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Alaska Native Communities Get $375K for Health and Wellness
The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is investing $375,000 in funding to each of its 15 tribal partners to support public health in their respective communities. The funding will be distributed through SEARHC’s Healthy is Here program. Launched in 2017, the program has dedicated more than $3 million to locally driven wellness initiatives, including […]
Indigenous tourism awards recognize professionals, artisans and emerging leaders
The American Indigenous Tourism Association honored tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and artisans at its 2026 Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards, presented Oct. 21 in Tulalip, Wash. Gary Snow (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation), Earth Lodge Village supervisor for MHA Nation Tourism, received the Industry Professional of the Year award. His work includes partnerships with state and […]
Sokaogon partners on workforce training for $72M broadband network
A new broadband workforce partnership will launch in spring 2027 to support a $72 million tribally owned fiber network planned for northern Wisconsin. The Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Nicolet College and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards are developing the one-year broadband service technician apprenticeship. The program combines 2,000 hours of on-the-job […]
PODCAST: ‘Muscle Memory’
Native CDFIs know where their communities need capital. Turning that knowledge into a lending program takes another set of skills. In a new episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Pamela Boivin of the Native CDFI Network and Sheila Herrera, executive director of Tiwa Lending Services, join host Brian Edwards to discuss how NCN’s FORGE Certificate Program […]
New Mexico health councils seek recurring funds from lawmakers
New Mexico's county and tribal health councils seek recurring funding ahead of the next legislative session.
Siletz Tribe receives $11.7M USDA grant for rural broadband
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $11.7 million to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to expand high‑speed internet access in rural Lincoln County, Ore., the agency announced. The funding comes through USDA Rural Development’s ReConnect Program, which supports broadband deployment in areas that lack reliable service. The project will build a fiber network […]
Chickasaw-owned gaming company expands into Wyoming with racing acquisition
Chickasaw Nation-owned Global Gaming Solutions has expanded into Wyoming with the acquisition of Wyoming Horse Racing. The deal adds 13 Horse Palace gaming and off-track betting venues, more than 1,500 historic horse racing machines and live racing operations at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs, Wyo. The company announced the completed acquisition Oct. 20, following Wyoming […]
Court rejects Pawnee Nation challenge to Oklahoma environmental authority
A federal appeals court has upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to let Oklahoma administer federal environmental programs in parts of Indian Country, rejecting a challenge brought by the Pawnee Nation in a 2-1 ruling Oct. 16. The case, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma v. Zeldin, turns on a provision known as the “Midnight Rider,” a […]
Seneca begins $8.9M sports lounge project at Niagara casino
The Seneca Nation’s gaming enterprise, Seneca Resorts & Casinos, has begun construction on an $8.9 million Seneca Sports Lounge at its Niagara location, adding another major project to a growing list of capital investments across its properties. The venue is being built on the west concourse near the Bear’s Den Showroom, in the former Blues […]
Cherokee Nation commits $470,000 to UCLA filmmaking exchange
Cherokee Nation has committed $470,000 over four years to a partnership with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television that will support an annual filmmaking exchange, Cherokee‑language media production and student training. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner joined tribal leaders and UCLA film school officials in Los Angeles on […]
Coushatta Tribe to open second Feather Fuel travel plaza Oct. 30
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will open its second Feather Fuel Travel Plaza Oct. 30 in Iowa, La., expanding its fuel and retail operations. The 14,000‑square‑foot plaza sits on an 11‑acre property at the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 165. In a news release, the tribe said the location is intended to serve […]
Choctaw Nation opens third small business center in McAlester
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has opened a small business center inside the renovated McAlester Public Library, expanding access to workspace, business advising and connections to lenders. The Chahtapreneur Business Center’s 3,500-square-foot McAlester location is the tribe’s third center under the tribe’s purview, joining existing locations in Durant and Idabel, according to a tribal news […]
Political Pulse: Independent candidate Rep. Peri Pourier runs on public safety for District 27 Senate
Independent candidate Peri Pourier is running for South Dakota's District 27 Senate seat on a platform of public safety and improving state and tribal relationships.
