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All nine tribal nations in South Dakota voted in favor of developing legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin on Tuesday.
Are AI data centers the future of economic development — or are they the latest form of resource extraction threatening Indigenous lands and waters?On this guest-hosted episode of All My Relations, Dallas Goldtooth sits down with Ashley LaMont for a powerful conversation on land, resistance, and the growing threat of AI data centers across Indian Country.Now serving as Co-Director of the Department of Sovereignty & Self-Determination at Honor the Earth, Ashley explains how stakeholders are framing AI infrastructure as an economic opportunity for Tribal Nations while these facilities consume enormous amounts of water and energy. Together, they unpack the environmental impacts of AI, the ongoing realities of colonialism, and why Indigenous sovereignty must remain at the center of conversations about technology and development.+++Produced by Matika Wilbur --@matikawilburHosted by Dallas Goldtooth - @dallasgoldtoothA/V Production & 2nd Edit: Pancho Sánchez -- @videosdelsanchoMusic: Mato Wayuhi -- @matowayuhiEpisode Artwork: Kitana Connelly @creatortwahna1st Edit & Social Media: Mandy Yeahpau @dontguacblocText us your thoughts!Support the showFollow us on Instagram @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon. Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com. Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now! T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.
Nonprofits are often told to scale their impact, but what happens when growth risks pulling organizations away from the communities they serve?In this episode, I sit down with Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, to discuss what it means to grow with intention, stay rooted in community, and lead through trust. Raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation and now leading the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States, Angelique brings a powerful perspective on leadership, equity, and philanthropy. Native Forward has awarded more than $350 million in scholarships to over 22,000 students across 500 Tribes, helping Native students pursue higher education while preserving culture, identity, and belonging.We explore how Angelique's upbringing shaped her leadership philosophy, why scholarships alone aren't enough to ensure student success, and what nonprofits truly need from funders to create lasting change. The conversation also dives into the impact of receiving a transformational $50 million unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott, and what trust-based philanthropy can unlock when organizations are given the flexibility to meet community needs.Angelique shares candid lessons on scaling impact without losing your roots, navigating a significant increase in demand, and ensuring that growth remains grounded in mission, culture, and community. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building organizations that lead with trust, equity, and long-term impact.
Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to truly prepare a professional to work in Tribal finance and governance? For Lindsey Ray, Senior Tribal Programs Manager at Oklahoma State University, the answer started with a needs assessment, a gap in the market, and a partnership that grew into something much bigger than anyone expected. In this episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Lindsey to explore the origin and evolution of OSU's Introductory Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate — a program that has now reached participants from 258 Tribes and enterprises across 32 states. Lindsey shares how the program grew from a hand-selected pilot cohort of 20 Oklahoma Tribal professionals in 2018 to a nationally recognized resource offered in both in-person and online formats, and how REDW became a core partner in developing and facilitating nearly a third of its sessions.The conversation goes beyond program logistics to ask a harder question: why do traditional accounting and MBA programs leave so many professionals underprepared for the realities of Tribal finance? Lindsey's answer — that Tribal finance is tied to sovereignty, governance, federal regulations, and long-term economic development in ways that mainstream curricula simply don't address — is the heart of why this certificate exists. Whether you're an entry-level accounting professional, an elected Tribal leader, or a CIO realizing that financial literacy gaps are showing up in your meetings, this episode makes a compelling case for education that's built specifically for Indian Country.Chapters· 01:06 - Why the OSU Program Keeps Coming Up Across Indian Country· 01:36 - The Origin: A Needs Assessment, a Training Gap, and NAFOA· 02:58 - From Oklahoma Pilot to National Program· 05:41 - Online vs. In-Person: What Each Format Offers· 10:01 - Who Should Attend — and Who's Actually Showing Up· 13:52 - Why Traditional Programs Fall Short for Tribal Finance· 16:09 - The Intentional Mix of Faculty, Practitioners, and Legal Experts· 18:32 - How Participants Stay Connected After the Program Ends· 20:25 - The Real Impact of Earning a Certificate Does your Tribal organization need advisors who bring hands-on Tribal finance experience to every engagement? Connect with REDW's National Tribal Practice to learn how our team supports Tribal governments and enterprises with training, advisory, and financial services tailored to your nation's unique needs.REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
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Danielle Finn, Director of the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program and Associate Professor-in-Residence at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law, joins the Next Level Careers podcast for a conversation on leadership, purpose, and career growth. Danielle shares her journey growing up around tribal governance and how that foundation shaped her commitment to serving Tribal Nations through law and education. She discusses the importance of education, initiative, and cultural identity, while highlighting how strong governance supports successful tribal enterprises. Listeners will walk away with practical advice on staying grounded, building relationships, and finding purpose in their careers.
Send us Fan MailCybersecurity isn't just an IT issue — it's a leadership issue. In this special session preview, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with REDW Principal John Graham, CISA, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, ahead of the NAFOA 44th Annual Spring Conference in Reno, Nevada.John offers Tribal leaders a new way to think about cyber risk — one rooted in stewardship, sovereignty, and sound decision-making. He shares how Tribal governments can build resilience before an incident strikes, what tends to go wrong when one does, and why data — from financial systems to recorded language — deserves to be protected like any other tribal asset.On April 28, 2026, John will join a panel of cybersecurity experts for What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments at NAFOA 2026. Don't miss it.Learn more about REDW at NAFOA 2026.Chapters00:00 - Introduction: John Graham and the NAFOA Panel01:04 - Reframing Cybersecurity as a Leadership Conversation02:53 - When Incidents Spiral: Leadership Disconnects During a Cyber Event06:06 - Stewardship, Sovereignty, and Tribal Data as an Asset08:26 - What John Hopes Leaders Take Away from NAFOAREDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
What can biotech founders learn from how tribal nations invest in innovation and healthcare? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Chris Shilling, MBA, Chief Innovation Officer for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, to explore how tribal nations approach investment, economic development, and healthcare innovation. From improving quality of life for their citizens to building sustainable ecosystems, Chris shares how mission-driven investment strategies can create meaningful impact while still driving growth and opportunity. In this episode, you'll learn: How tribal nations approach investment differently, balancing financial returns with long-term community impact. Why building relationships and understanding each tribe's unique goals is critical for founders seeking partnership. How tribes can serve as both innovation hubs and early adopters, creating opportunities for companies to scale. Tune in to learn how purpose-driven investment, strong partnerships, and a focus on community impact are shaping the future of healthcare innovation. Links: Connect with Chris Shilling, MBA, and learn about the Chickasaw Nation. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out our previous episode on Women in Clinical Trials. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.
