to support Tribal economies and employees. The National Indian Gaming Association...
CANNABIS
Agreement Grants Tulalip Tribes Cut of State’s Sales Tax From Quil Ceda Village
Quil Ceda Village was conceived and built for business. The 2,200-acre municipality houses not only Tulalip Resort Casino (pictured), but a premium outlet mall; several anchor stores, including Cabela’s, Home Depot and Walmart; a retail center; an amphitheater; and...
Cherokee Nation Work Group to Evaluate Cannabis for Economic & Health Benefits
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. has appointed a Cherokee Nation work group to study opportunities for leveraging hemp and cannabis through commerce, health care and agriculture. The “Executive Work Group on Hemp, Cannabis and Related Opportunities”...
NuWu Helping to Lead the Cannabiz Trend of Multi-Course Meals
Chef Marc Marrone of Graffiti Bao crafted the mouthwatering, THC-imbued foods served at the recent four-course dinner, hosted by Lowell Herb Co. in outdoor tents next to NuWu Cannabis Marketplace. (Photo Courtesy Lowell Herb Co.) What’s next in cannabis business...
USDA Greenlights Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s Hemp Production Plan
Hemp production may pave the road to greater economic sovereignty for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, whose plans to grow hemp on its reservation in South Dakota received federal approval last week. While the Tribe is celebrating this substantial end-of-year...
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Pontiac Group Offers Drone Delivery of Life-Saving Medical Supplies
Pontiac Group was co-founded by visionary entrepreneurs Jonathon Araujo, Odawa from the Wikwemikong First Nation; and Jacob Taylor, Mississauga from Curve Lake First Nation. The Ohsweken, Ontario-based business acts as a think tank, innovating solutions for problems...
Tribal Energy Atlas: A Way to Measure Tribal Energy Potential
Using wind to generate electricity, as is being done here at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., is an opportunity for many Tribes and capacity can be estimated using the Office of Indian Energy’s Tribal Energy Atlas.Tribes have long touted...
Up to $2M in Disaster Loans Available for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Entrepreneurs seeking to sustain their small businesses amidst the COVID-19 outbreak may be able to seek disaster funding assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses across the economic landscape can apply for loans up to $2...
FEATURED SECTIONS / SECTORS
CDC to Fund $80 Million for Tribes to Fight Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will give $80 million in funding to Tribes, Tribal organizations and Urban Indian Organizations as part of the government’s effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Department of Health and Human Services...
Bill Ensures Tribal Health Authorities Access to Strategic National Stockpile
U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian AffairsIndian Health Service and other Tribal health organizations currently lack guaranteed direct access to the Strategic National Stockpile, a federal repository of drugs and...
Breakdown of How the $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill Would Impact Indian Country
A $2 trillion stimulus deal, the largest economic stimulus measure in U.S. history, aims to rescue a shutdown economy amidst the coronavirus outbreak. The agreement reached Wednesday between the White House and Senate leaders would authorize loans and grants to small...
Snoqualmie Casino CEO Brian Decorah Says the Key to Inspiring a Workforce Is Appreciation
A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and CEO of Snoqualmie Casino, Brian Decorah has traveled many roads to get to where he is in life.
Stephanie A. Bryan, Poarch Band Tribal Chair & CEO, Is Improving Quality of Life Through the Family Business
Over the course of her lifetime, Stephanie A. Bryan, the Tribe’s Chair and CEO, has seen the Poarch Band evolve from an unrecognized group into an economic powerhouse.
NAFSA: Helping Tribes Succeed in the Financial Services Industry For Nearly a Decade
Seven years ago, in July of 2012, the Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) was formed when two smaller groups—the Native American Lending Alliance and the Native American Fair Commerce Coalition—decided to join forces. In so doing, they could pool...
Chickasaw Nation-Owned Bank2 Changes Name to Chickasaw Community Bank
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (right) and Chickasaw Community Bank CEO T.W. Shannon at the unveiling ceremony (Photo Courtesy Chickasaw Media) The Chickasaw Nation’s Bank2 has helped small businesses, homeowners and community members build better lives for...
Stearns Bank Serves Rural America and Gets the Job Done
Stearns Banks has a long-standing reputation as one of the top performing banks in the nation.
Happy New Year! Native Business to Blaze Path of Innovation in 2020
The value add of our digital content in 2020 is intense. Native Business will bring news and information directly to Indian Country like never before.
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.
Navajo Nation Seeks to Power Los Angeles With Clean Energy
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (left) joined City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell in Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday.The Navajo Nation wants to power the city of Los Angeles with its cost-effective clean energy. So Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez joined City...
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...
Rex A. Rock, Sr.: 25 Years and Counting of Leading Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Rex A. Rock, Sr., is a Native Business Top 30 CEO. For more than 25 years, Rex Rock, Sr., has been involved with the management of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) — first as a member of its Board of Directors and then, starting in 2010, as its President and...
Meet Doyon, Limited’s President and CEO Aaron Schutt
Aaron Schutt is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Aaron Schutt (Native Village of Tanana) has been with Doyon, Limited for more than two decades, rapidly rising through the ranks from Senior Vice President to Chief Operating Officer to, in 2011, President and CEO. Since...
The 2020 Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium Is Underway in California
The TGPN’s 2020 Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium is currently taking place February 25-27, at the AAA Four Diamond Award–winning Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California.The Tribal Game Protection Network's (TGPN) 2020 Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium...
AMERIND Risk: Native Led (by CEO Derek Valdo) and Native Owned
Derek Valdo is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Since 2012, Derek Valdo (Acoma Pueblo) has been CEO of AMERIND Risk, the nation’s only insurance company that is 100 percent Tribally owned with 100 percent Tribal clients. Under his leadership, AMERIND Risk has almost...