Agua Caliente tribe expands fuel business with third Coachella Valley station
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ new 24-pump Cathedral City station expands its fuel business to three Coachella Valley locations. (Courtesy photo)
Rincon tribe to close brewery, ending nearly a decade in craft beer
The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians will close its tribally owned brewery at October’s end, citing changes and challenges in the craft beer industry.
Minnesota finds discrimination in businesses’ rejection of tribal IDs
Minnesota investigators found probable cause of discrimination after a credit union and Minneapolis bar rejected Native customers’ tribal identification cards.
Q+A: San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena on hotel investments and economic diversification
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena discusses hotel investments, economic diversification and 40 years of tribal gaming.
Prairie Band chairman discusses ICE contract exit and oversight of tribal businesses
Prairie Band Potawatomi Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick discusses the tribe’s exit from an ICE-related contract and oversight of tribal businesses with Levi Rickert during the Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit in Mount Pleasant, Mich. (Photo: Tribal Business News)
Trump holds rare presidential rally on tribal land
OKLAHOMA Trump rallies on tribal land DURANT — President Donald Trump’s rally Oct. 1 on the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma put him in the company of just a handful of U.S. presidents who have visited tribal reservations while in office. The rally was part of Trump’s recent campaign push through deep red states, where he […]
Indigenous Biz Con explores a renaissance in Tribal business, technology and entertainment
Indigenous Biz Con returned for its fifth year Oct. 11-13, bringing Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs and community members to Milwaukee to explore a potential economic renaissance for Indian Country. The annual conference, held at Potawatomi Casino, featured discussions on the current state and
Indigenous Biz Con explores a renaissance in Tribal business, technology and entertainment
Indigenous Biz Con returned for its fifth year Oct. 11-13, bringing Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs and community members to Milwaukee to explore a potential economic renaissance for Indian Country. The annual conference, held at Potawatomi Casino, featured discussions on the current state and
Who’s in Charge of the Oklahoma Tribe Doing Business With Kalshi?
One tribal leader says Kalshi was duped by an impostor who had no authority to enter into an agreement with the company.
MIT-TASC seeks future tribal leaders with advanced science camp
Applications for the 2027 Tulsa Advanced Sciences Camp, ran by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, opens Oct. 14 for Native American high school students.
Choctaw Nation Doctor Appointed to Health Tribal Advisory Committee
Overview: The Chief of Staff of Choctaw Nations Health Service has been appointed to a federal tribal health advisory committee. Dr. Amanda Chisum-Price has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Tribal Advisory Committee as an At-Large Delegate. She currently serves […]
Dr. Chisum-Price Appointed to Health Tribal Advisory Committee
A Choctaw tribal member, Dr. Chisum-Price serves as Chief of Staff, where she leads and directs over 200 providers who deliver health care services to tribal members and Native Americans throughout the Choctaw Nation’s service area.
What happens when tribal know-how meets climate science? A Cape Cod film
A Cape Cod documentary explores how Indigenous knowledge and science can work together to tackle climate change. 'Climate Voices' will screen Oct. 12.
What happens when tribal know-how meets climate science? A Cape Cod film
A Cape Cod documentary explores how Indigenous knowledge and science can work together to tackle climate change. 'Climate Voices' will screen Oct. 12.
In Coos Bay, a 'data canoe' connects water science and tribal traditions
A canoe equipped with solar-powered sensors brings environmental science and tribal traditions together in a project designed to support Native youth.
In Coos Bay, a ‘data canoe’ connects water science and tribal traditions
A canoe equipped with solar-powered sensors brings environmental science and tribal traditions together in a project designed to support Native youth.
Video: Opinion | How TikTok Warps Our Politics
What are the political consequences of the era of video? TikTok is overwhelming our world with emotional appeals that print media can’t capture, according to the Times of London columnist James Marriott, and it’s making us more mystical, tribal and autocratic.
Tribal Nations Urge Supreme Court to Halt Prediction Market Sports Betting
A broad coalition of Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case involving prediction market company Kalshi and determine whether its sports-event contracts constitute sports betting subject to federal, state and Tribal gaming laws. In an amicus brief filed in Flaherty v. KalshiEX, the Tribal coalition argues […]
Tribal-owner business launches beer for a good cause
Thurston County tribal-owner business Talking Cedar is launching a seasonal beer with a goal of bringing awareness to missing and murdered indigenous women.