Podcast Release: Strength in Unity: Tribal Economic & Clean Energy Leadership with USET Special Guest: Rebecca Naragon, MPA, CEcD (Poarch Band of Creek Indians) Economic Development Director United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) Release Date: April 22, 2026 Time: 12:00 pm EST Episode Description: In this episode of the Hoporenkv Native American Podcast, we are joined by Rebecca Naragon, the Economic Development Director for United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET). A citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Rebecca brings a wealth of expertise to the table, including her recent achievement of the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. The conversation dives deep into the mission of USET, an organization that provides essential technical assistance and programmatic support to 33 federally recognized Tribal Nations across the Northeast, Southeast, Everglades, and Gulf regions. Drawing from her background at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Rebecca discusses the importance of Tribal self-determination, and how diverse cultural landscapes shape the future of economic development and housing across Indian Country. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how USET navigates the immense cultural and geographical diversity of its member Tribes to foster self-determination and sustainable growth. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of Tribal housing or the broader landscape of economic sovereignty, this episode offers a comprehensive look at a leader shaping the future of Indian Country. Episode Resource Links: https://www.usetinc.org/ https://www.usetinc.org/resources/partners/ https://www.usetinc.org/about/member-tribal-nations/
Send us Fan MailFor 55 years, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has been a cornerstone of small business growth, federal procurement support, and economic advocacy across Indian Country — serving approximately 4,000 clients from Maine to Alaska. In this episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Chris James, President and CEO of NCAIED, to explore the organization's mission, the state of Tribal economic diversification, and what the next decade could look like for Native communities.Chris speaks candidly about the role gaming has played as a transformational economic driver — and why Tribes are increasingly looking beyond it to federal contracting, technology, agriculture, tourism, and citizen entrepreneurship. He also digs into NCAIED's 40 Under 40 program, which has recognized over 600 Native leaders since 2009 for both professional achievement and community service, and reflects on what "Rising Together" means for collective advocacy and the long-term strength of Tribal economies.Is your Tribe exploring new avenues for economic growth or enterprise development? Connect with REDW's Tribal advisory team to explore how we can support your Nation's goals. Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:34 – About Chris James and NCAIED02:52 – RES and the Momentum of Indian Country05:42 – Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming09:09 – Tracking Data and Partnering for Insight11:50 – The 40 Under 40 Program and Community Leadership15:19 – "Rising Together": Advocacy, Sovereignty, and the Future of Tribal EconomiesTakeawaysNCAIED has served Indian Country for 55 years through technical assistance, small business development, procurement programs, and advocacy — supporting approximately 4,000 clients nationwide across six regional offices.The Reservation Economic Summit (RES) reflects the broader momentum of Indian Country economies — bringing together entrepreneurs, Tribal enterprises, and major buyers for matchmaking, training, and networking on a national scale.Gaming has been a foundational economic driver for many Tribal communities, but diversification into federal contracting, technology, agriculture, sports ownership, tourism, and citizen-led entrepreneurship is increasingly central to long-term growth.NCAIED partners with the Minneapolis Fed's Center for Indian Country Development to track economic trends, and surveys Tribal leaders and businesses to capture the real-world impact of federal policy shifts.NCAIED's 40 Under 40 program has honored 600+ Native leaders since 2009, recognizing not just professional accomplishment but active community involvement — and its alumni are now leading rooms and shaping advocacy across Indian Country."Rising Together" means Tribal organizations don't need to agree on everything — but shared commitment to sovereignty, culture, language preservation, and the wellbeing of future generations is a unifying force.REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
Did you know we wouldn't have Earth Day if it wasn't for the efforts of a Wisconsin senator? And that's not all. The UW-Madison has been home to some of the most prolific environmentalists of the last two centuries, and the work of Wisconsin's Tribal Nations has kept the state an environmental leader. To celebrate Earth Month and learn more about Wisconsin's conservationist history, we're bringing back host Bianca Martin's interview with Curt Meine, a senior fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation. This episode originally aired on April 22, 2025.
Episode 96 Live at 5x5: Tribal Nations, Public Safety Operations, and FirstNet by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority's Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are proposing to update a key housing law for Tribal Nations, as communities across Indian Country continue to face severe housing shortages. Last week, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) introduced the American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act. The legislation would modernize and reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), which provides federal funding for tribal housing programs, but it has not been fully reauthorized in more than a decade. Rep. Downing said in a press release that “Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream – that doesn't stop with Americans in our tribal communities.” The new act would increase funding and give tribes more flexibility to build, repair, and manage housing, Downing says. He said that, across Indian Country, many Native families are living in overcrowded homes with multiple generations sharing limited space. During that time, tribal leaders say the need has only grown. Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians, says in a prepared statement that “the time to reauthorize and modernize NAHASDA is now.” Sharon Vogel is the president of United Native American Housing Association. She says that the legislation “will provide a stable environment for Indian housing development which will have a positive impact on meeting the needs of our tribal communities and families.” Other supporters of the act, quoted in a press release, say the changes are long overdue and warn that, without sustained investment, the gap between available housing and the need will continue to widen. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) are leading similar legislation in the Senate. The Skiku team traveled to several Interior villages along the Yukon River – Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross — to teach kids skiing. (Courtesy Skiku) Skiku is a non-profit that brings skiing to communities across rural Alaska. This year, organizers tried something new to make the activity stick – training a village resident to be a coach. As the Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA reports, the idea is to encourage kids to ski throughout winter. Justin River Lechton was a fifth grade student in Aniak, in Southwest Alaska, when he learned to ski. He loved it and started going out on the river with his dogs, breaking trail, and enjoying the freedom the activity brought him. “It brought me outdoors. It took me outside to nature. And I was just enjoying it so much.” Now, Lechton is 21 and becoming a ski coach. In February, he joined the nonprofit Skiku, which taught him how to ski and has been bringing the sport to kids across Alaska. Together, he and the Skiku team traveled to several Interior villages – Grayling, Anvik, and Shageluk. The February trip culminated with a week in another community in the same region – Holy Cross, where Lechton now lives. There, he ran the show. Next winter, he will be the coach for Holy Cross kids. “They’re mostly inside, and it’d be great to get them outside and to do something outdoors, all together, as a team.” Skiku has been around for more than a decade, bringing cross-country ski coaches and equipment to kids in Alaska villages. Tyler Henegan is its executive director. He says usually, after the visit, the skis go back in the closet. Henegan says what's missing is an adult who will take kids out. “To kind of keep those four communities shredding. In my mind, I have a Jedi Padawan situation where we can kind of have that person mentor folks out there and really kind of hope to make something a little more sustainable too, that’s really more community driven.” That is where Lechton comes in, to keep it going throughout the season. Sonta Hamilton Roach says that children in the region stay active by hauling wood and working outside, but she says they do not get many chances to try themselves in competitive sports. And Roach is happy all four villages in her area are part of this project. “We’re all the same people trying to live good, healthy, quality lives in our communities. When you really see our tribes come together, we can do cool things.” The organizers say they hope to find more residents like Lechton in each of them to keep kids skiing throughout the season. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, March 30, 2026 – Understanding the Jack Abramoff Indian gaming scandal 25 years later
In this Expert Spotlight episode of the HerSuiteSpot Podcast, Marsha Guerrier sits down with Kimber Olson, Founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant of Juniper & Pine Consulting, LLC. An enrolled member of the Chiricahua Apache Mimbres Band Nation, Dr. Olson designs and delivers culturally grounded, healing-centered trainings for Tribal Nations. Her work centers Indigenous regulation, trauma-responsive systems, and stewardship-based leadership — bridging Indigenous knowledge systems, neuroscience, and community practice to strengthen family well-being, staff wellness, and social service ecosystems. With more than thirty years of experience partnering with Indigenous and Alaska Native communities, Kimber brings deep relational wisdom to conversations about leadership, systems change, and care. This episode invites listeners to rethink leadership not as control, but as stewardship — and to understand how culture itself can be a governing framework for sustainable impact.
