Ernie Stevens, Jr.: Serving Tribal Governments as the Global Face of Indian Gaming
NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Stevens For a man who is today considered by many to be the global face of Indian gaming, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. says that while growing up on the Oneida Nation of...
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.
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...
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...
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.
THE LATEST NEWS
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...
Another Tribe Joins the Lawsuit Against Gov. Stitt
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation owns and operates Grand Casino Hotel and Resort (pictured) and FireLake Casino. Gov. Kevin Stitt has responded to a federal lawsuit filed by the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Cherokee Nations by asking the judge to declare Class III gaming...
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...
Executive Leader Named for New Agua Caliente Casino, Slated to Open in Fall 2020
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which operates two other casinos in the Coachella Valley, is gearing up for the opening of its third gaming venue in Cathedral City, California. The new casino is rising along Highway 111, a main drag that links Palm Springs...
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...
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...
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...
Puyallup Entrepreneur Launches App ‘TeePee – An Indigenous Directory’
TeePee, a new mobile app created by Miguel Douglas, an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, acts as a digital directory, providing users with the resources to contact each of the 573+ federally recognized Tribes, their enterprises as well as Alaska Native...
Choctaw Member-Owned Method Architecture Acquires a Dallas Design Firm
Method Architecture's presence in North Texas is expanding. The business co-owned by Rayburn “Jake” Donaldson, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, has acquired Dallas design firm Primal Architecture. The boutique and retail-focused Primal Architecture has...
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...
Gun Lake Investments & Waséyabek Buy $17.5M Tower
Two Tribally owned investment arms have teamed up to purchase an historic building in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The McKay Tower has transferred ownership form Steadfast Property Holdings to Gun Lake Investments and Waséyabek Development Company — businesses...
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...
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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...
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...
Makah Artist Partners With Supreme on Line of Bomber Jackets
Goodwin says his recent project with Supreme “strengthens our community by having original Northwest Coastal art featured on products seen around the world, and worn by celebrities and influencers.”
Navajo Geoscience Engineer at Sandia Named 2019 Most Promising Engineer or Scientist by AISES
Dylan Moriarty’s main project at Sandia involves monitoring ongoing site integrity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Navajo Nation Calls T-Mobile/Sprint Merger Essential to its Economic Recovery
The Navajo Nation supports the $26 billion T-Mobile/Sprint merger, saying it will provide the infrastructure for 21st Century reservation jobs.
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NATIVE BUSINESS DIGITAL ISSUES
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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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POPULAR TOPICS
FEDERAL CONTRACTING
Muskogee Technology Recognized as Top 10 Defense Solutions Provider
A leading provider of products to the defense industry, Muskogee Technology is racking up the honors. Most recently, the business — housed under the umbrella of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), the economic development arm of the Poarch Band of...
David Nimmo, Chickasaw Nation Industries: A High-Powered CEO With a ‘Servant’s Heart’
David Nimmo, President and CEO of CNI: “Like all of the Native Business CEOs, I am driven by the opportunity to help the resilient and deserving Tribal citizens enhance the quality of their life following years of failed federal policy.”
LDF Construction Wins First 8(a) Contract for $1 Million
LDF Construction President Randy Soulier told Native Business that securing its contract from the USDA comes 18 months after becoming 8(a) certified.
GAMING
Tribal Resort Becomes First in Calif. to Win Three Forbes’ Four-Star Awards
A Tribal casino has become the only casino property in California to win three Forbes Four-Star Awards at the same time. Forbes is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage...
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...
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...
CANNABIS
Cedar Greens, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Holistic Cannabis Outfit, Opens in Washington
“We see the revenue it will generate to be an important part of the Tribe’s overall economic strategy to become more self-sufficient,” said Kyle E. Johnson, Executive Director of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Economic Development Authority.
Hemp Warrior: For Alex White Plume, Sovereign Resolve Is Finally Paying Off
“All living things deserve respect,” says Alex White Plume, Oglala Lakota, who performs a ritual before each hemp harvest. “We tell the plant, ‘Thank you. We’re going to use you.’”