Trump makes rare presidential visit to tribal land for rally
President Donald Trump's campaign rally on the Choctaw Nation puts him in rare company. He's among a handful of presidents who have visited Native American reservations while in office. Trump's
I study tribal psychology and build AI agents for my business students—the rogue OpenAI ‘swarm’ alarmed me
Rogue AI agents may be forming tribes, not swarms—and that poses a new governance threat.
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe set to launch prediction market app with Kalshi
The app will allow customers to bet on real world events, such as weather forecasts, political races and Oscar winners through SaltTrade Derivatives, a new tribal business that harkens back to the Tunica-Biloxi’s history as salt traders.
More Than a Game: How Baseball Became a Classroom
Since 2012, Resolution Copper and the Arizona Diamondbacks have worked together to create opportunities for Arizona youth, educators and communities. What started with Science of Baseball has grown into teacher workshops, hands-on STEM experiences, youth baseball clinics, Tribal youth programming and community recreation.
Afognak takes majority stake in Alaska trucking, fuel companies
Afognak Native Corporation acquired a majority stake in three Alaska trucking and fuel companies, expanding its commercial portfolio.
Navajo Nation-owned North Stone wins Air Force IT contract
Navajo Nation-owned North Stone LLC won an Air Force investigative agency IT contract. Its value and term were not disclosed.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations’ mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awards $31 million to Oklahoma tribal nations for mental health and substance use prevention programs.
$31M in federal grants target Oklahoma tribal nations' mental health, substance abuse prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced $31 million will support more than a dozen tribal nations and organizations in Oklahoma, providing mental health and substance use prevention resources.
Who Is Indigenous? The Politics of Tribal Identity Terminology in India and Bangladesh
Tribal people in South Asia prefer being called adivasi or original inhabitants, but nationalist forces in India and Bangladesh oppose it for different reasons.
Idaho state, healthcare, tribal leaders meet to advise process for millions in rural health grants
The Idaho rural health task force received an update on the awarding of $186 million in grants, which must be done by Oct. 30.
Indian Health Service Awards $3.5 Million for Tribal Food and Nutrition Initiatives
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Indian Health Service, has awarded $3.5 million to 14 Tribal and urban Indian communities.
NOAA Selects Superintendent for Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary
The city of Oswego is pleased to announce that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has selected Stephanie Gandulla to serve as the first Superintendent of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Gandulla, who currently serves as Research Protection Coordinator at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, brings extensive experience in marine resource protection, maritime heritage preservation, research, education, outreach and community engagement. Throughout her career with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Gandulla has worked closely with communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, local organizations and other partners to advance marine conservation and connect the public with the Great Lakes’ natural and cultural resources. She holds a master’s degree in Maritime Studies from East Carolina University and has extensive technical experience in scientific diving, marine operations, research and monitoring, interpretation and resource protection. As superintendent, Gandulla will provide leadership for the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and work with regional partners and stakeholders to advance its mission of protecting and conserving Lake Ontario’s significant marine resources and maritime heritage. “This is another exciting and important step forward in the process of establishing the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary,” said Oswego Mayor Robert A. Corradino. “Stephanie Gandulla brings tremendous experience and a proven commitment to protecting our Great Lakes resources while building strong partnerships with communities. We are excited to welcome her to this role and look forward to working with NOAA, Stephanie and our many partners as we continue moving this initiative forward.” Gandulla’s extensive experience throughout the Great Lakes region positions her to build upon the strong foundation established for the sanctuary and foster continued collaboration among communities, agencies, organizations and stakeholders. Gandulla’s first official day as superintendent is Sept. 21. The city of Oswego looks forward to welcoming Gandulla to her new position and continuing to support the collaborative efforts surrounding the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.
Tribes hit hard by wildfires face health effects, cultural losses
Tribal leaders across Washington and Oregon told Stateline that this year’s record-breaking wildfires burned timber that they rely on for income, threatened food sources and waterways, and harmed the health of their communities.