Send us Fan MailBeavers are often called ecosystem engineers for their ability to transform streams and wetlands, creating habitat for wildlife and improving watershed health. But their work on the landscape can also create real challenges for landowners, water managers, and communities.In this episode, we explore the development of the Colorado Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy, a statewide effort led by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to support beaver conservation while addressing conflicts where they occur.Keystone Policy Center facilitated the the collaborative process that allowed scientists, landowners, conservation organizations, Tribal Nations, and community stakeholders to come together to share perspectives and help shape the strategy.Please help us continue this podcast by making a financial donation to Keystone Policy Center.Listen to previous episodes of this podcast at Keystone's website or by subscribing to it through any podcast provider.
Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like when a Tribally-owned enterprise deliberately goes off the reservation to generate economic returns for its Nation? Austin Tsosie, CEO of Diné Development Corporation (DDC) — the Navajo Nation's 8A federal contracting arm — joins host Wes Benally to answer exactly that. Over 21 years, DDC has grown from a council-inspired idea to a mid-tier federal IT powerhouse operating in 30 states and five countries with over 700 employees. Austin shares the thinking behind DDC's diversification strategy, their bold AI-first approach that tripled proposal output, the Navajo Career Pathways Program and Navajo Leadership Academy, and how DDC defines success beyond the bottom line.Is your Tribal enterprise looking to build sustainable economic development strategies and strengthen organizational governance? Reach out to REDW's Tribal advisory team to learn how our trusted advisors support Tribal Nations in building lasting financial and operational strength.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Austin Tsosie and Diné Development Corporation02:30 - DDC's Mission: Off-Reservation Federal Contracting for the Navajo Nation05:00 - Diversifying Across IT, Environmental Engineering, and Professional Services08:45 - Embracing AI: DDC's AI-First Strategy and 20+ Custom AI Enablers12:50 - Hiring Navajo Talent: Challenges and the Navajo Career Pathways Program16:20 - The Navajo Leadership Academy: Building Future Board Members18:40 - Measuring Success: Beyond Revenue to Community Contribution22:10 - The Reservation Economic Summit and Trusted Tribal PartnershipsTakeawaysDDC was created by the Navajo Nation Council to separate business from politics and pursue federal contracts off-reservation — generating revenue and bringing it home for Tribal economic development.Deliberate diversification across IT services, environmental engineering, and professional services helps DDC navigate shifts in government spending across administrations.DDC has adopted an AI-first strategy company-wide — deploying 20+ AI enablers and increasing proposal output by 2.5 to 3x, enabling the organization to respond to over $1 billion in proposals in a single year.Building a Navajo workforce in federal contracting requires intentional programming; DDC's Navajo Career Pathways Program and Navajo Leadership Academy are actively addressing talent development and governance pipeline challenges.DDC measures success not only in financial metrics but in contributions to the Navajo economy — including jobs, dividends, partnerships with Navajo businesses, and culturally significant milestones like the Navajo Code Talker building in Dayton, Ohio.REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, Ian Bergman sits down with Dhruv C. Patel, co-founder of Syncurrent, to explore how AI is helping local governments, Tribal Nations, and public agencies find and access funding faster, turning a process that once took months into something that can happen in minutes. Together, they unpack why so many communities are shut out of critical funding opportunities, how outdated systems create massive inefficiencies, and why GovTech may be one of the most meaningful frontiers in innovation today. Dhruv also breaks down the deeper questions shaping public sector technology, including trust, regulation, access, equity, and the responsibility that comes with building tools that influence how resources reach real people. It's a sharp, optimistic conversation about AI, government innovation, underserved communities, and what it really looks like to build technology that helps society function better.Topics
This Day in Maine for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Send us a textIn this episode, we're joined by environmental policy expert Judith Enck, co-author of The Problem with Plastic and president of Beyond Plastics, for a frank conversation about why plastic recycling has largely failed—and why that failure wasn't an accident.Judith unpacks how the plastics industry has known for decades that recycling doesn't work, while spending millions convincing the public otherwise. We also explore the human and environmental costs of plastic production, from “Cancer Alley” in Louisiana—where petrochemical plants line the Mississippi River—to the growing body of research showing microplastics in our blood, organs, placenta, and breast milk.But this isn't just a story of harm. It's a call to action. The conversation turns toward real, systemic solutions—like policy efforts to reduce single-use plastics, eliminate toxic chemicals in packaging, and invest in reuse and refill systems.The takeaway? Individual choices matter—but lasting change comes when many people work together, imperfectly but persistently, to transform the systems and laws shaping our world.About JudithJudith Enck is a faculty member at Bennington College, where she teaches courses on plastic pollution, and the founder of Beyond Plastics, an organization that works with community leaders and policymakers to reduce plastic pollution. She also leads the college's Environmental Action Fellowship.Appointed by President Obama, Judith served as the longest-tenured Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Region 2, overseeing environmental protection in New York, New Jersey, eight Tribal Nations, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She has also held senior roles in New York State government, including Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Policy Advisor to the Attorney General, and Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York.A frequent public commentator, Judith appears on WAMC Northeast Public Radio's The Roundtable. She is the co-author of the new book The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.Thanks for listening to Hawthorne Valley's Roots to Renewal podcast. We are an association comprised of a variety of interconnected initiatives that work collectively to meet our mission. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website at hawthornevalley.org. Hawthorne Valley is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and we rely on the generosity of people like you to make our work a reality. Please consider making a donation to support us today. If you'd like to help us in other ways, please help us spread the word about this podcast by sharing it with your friends, and leaving us a rating and review.If you'd like to follow the goings-on at the farm and our initiatives, follow us on Instagram!
