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Did you hear? We launched the Native Edge: Tribal Economic Accelerator!

This new initiative will help strengthen tribal procurement practices and support Native-owned businesses through training, resources, and Native-to-Native economic opportunities across Indian Country. 🤝

Learn more here: https://ncaied.org/stories-media/press-releases.html/article/2025/11/04/the-national-center-launches-new-program-designed-to-improve-tribal-procurement-practices

#NativeEdge #IndianCountry #NativeBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #BuyNative #TribalEconomies #NCAIED

Ep.51 w/ Larry Wright is out now!

Episode 51 of the Native Edge features a conversation with Larry Wright, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians. Larry shares his journey from (unexpectedly) entering tribal leadership with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, to leading an 80-year-old organization in NCAI.
Chris and Yvette talk about the extensive collaboration between The National Center and NCAI, including COVID response, policy work, and Larry’s annual speaking “gig” at RES. This year, Larry had the honor of announcing a new MOU between NCAI and the Assembly of First Nations from Canada, reflecting the close ties between American Indian tribes and Canadian First nations that extend beyond artificial borders.

We hope you enjoy this episode - make sure to watch it on YouTube and stay tuned for additional conversations from RES!

Larry Wright |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wright-jr-48728510a/

NCAI |
https://www.ncai.org/

NCAI Mid-Year in Memphis |
https://www.ncai.org/event/2026-mid-year-convention-and-marketplace

Listen here 🎧⬇️
https://nativeedge.buzzsprout.com/2356794/episodes/19100184

Watch here 📺⬇️
https://youtu.be/XNgfmwaiD5o?si=0ALW-3Z4KDloLvQQ

#NCAIED #NativeEdgePodcast

📅 Today is Native Nonprofit Day!

Did you know only 0.4% of philanthropic funding from large foundations goes to Native nonprofits? Native Nonprofit Day highlights this disparity and supports building stronger, more sustainable funding for Native-led organizations.

Today, support Native nonprofits like The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Together, we mean business. ✨

💙Support here: https://www.givenative.org/donate/ncaied

#NativeNonprofitDay #GiveNative

🤝 A historic moment at RES 2026! Larry Wright Jr. joined Indigenous leaders for the signing of a landmark declaration between the @ncai1944 and the Assembly of First Nations/Assemblee des premieres Nations — strengthening collaboration, advocacy, and shared priorities across Tribal Nations and First Nations.

Together, leaders including NCAI President Mark Macarro and AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak highlighted the power of unity and partnership across Indigenous communities throughout North America. 🌎🪶

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/oQfgKBzc4BU

#ncaied #res2026 #risingtogether

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

Episode 51 of Native Edge features Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of @ncai1944

Larry joins Chris and Yvette to discuss tribal leadership, the longtime partnership between NCAI and The National Center, and a major new MOU with the Assembly of First Nations announced at RES.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2356794/episodes/19100184
📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/XNgfmwaiD5o

#NativeEdgePodcast #NCAI #RES2026 #NativeAmericanBusiness #IndigenousLeadership

🎤 Kicking off RES 2026 with leadership, conversation, and community! Hear from Erin Abrahamson, Chris James, and Derrick Watchman during this special welcome session and audience Q&A at RES.

From Native business growth to the future of Tribal economies, this conversation captures the energy, collaboration, and vision that make RES such an impactful gathering each year.

📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/awqKSsPkuhA

#NCAIED #RES2026 #RisingTogether #NativeBusiness #TribalEconomies

AI is changing the way businesses operate — and this FREE virtual cohort from our friends at NCGrowth is designed to help small and rural business owners learn practical, non-technical ways to use AI for growth and operations.

The program begins June 17, 2026, and includes 8 bi-weekly virtual sessions. Check out the flyer to learn more!

🗓️ Apply by June 1, 2026 here: https://ncgrowth.unc.edu/create-apply/

#SmallBusiness #AI #NativeBusiness #Entrepreneurship

📅 Native Nonprofit Day is May 21!

Did you know only 0.4% of philanthropic funding from large foundations goes to Native nonprofits? Native Nonprofit Day helps shine a light on this disparity while supporting sustainable fundraising for Native-led organizations.

Join us on May 21, 2026 and support Native nonprofits like The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Together, we mean business. ✨

👉Support here: https://www.givenative.org/donate/ncaied

#NativeNonprofitDay #GiveNative

Ep.50 w/ Chairman Mark Fox is now out!

In the fourth installment of our RES interview series we welcome Mark Fox, Chairman of the MHA Nation in North Dakota. Chairman Fox chats with Chris and Yvette about his leadership and the investments the tribe made after reaching the difficult decision to responsibly development its energy resources. Now, crude oil developed on MHA lands are responsible for 3% of domestic production.

Last year, members of The National Center team -including Yvette, who is a citizen of MHA Nation - visited Chairman Fox and the tribe to learn about some of these investments, including the innovative new year-round greenhouse and a new community center and public safety infrastructure. Make sure to check it out in this recap video.

We really appreciate Chairman Fox for taking the time, and for his long support of The National Center - and great endorsement of RES! Download now and check back weekly for new episodes - and tell your friends!

Chairman Mark Fox |
https://www.mhanation.com/tribalchairman/

MHA Nation |
https://www.mhanation.com/

Native Green Grow (MHA greenhouse) |
https://www.nativegreengrow.com/

Listen here 🎧⬇️
https://nativeedge.buzzsprout.com/2356794/episodes/19068311

Watch here 📺⬇️
https://youtu.be/Ejpn4Q_yVHw?si=CkFf5HmZPRY_sT7M

#NativeEdgePodcast #NCAIED

The National Center is deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend, JoAn Begay Notah.

JoAn dedicated nearly 20 years to The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, serving Indian Country with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. She was a trusted advisor, a dedicated teammate, and a true champion for our mission and the communities we serve.

Her impact and legacy will continue to guide our work. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, and the many who were privileged to call her a friend, during this difficult time. 🤍

The Native Edge Institute scheduled for May 14 in Worley, ID has been postponed until further notice.

We will share updated information as soon as a new date is confirmed. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

🎙️ New podcast episodes, upcoming Native Edge Institutes, RES 2026 content, and more are all featured in our May newsletter!

Catch conversations with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Mary Jane Oatman, and John Oceguera, plus subscribe to our YouTube for exclusive videos and updates from across Indian Country.

📩 Read the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/4djFEg2

#NCAIED #NativeEdge #Podcast #IndianCountry #IndigenousBusiness #RES2026