SPI Energy Launches its Hemp and CBD Business, Partners with Navajo Nation
SPI has executed a management services agreement with the Native American Agricultural Company (NAAC) to cultivate hemp in the Navajo Nation.
Ho-Chunk Farms to Grow Hemp Through Nebraska Pilot Program
Hemp fields will take root this summer on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska. Ho-Chunk Farms was among the 10 businesses and organizations awarded a state license to start hemp farming in 2019.
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Navajo Stakeholders Discuss Energy Policy and Opportunities
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and the Háyoołkááł Work Group met last week with the 24 Navajo Nation Council’s Resources and Development Committee at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Leupp, Arizona, to discuss the progress of the Nez-Lizer administration’s...
Gila River to Reach Solar Energy Goals Through Clēnera Partnership
The Gila River Indian Community and Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority (GRICUA) are teaming up with a leading solar developer to reap the power of the hot Arizona sun. The parties are forming a relationship with Clēnera to create a 50 MW solar project...
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.
FEATURED SECTIONS / SECTORS
Cherokee Nation Remains a Steadying & Growing Economic Force With $2.2 Billion Impact on Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation made a $2.169 billion economic impact in the state in fiscal year 2018, reflecting an increase of about 7% from 2016 and more than 100% from 2010.
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.
Native Woman-Owned Ah-Shi Diné Nation to Open in Arizona
Ahsaki Báá LaFrance-Chachere founded Ah-Shi Beauty in 2012. AhShiBeauty.com debuted online in July 2018. On March 7, 2020, Chachere will open the doors to her storefront on the Navajo Nation.Ahsaki Báá LaFrance-Chachere’s vision to open a skincare and cosmetics...
Native Business to Unveil its Top 30 CEOs in Indian Country on NativeBusinessMag.com
These profiles that dive into the mindsets, mentalities and methodologies of the Top 30 CEOs at Tribally owned enterprises were featured in our premiere Leadership issue.
Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation CEO Shane Jett: Driving Tribal Development
Shane Jett is the CEO of the Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation, one of Native America’s largest CDFIs.
In Symbolic Turnaround, Paskenta Band Receives Certification from Centre for Fiduciary Excellence
On the 25th anniversary of achieving status as a sovereign nation, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians was recognized as the first Tribal government in California to receive certification from the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence.
Impact Study Highlights Otoe-Missouria as Rising Economic Powerhouse in Oklahoma
The Otoe-Missouria’s enterprises have a direct impact of $79.9 million, an indirect impact of $37.1 million, and an induced impact of $39.5 million on Oklahoma and Kansas.
Growth Spurt: Native American Bank Opens Doors to New Headquarters & First Branch in Colorado
Native American Bank’s new headquarters and its first branch in Colorado is now open for business in downtown Denver. Heading into 2019, NAB President and CEO Thomas Ogaard leveled with Native Business about the challenges that come with organizational growth.
Native Business Releases Success & Finance Issue, Honoring Business Breakthroughs of 2019
Our Success & Finance issue charts the business breakthroughs of Tribes and Native entrepreneurs, demonstrating the radically changing landscape of Indian Country’s economy.
Seneca Nation Brings Sports Betting to Buffalo, New York
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. put down $40 for the Buffalo Bills to beat the Steelers at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino on Friday.
Navajo Nation Pilot Project to Convert Methane to Hydrogen for Fuel & More
The Navajo Nation is capturing the excess natural gas vented from its oil-producing operations and converting it to hydrogen.
Native Business Releases Success & Finance Issue, Honoring Business Breakthroughs of 2019
Our Success & Finance issue charts the business breakthroughs of Tribes and Native entrepreneurs, demonstrating the radically changing landscape of Indian Country’s economy.
Navajo Nation Pilot Project to Convert Methane to Hydrogen for Fuel & More
The Navajo Nation is capturing the excess natural gas vented from its oil-producing operations and converting it to hydrogen.
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.
A Genuinely Effective Leader: Kathy George, CEO, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Leading with her heart, Kathy George (Seneca), CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel, finds motivation by listening to her employees and guests. George is a Native Business Top 30 CEO.Kathy George (Seneca), CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel, attributes the resort's success to...
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.
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.