The Benefits of Restoring Aquatic EcosystemsFor over a century, native salmon populations in California have been adversely impacted by human activities such as mining, dam building, and overfishing practices, often leading to the loss of critical habitat and decreased genetic diversity. With additional environmental stress from climate change, such as rising surface temperatures and changes in freshwater temperature and flow, salmon populations have been quickly declining. In addition, dams trap salmon into the warmest parts of the watershed, where they are more vulnerable to predators and have decreased breeding area necessary for their survival. Salmon are an incredibly important marine species, often referred to as a keystone species, as they play an essential role in the health and function of an ecosystem. Not only are salmon ecologically beneficial through their ability to disperse nutrients throughout streams and rivers, but they are also culturally significant to Indigenous people. Indigenous culture has historic ties to salmon, including reliance on the species for sustenance and livelihood. As a result, indigenous tribes have a particular attachment to and concern for salmon, and issues such as diminished water quality and the burdens brought about by climate change have a deep resonance. In order to restore salmon populations, Indigenous groups and environmental activists have advocated for increased restoration of watersheds, the reopening and improving of ecologically important areas, and the removal of dams that block natural salmon spawning habitats. Dam Removal as Solution to Climate ChangeAs climate change reduces water flows in California and increases temperatures beyond which salmon can tolerate, certain populations of salmon have become endangered species. Drastically reduced population levels have brought about a wave of concern, as their absence can disrupt nutrient cycling, reduce food availability, and negatively impact the livelihoods of people who depend on salmon for sustenance, income and cultural value. The “California Salmon Strategy” outlines actions for state agencies to stabilize and promote recovery of salmon populations. The plan envisions coordination among multiple state agencies, Tribal Nations, and federal agencies for implementation. In the late 19th century, treaties between Pacific Northwest tribes and federal agencies gave tribes the right to hunt, gather, and fish in “accustomed grounds” in exchange for land. However, by the mid-20th century, these agreements had largely been abandoned by the federal government, with states outlawing traditional methods of subsistence fishing. Coupled with increased development and resultant large-scale habitat loss, salmon populations have been on a steady decline. Tribal governments have long opposed the construction of dams in California, raising concerns of the devastating effects such construction has had on their way of life and the biodiversity of river ecosystems.Therefore, one solution has been the removal of dams to allow for continual, unobstructed streams of water for salmon to move freely through. Large dams built in the early 1900s block salmon's access to over 90% of historical spawning and rearing habitat in mountainous streams. The largest river restoration project is currently taking place on the Klamath River, located in Southern Oregon and Northern California, where dam removal is predicted to improve water quality and restore access to more than 420 miles of habitat. The lack of access to these cold waters for spawning was one of the primary reasons for the steady decline of California's salmon population. Studies project that the removal of the Klamath Dam will reduce the river's temperature by 2-4 degrees, which salmon prefer as cold water holds more oxygen, allowing for improved metabolism and the preservation of salmon quality, spurring new population growth.In addition to dam removal, the California Salmon Strategy proposes expanding habitat for spawning and protecting water flow and quality in key rivers. By fostering collaborative efforts, the State of California and Tribal Nations hope to successfully restore salmon spawning habitats and reintroduce salmon through traditional ecological knowledge.Benefits of Salmon RestorationSalmon restoration will help restore genetic diversity, improve habitat, and foster resilience. Beyond ecological benefits, restoring salmon habitats will benefit local communities and restore their cultural significance. The removal of dams like that on the Klamath River has already been a huge success in reopening former habitat that historically supported diverse salmon populations, with significant salmon spawning showing signs of a rejuvenation of this endangered species. Challenges of Restoring Salmon Unfortunately, salmon will continue to face the threat of climate change, particularly due to the lack of cold, readily available water. Salmon's migratory lifestyle patterns are also under threat from climate change, as a lack of cold water prevents survival at different stages of the life cycle in order to reach their spawning habitats in time. One major concern of the dam removal process is the short-term increase in turbidity and water quality problems during the removal process. There also could be the potential for disrupted habitats and short-term fish mortality due to the changing water quality dynamics. However, water quality problems usually pass after the initial slug of sediment moves downstream, allowing for long-term benefits to take hold.About our guestRegina Chichizola, Executive Director of Save California Salmon is a long-term advocate for tribal water rights, clean water, wild salmon, and environmental justice. Chichizola is an advocate for the restoration of salmon populations through strategies like dam removal and wetland restoration. ResourcesCalifornia Trout: Klamath Dams RemovalUS Fish and Wildlife Service: Why are dams getting removed and how will this change our rivers?USGS: Simulating Water Temperature of the Klamath River under Dam Removal and Climate Change ScenariosFurther ReadingAmerican Rivers: The Ecology of Dam Removal: A Summary of Benefits and ImpactsCalifornia Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future: Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems in the Age of Climate ChangeKatherine Abbott et al: Incorporating climate change into restoration decisions: perspectives from dam removal practitionersNOAA Fisheries: River Temperatures and Survival of Endangered California Winter-Run Chinook Salmon in the 2021 DroughtScientific American: Climate Change Complicates the Whole Dam DebateUSGS: Shifting Practices of Dam Management and Dam Removal in a Changing WorldFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/removing-dams-on-rivers-to-ensure-climate-resilience-for-salmon-with-regina-chichizola
The federal government's oldest legal obligations to provide health, education, and economic support for Tribal Nations remain chronically underfunded and uniquely vulnerable to shutdowns. A new Brookings Institution analysis argues Congress should shift more Native American funding to mandatory spending to protect treaty commitments. Here with more details is the report's author, Brookings Fellow Robert Maxim. Read the report here: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-government-shutdown-shows-the-need-to-reform-how-the-federal-government-funds-native-american-tribes-and-communities/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bestselling and award-winning writer Matthew Pearl joins co-hosts Whitney Terrell and V.V. Ganeshananthan to discuss his new novel The Award. Pearl explores the relationship between cultural prizes and ideas of nationhood, as well as imposter syndrome and external validation, like MFAs, literary awards, and being seen writing in coffeeshops by and with other writers. He reflects on developing the character of David Trent, an aspiring young writer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Pearl himself formerly lived and participated in cafe culture. He talks about the ethical lines David is willing to cross to achieve success and how he rationalizes these choices to himself. He also explains the larger-than-life character of Silas Hale, the famous and mercurial novelist who lives downstairs from David, controls their shared thermostat, and has no interest in mentoring his young neighbor. Pearl considers how David's life changes when he publishes a book and wins a prize. He reads from The Award. This podcast is produced by V.V. Ganeshananthan and Whitney Terrell.Matthew Pearl● The Award● Save Our Souls: The True Story of a Castaway Family, Treachery, and Murder● The Taking of Jemima Boone: Colonial Settlers, Tribal Nations, and the Kidnap That Shaped America● The Dante Chamber● The Last Bookaneer● The Technologists● The Last Dickens● The Poe Shadow● The Dante Club Others:● Fiction/Non/Fiction Season 7, Episode 19: Jacinda Townsend and James Bernard Short on American Fiction● Erasure by Percival Everett● Rabbit, Run by John Updike● The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz● The Wife by Meg Wolitzer● Yellowface by R.F. Kuang● The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris● Young Lions Fiction Award | The New York Public LibrarySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Share your Field Stories!Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! On today's episode, we talk with Teresa Martinez, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition about Leadership Rooted in the Ground, Community-Led Conservation, and Connection Across Landscape and People. Read her full bio below.Help us continue to create great content! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form Showtimes: 2:35 - Hiking the Appalachian Trail10:36 - Interview with Teresa Martinez Starts!19:03 - Personal Goals in the Workplace27:45 - Challenges of Community Input42:49 - #FieldNotes with TeresaPlease be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.Guest Bio: Teresa Martinez is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, the lead national and lead partner working with the USFS, BLM, National Park Service, State Agencies, Indigenous Communities and Tribal Nations to cooperatively steward the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. For over 30 years, Teresa has worked professionally to increase awareness, engagement, access, and stewardship of our entire National Trails System. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Teresa holds a B.S. and M.S from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in the College of Natural Resources. From 1987- 2007 she worked for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, from 2007 to 2012 she worked for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance and since 2012 she has been the Executive Director (and co-founder) of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Formerly a Board member, today she serves on the Trail Leadership Council of the Partnership for the National Trails System and has served as the Chair of the Federal Advisory Committee to aid the USFS in the development of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Teresa also serves on the Board of Directors for Leave No Trace and has also served on the advisory committee for the Salazar Center for North American Conservation. Teresa is actively involved in the creation of equitable spaces for all people in the outdoors and in 2015, was part of the inaugural group of conservation leaders assembling in Washington DC to launch a new vision for the next 100 years of stewardship of our nation's parks, forests, waters, oceans, and trails which led to the formation of the Next 100 Coalition and the Next 100 Coalition Colorado. Today, Teresa serves as the Chair of the National Board for the Next 100 Coalition. In 2019, Teresa was honored by the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources as the recipient of the Gerald Cross Alumni Leadership Award. When not working one of these heart driven endeavors, Teresa can be found perfecting her sourdough and puff pastry bakes, or spending her time exploring the mountains, mesas and arroyos of the landscapes around her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her rescue dog Riley and hosting discadas with friends while watching the sunrise and sunset over the beautiful terrain of the Land of EncSupport the showThanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.
How do you identify “an expert”? The answer to this question is more complex than you might think. Most of us might think of people with multiple degrees or extensive experience in a specific field as experts. However, as our guest this week is discovering, experts can be people with passion, people with connections or people with specific job titles. Recognizing the enacted and relationally valued characteristics of an expert is essential to creating systems where experts that reflect a community's ideas and values are the ones making the decisions. One example is the community of people around and connected to the Puget Sound watershed region and the jurisdiction of the Puget Sound Partnership: an area spanning 12 counties and 28 recognized Tribal Nations. Large restoration efforts are underway to restore Puget Sound and prime the ecosystem for climate adaptation. These efforts hinge on not just access to climate adaptation knowledge, but who is recognized to apply such knowledge and the social structures to shape its uptake. Our guest this week is Krista Harrington, a 4th year PhD Candidate in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. Krista utilizes political ecology and science, technology, and society theory in environmental natural resource management. During her Bachelor's degree, Master's degree and time spent working in wildlife conversation, she kept asking herself “who are we going to for expertise?”. This question ultimately shaped the path of her PhD work and is how she is contributing to restoring Puget Sound. Hosted by Emilee Lance and Esteban Hernandez
From Wisconsin to California, Indigenous nations are reacquiring land. It’s part of a global “landback” movement to return stolen Native lands to tribal control. Is the restoration of land just symbolic, or does it represent a real step forward on the path to restoring Native culture and tribal sovereignty? In this episode: Rebecca Nagle (@rebeccanagle), Cherokee writer and journalist, author of By The Fire We Carry Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Haleema Shah, and Diana Ferrero with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Fatima Shafiq, Farhan Rafid, Tamara Khandaker and Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Noor Wazwaz Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives
Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Paper Chains How Treaties, Laws and policy on Paper have deep abiding affects on Tribal Nations and Communities of Color for generations. Keynote address by Donna Loring. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life's work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022. The post Wabanaki Windows 11/25/25: Robert Talbot Civil Rights Lecture Series first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.
Send us a textIn honor of Native American Heritage Month, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation for a profound conversation about leadership, cultural respect, and the journey that shaped one of Indian Country's most experienced leaders.Chief Standing Bear, now in his third term as Osage Nation Principal Chief, shares his remarkable path from University of Oklahoma law student during the American Indian Movement era to becoming general counsel of the Muscogee Creek Nation in his late twenties. He recounts his involvement in filing the first federal Indian gaming case in Oklahoma in November 1984, his work with multiple Tribes, and his service as General Counsel to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The conversation explores the cultural teachings that guide his leadership, the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with experienced advisors, and the critical need to understand and respect each Tribe's unique sovereignty, traditions, and ways of connecting with the sacred.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome01:25 - The Path to Leadership02:53 - University Days and the American Indian Movement05:03 - Law School and Early Career07:22 - The First Indian Gaming Cases in Oklahoma09:12 - Cultural Teachings and Finding Your Way Home15:32 - Building the Osage Nation21:45 - Economic Development and Diversification28:18 - Healthcare and Community Services35:45 - Election Integrity and Tribal Governance40:45 - Respect FirstA Message for Native American Heritage Month - As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Chief Standing Bear's wisdom reminds us that true partnership with Indian Country begins with genuine respect and understanding. Each Tribal Nation has its own constitution, culture, and sacred traditions that deserve our time and attention to learn about properly. Whether you're a business advisor, service provider, or community partner, remember that you're entering their country and are there to help—not to impose. This kind of respect, paired with REDW's deep commitment to serving Tribal Nations with integrity and cultural understanding, creates the foundation for meaningful, lasting partnerships. REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening! Visit our website
Climate challenges from a Citizens of Tribal Nations perspective.
After being part of two panel episodes (Heritage Voices Episode 79: The Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training and Education Program (INSTEP) and Episode 92: The 2024 Updated NAGPRA Regulations, Jessica finally got to sit down with Chance Ward (NAGPRA Collections Specialist at History Colorado; enrolled citizen and tribal member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) for a one on one episode. During this episode we talk about how Chance first heard about anthropology during his time at Fort Lewis College, his time doing CRM work, and why he chose to switch to Museum Studies. We talked about a couple of projects that are near to his heart, including a workbook for Indigenous young people on CRM, how it affects Tribes, and why it is important to be involved and a couple of papers on the ethical treatment of animal remains. Lastly we talked about his approach in his current position and his advice for how other museum professionals can better work with Tribal Nations.LinksHeritage Voices on the APNToward Legal, Ethical, and Culturally Informed Care of Animal Remains in American Museum Collections | Advances in Archaeological Practice | Cambridge CoreHorse nations: After the Spanish conquest, horses transformed Native American tribes much earlier than historians thoughtEarly dispersal of domestic horses into the Great Plains and northern RockiesWhat is a Rebuilder? - Native Governance CenterHistory Colorado WebsiteLost HighwaysChance Ward's LinkedIn PageContactJessicaJessica@livingheritageanthropology.org@livingheritageAArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetTee Public StoreAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After being part of two panel episodes (Heritage Voices Episode 79: The Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training and Education Program (INSTEP) and Episode 92: The 2024 Updated NAGPRA Regulations, Jessica finally got to sit down with Chance Ward (NAGPRA Collections Specialist at History Colorado; enrolled citizen and tribal member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) for a one on one episode. During this episode we talk about how Chance first heard about anthropology during his time at Fort Lewis College, his time doing CRM work, and why he chose to switch to Museum Studies. We talked about a couple of projects that are near to his heart, including a workbook for Indigenous young people on CRM, how it affects Tribes, and why it is important to be involved and a couple of papers on the ethical treatment of animal remains. Lastly we talked about his approach in his current position and his advice for how other museum professionals can better work with Tribal Nations.LinksHeritage Voices on the APNToward Legal, Ethical, and Culturally Informed Care of Animal Remains in American Museum Collections | Advances in Archaeological Practice | Cambridge CoreHorse nations: After the Spanish conquest, horses transformed Native American tribes much earlier than historians thoughtEarly dispersal of domestic horses into the Great Plains and northern RockiesWhat is a Rebuilder? - Native Governance CenterHistory Colorado WebsiteLost HighwaysChance Ward's LinkedIn PageContactJessicaJessica@livingheritageanthropology.org@livingheritageAArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetTee Public StoreAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association
The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association
The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association
The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association
The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association
WXPR News for 10-14-25
Marian Pasko - CEO at Paradise Valley Mineral Management (PVMM) joins the podcast to walk through her team's approach to managing mineral rights and working interest. Throughout the episode, Marian showcases how their team's backgrounds uniquely position PVMM to work with Tribal Nations, Endowments, Non-Profits, & Accidental Owners and how they leverage scale to incentivize Operators to accelerate drilling development on their clients minerals.**Disclaimer: This podcast is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.A big thanks to our 3 Minerals & Royalties Podcast Sponsors:--Tracts: If you are interested in learning more about Tracts title related services and software, then please call 281-892-2096 or visit https://tracts.co/ to learn more.--Riverbend Energy Group: If you are interested in discussing the sale of your Minerals and/or NonOp interests w/ Riverbend, then please visit www.riverbendenergygroup.com for more information--Farmers National Company: For more information on Farmer's land management services, please visit www.fncenergy.com or email energy@farmersnational.com
Indian lands across the country are being encroached on by pipelines, fracking, data centers and other industries. In Virginia, the Rappahannock Tribe joined a handful of Tribal Nations in the U.S. that are recognizing the constitutional rights of nature. Now, they're ready to defend that right for their river as Pamela D'Angelo reports.
Send us a textSage Memorial Hospital's journey from a four-room adobe building in 1911 to a state-of-the-art healthcare facility represents more than a century of serving the Ganado community. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally welcomes Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital, to discuss the hospital's remarkable transformation and its commitment to blending Western medicine with traditional Navajo healing practices.Melinda, who was born at Sage and returned as CEO three years ago, shares how the hospital is redefining healthcare in Indian Country—from building sweat lodges and hiring traditional healers to implementing cutting-edge technology and expanding critical services like ICU, dialysis, and elder care. She discusses workforce challenges, the importance of keeping patients close to home, and the vision for continued growth while maintaining the strong foundation of traditional values.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome01:03 - Melinda's Background and Connection to Sage Memorial Hospital03:54 - The History: From 1911 Mission to Modern Healthcare08:47 - Incorporating Traditional Values in Modern Care12:34 - Innovation and Modernizing Healthcare Delivery15:55 - Workforce Challenges and Hiring the Right People19:49 - Patient Stories and Keeping Families Closer to Home23:16 - Measuring Success: KPIs and Quality Indicators26:55 - Vision for the Next 5-10 YearsTakeawaysAt Sage Memorial Hospital, traditional healing programs, including sweat lodges, medicine men/women, and future hooghan construction, are being integrated with Western medical care.The new facility achieved a complete transition to paperless operations with comprehensive electronic health records encompassing clinical and financial systems.Key expansion services include ICU, inpatient dialysis, swing beds, elder care facilities, and future plans for labor and delivery and surgical units.The hospital's core mission focuses on reducing patient transfers and keeping families closer to home, lessening the financial and emotional burden of traveling to distant facilities.Quality initiatives are measured through hospital-wide KPIs across four pillars: finance, community, people (HR), and quality.Quality Services. Quality Outcomes. REDW was honored to support Sage Memorial Hospital's transformation through our Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS), Business Valuation, and Risk Advisory expertise. This journey demonstrates a powerful truth: investing in quality advisory services yields the best return. If your tribal healthcare organization is navigating growth or transformation, our team is here to help.
Send us a textRevenue cycle management isn't just a back-office operation—it's a strategic tool for strengthening care delivery in Tribal communities. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Melissa C. Goad, CRCR, CPA, MBA, a healthcare finance veteran with 30 years of experience spanning both payer and provider perspectives. Melissa shares her transformative journey as CFO of a 638 Tribal Healthcare Facility on the Navajo Reservation, where she led a comprehensive revenue cycle optimization initiative that delivered a tenfold return on investment.From fixing data flow challenges and reducing denials by up to a third, to implementing culturally sensitive front-end operations and embracing industry best practices, Melissa's insights offer a practical roadmap for Tribal healthcare organizations looking to maximize reimbursements and close gaps in care. Her approach? Take it layer by layer, build cross-functional teams, and remember that optimizing revenue cycles ultimately means securing the resources needed to serve the community better.Chapters· 00:00 - Introduction and Melissa's Healthcare Background· 02:05 - The Importance of Revenue Cycle Management· 04:45 - Assessing Opportunities in Tribal Healthcare Settings· 06:36 - Embracing Industry Best Practices· 12:24 - Denials Management and Registration Challenges· 17:37 - Data Flow and EHR Customization Issues· 20:13 - The Power of Cross-Functional Teams· 25:05 - Cultural Considerations in Tribal HealthcareTakeaways· Revenue cycle optimization is about ensuring continuity of care and honoring commitments to the community, not just financial health.· Tribal healthcare facilities face unique challenges including geographic isolation, staffing limitations, complex billing regulations like the All-Inclusive Rate (AIR), and often inadequate technology.· Starting with a thorough assessment before implementing changes prevents costly assumptions and builds a strong foundation for improvement.· Registration is one of the most critical points in the revenue cycle—if data starts wrong, it ends wrong.· Cross-functional teams that include both clinical and revenue cycle staff are essential for identifying and fixing denial patterns.· Cultural sensitivity in patient-facing operations, including language support and understanding Tribal-specific requirements like CBI collection, strengthens both patient experience and reimbursement accuracy.· Organizations can expect to see returns within 6 months of implementing systematic fixes, with some facilities achieving tenfold ROI on revenue cycle investments.Ready to Strengthen Your Revenue Cycle?Whether you're considering a 638 transition or looking to improve existing operations, connect with REDW's Tribal healthcare advisors to explore how we can help strengthen your organization's financial health and expand care for your community.
Send us a textThe 105(l) lease program has become one of the most transformative funding mechanisms available to Tribal Nations—but it's widely misunderstood. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Geoff Strommer, partner at Hobbs Straus Dean Walker, to demystify this critical provision of the Indian Self-Determination Act.Despite the name, 105(l) "leases" aren't leases at all in the traditional sense—they're funding agreements that enable Tribes to receive resources for maintaining, repairing, and even constructing healthcare and administrative facilities. Geoff, who litigated the landmark Maniilaq cases that established Tribes' rights to fully funded 105(l) agreements, shares the fascinating journey from dormant statutory provision to nearly $1 billion in total lease value across Indian Country.Learn about the three compensation methodologies, how Tribes are using projected 105(l) revenue to finance major new construction projects, and what barriers (and opportunities) exist in this evolving landscape.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Geoff's Background in Tribal Law02:44 - What Are 105(l) Leases? Breaking Down the Basics06:46 - The Landmark Maniilaq Litigation Cases16:19 - Establishing Mandatory Lease Requirements17:15 - Three Compensation Methodologies Explained24:34 - Barriers and Negotiation Issues28:44 - Congressional Appropriations and Future Sustainability31:31 - Looking Forward: Financing New FacilitiesTakeaways105(l) leases are funding agreements, not traditional leases—the federal government transfers funds to Tribes for facility maintenance and operationsThe Maniilaq litigation established that 105(l) leases are mandatory, not discretionary, and must be fully fundedThree compensation methodologies exist: fair market appraisal, hybrid appraisal, and cost reimbursementNearly $1 billion in total 105(l) lease value has been achieved across Indian Country in recent yearsTribes are now using projected 105(l) revenue streams to finance new construction projects, transforming the facilities landscapeFrom Legal Right to Financial RealityGeoff and his team at Hobbs Straus Dean Walker establish the legal framework for 105(l) leases—REDW helps you put that framework into action. Our 638 Healthcare Transition Support team guides Tribes through self-governance transitions, while our Advisory & Accounting specialists help you document costs, prepare lease proposals, and build financial packages that leverage 105(l) revenue streams for new facility construction. Ready to turn 105(l) opportunities into reality?Reach out to learn how we can help you maximize available resources. REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
Employee voice is transforming HR practices across Indian Country, creating both opportunities and challenges for Tribal organizations. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, from REDW's Human Resource Consulting team to discuss the heightened focus on HR accountability, proper documentation practices, and the unique cultural considerations that shape Tribal workplace policies. From developing bereavement policies that honor four-day traditional burial practices to managing investigations in close-knit communities where "everyone knows everyone," Taryn and Jessica share practical insights for HR professionals navigating these complex dynamics. They also preview their upcoming presentations at the NNAHRA Conference, including executive coaching for HR practitioners and compensation clarity sessions.Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a new manager dealing with employee relations for the first time, this conversation offers valuable guidance on documentation best practices, cultural competency, and leveraging external expertise when needed.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome02:04 - The Rise of Employee Voice in Indian Country HR07:17 - Top Three Things for New Managers10:22 - Cultural Competency Beyond Buzzwords13:21 - NNAHRA Conference Experience and Networking16:38 - What to Expect at NNAHRA 2025TakeawaysEmployee needs and investigations are increasing across Indian Country, requiring proper documentation and legal complianceHR professionals should document employee interactions immediately and avoid promising complete confidentiality during investigationsCultural competency in Tribal HR means aligning policies with traditional practices, such as four-day bereavement periods for burial ceremoniesThe NNAHRA Conference provides transformative networking opportunities and professional development for Tribal HR professionalsExternal HR consulting can help remove bias and provide objective investigation services in close-knit Tribal communitiesResourcesLearn how to design effective compensation strategies amid ongoing financial uncertainty in our latest blog, “Navigating Compensation: Creative Strategies Amid Uncertainty” | READ MOREDownload our FREE white paper, “Addressing Pay Compression: Strategies and Best Practices” | LEARN MORENNAHRA'S 29th Annual Conference - September 29 - October 1 - Pechanga Resort CasinoREDW's Human Resource Consulting team will be front and center at NNAHRA's 29th Annual Conference with presentations on executive coaching and compensation clarity, plus our popular booth featuring chair massages and great swag. Stop by to learn how REDW can support your Tribal organization's HR needs. | Connect with REDW at NNAHRAREDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Chance Ward, NAGPRA Coordinator for the State of Colorado and enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Together they explore what it means to oversee NAGPRA implementation at the state level—what the role involves and how Colorado approaches the repatriation process. Chance also reflects on his own perspective as a Lakota professional working in a state with historic ties to more than 48 Tribal Nations, including his own. Through this conversation, listeners gain insight into both the mechanics of NAGPRA and the personal dimensions of serving Native Nations from within state government.LinksThe Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty BioContactInstagram: @pawnee_archaeologistEmail: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.comAPNAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion
Federal incentives to lessen the financial burden of solar panel installations are ending earlier than originally planned after the July 4 passage of the tax and spending law. Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags
This week on We're Still Here, Simon and Julie join John to cover big wins and ongoing battles across Indian Country. A female federal judge (matriarchy for the win!) has temporarily halted construction of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in the Florida Everglades. The Pennsylvania State Museum is returning thousands of stolen Native artifacts to Tribal Nations. And in California, the Presbytery of San Gabriel has made history by returning ancestral land to the Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council. They also highlight how Native Nations are pushing back against anti-trans legislation, affirming that sovereignty includes the right to protect LGBTQ2S+ and Two-Spirit citizens with dignity, safety, and culturally grounded care. Plus: Jonathan Nez, and they take listener calls!Simon Moya-Smith - instagram.com/simonsaidtakeapic threads.com/@simonsaidtakeapicSubstack - The Fire I Keep https://open.substack.com/pub/juliefrancellaBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliefrancella.comX: https://x.com/juliefrancella?s=21See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Governor Josh Shapiro is speaking out against the starvation of civilians in Gaza and called on U.S. leaders to increase aid to Palestinians. The only Spanish language public radio station serving Lancaster and York counties may have to cut programming, following the loss of federal funding. The State Insurance Department has announced the 2026 rate changes requested by health insurance companies currently operating in Pennsylvania. Double digit increases are expected in both the individual and small group markets. State lawmakers are calling on healthcare providers to be more transparent when it comes to their use of artificial intelligence. In the wake of an early Sunday morning fire in Stewartstown, York County, the Southern Regional Police Department is calling it an arson/death investigation. Former Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight is asking for a new trial. Earlier this year, a jury found her guilty of trying to murder her ex-boyfriend while he was sleeping. A new watchdog group is set to begin work this week in the city of Lancaster. The city's ethics commission is meeting for the first time Thursday night. Former Senator Bob Casey has a new job. The three-term senator is now a fellow at The University of Scranton, where he will mentor students. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is dismantling its Native American collection, which includes thousands of sacred artifacts from Tribal Nations across the country. Attention WITF Sustaining Circle Members! With a monthly increase of $12 or more, you and WITF's dedicated base of sustainers could close the funding gap left by the federal rescission. Increase your gift today at witf.org/increase. And thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Inside the Castle, we spotlight the critical and often lesser-known role of tribal liaisons within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Join us as we sit down with Melissa Leslie (Seattle District) and Sean O'Donnell (Alaska District) to explore how these dedicated professionals build government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native communities. From honoring treaty rights and navigating complex land challenges to advocating for infrastructure needs and cultural preservation, our guests share personal stories and professional insights about what it means to serve as a bridge between the Corps and sovereign tribal partners. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful conversation on trust, responsibility, and the power of listening ... and discover how these liaisons are shaping a trusted and collaborative future for the Corps.
On this week's episode of Minnesota Native News, the upcoming Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators Conference and a recap of the prevention & impacts of invasive species on Tribal Nations.
Tony Schick, a reporter with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) joins the Exchange.
Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature | Bioneers Radio Series
The Rights of Nature movement launched internationally in 2006 and is growing fast. Driven primarily by tribes and citizen-led communities, more than three dozen cities, townships and counties across the U.S. have adopted such laws to create legally enforceable rights for ecosystems to exist, flourish, regenerate and evolve. Native American attorneys, Frank Bibeau and Samantha Skenandore, and legal movement leader Thomas Linzey report from the front lines how they are honing their strategies to protect natural systems for future generations. Featuring Frank Bibeau, an enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, is an activist and tribal attorney who works extensively on Chippewa treaty and civil rights, sovereignty and water protection. Thomas Linzey, Senior Legal Counsel for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (CDER), an organization committed to advancing the legal rights of nature and environmental rights globally. Samantha Skenandore (Ho-Chunk/Oneida), Attorney/Of-Counsel at Quarles & Brady LLP, has vast knowledge and experience in working on matters involving on both federal Indian law and tribal law. Resources Mari Margil and Thomas Linzey – Changing Everything: The Global Movement for the Rights of Nature The Rights of Nature Movement in Indian Country and Beyond: From Grassroots to Mainstream Bioneers Rights of Nature Deep Dive This is an episode of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Visit the radio and podcast homepage to learn more.
In this episode of All My Relations, Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Temryss Lane (Lummi Nation)—sit down with Indigenous rights attorney Gabe Galanda (Round Valley Indian Tribes) to discuss the mounting legal threats to Tribal Nationhood, citizenship, and sovereignty. As executive orders and court cases attempt to undermine Native status and question our birthright citizenship, we unpack what's happening and what's at stake.Together, we explore the legal history behind Native Citizenship, from Elk v. Wilkins to the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, and how the Supreme Court continues to challenge the political status of Tribal Nations. Gabe highlights the ongoing erasure of Indigenous identity under U.S. law, warning that Native people remain "sub-citizens," not universally protected by the U.S. Constitution, and that our status exists at the mercy of an act of Congress. He raises the unsettling reality that if a simple majority of Congress were to revoke the 1924 Citizenship Act, we could once again be placed in legal limbo.We also turn inward, examining how Tribal policies around blood quantum and disenrollment are eroding our sovereignty from within. Gabe points out that over 70% of Tribal Nations still use blood quantum—a colonial, racialized construct—to determine belonging. We ask ourselves how we can continue to argue for our political status while using a racial measurement to determine our own citizenship? If we don't address these internal challenges, are we eradicating ourselves before the government even has the chance?This episode is an urgent call to rethink Indigenous citizenship and belonging before external forces dictate our future.Join us in this critical conversation. Please share this episode, support Native-led media, and continue the fight for Indigenous rights. Consider becoming a Patreon subscriber to help sustain these discussions.Big thanks to our team at Tidelands, our Patreon supporters, and all of you listening. Until next time… All My Relations.Send us your thoughts!Support the showFollow us on Instagam @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon. Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com. Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now! T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.