The Ninth Circuit rules Kalshi sports contracts on tribal lands likely violate federal law
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled Wednesday that Kalshi is likely violating federal law by allowing users to wager on sporting events from tribal land. The court held that two federa...
Federal Funding Increase Brings New Resources for Tribal Health and Diabetes Programs
Federal funding for Indian health increased for fiscal year 2026, including a significant boost for a program supporting diabetes prevention and treatment in Native communities. Congress provided approximately $5.86 billion for Indian Health Service services and facilities, a 1.3% increase over fiscal year 2025. The total includes approximately $5.05 billion for health services and $809.2 […]
Medicaid Changes Put Pressure on Tribal Health Care as New Federal Funding Reaches Minnesota
Medicaid changes are raising concerns about long-term financial pressure on Tribal health organizations, even as Minnesota begins distributing millions of dollars through a new federal program to transform rural health care. The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), created in 2025, will provide up to $50 billion to states over five years from 2026 through […]
Tribal Launches Campfire, Letting Business and Technical Teams Build on Salesforce Together
NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tribal’s Campfire is a shared canvas that lets enterprises build and change their own Salesforce or...
Alaska Native Medical Center Transfers to Tribal Ownership
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium takes ownership of Alaska Native Medical Center from the federal government.
Tribal consortium achieves long-desired ownership of Alaska Native Medical Center
The nation’s biggest tribal health organization now owns the Anchorage hospital it has long operated.
Federal government transfers ownership of Alaska Native Medical Center to tribal consortium
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, which has co-managed the hospital for years, took over ownership from the Indian Health Service following a yearslong effort.
BlackSun’s Seattle NBA bid could include sports-entertainment complex on tribal land
BlackSun Private Equity is pursuing a Seattle NBA expansion bid that could place the team in a new arena on Tulalip Tribes’ land near Marysville, about 30 miles north of Seattle.
Nuclear power drive boosts southwestern uranium mills — and tribal health concerns
The Havasupai, Ute Mountain Ute tribes worry that a Utah uranium mill may foul groundwater as Trump administration boosts nuclear energy.
Drive for nuclear power boosts uranium industry — and tribal health concerns in Southwest
WHITE MESA, Utah — On a hot April day, Malcolm Lehi maneuvered his Jeep Wrangler over a rough dirt road past junipers and sagebrush in search of Entrance Spring on
The coming election and mischief in the making
America’s tribalism is such these days that we struggle to even agree on the basic rules. Elections have always been hotly contested. As the saying goes, “Politics ain’t beanbag.” The process has long involved elements of nastiness and underhanded conduct. Still, we used to be able to take some things for granted. We had a […]
How A Tribal Health System Built A Wastewater Early-Warning System From Scratch
Tribal health org in remote Alaska proved wastewater surveillance can detect flu, RSV, and COVID-19 days before clinical cases in underserved communities.
The Psychology of Tribalism Is Damaging Politics
Since he first walked this earth, man has organized himself into tribes. There is safety in numbers and, along with physical and practical advantages, comes the most appealing benefit: belonging.Politics is no different. With the midterm election looming, examining the psychological forces and incentives that drive tribal behavior can help us understand political movements and electoral outcomes.For most of the human species, the feeling of belonging isn’t just a desire; it is a biological and psychological necessity. We are, after all, social creatures.
Goldman engineers have a new task: making AI agents firm insiders
Marco Argenti, the firm's chief information officer, said engineers are now focused on transferring "tribal knowledge" to AI agents.
University of Arizona, Gila River Health Care Launch First Medical School Branch on Tribal Lands
Overview: The University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care have announced a landmark partnership to establish the nation’s first MD-granting medical school branch on the lands of a sovereign Tribal Nation. SACATON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care (GRHC), the tribally operated healthcare system of the Gila River Indian […]
Drive for nuclear power boosts uranium industry — and tribal health concerns in southwest
For decades, White Mesa uranium mill has sparked debate over whether radioactive contamination threatens human health by getting into the water and air.
Hemp builds houses, economy and opportunity in one Minnesota tribal community
Hoping to diversify its economy beyond gambling, the Lower Sioux Indian Community has put its chips on hempcrete, a sustainable housing insulation. The operation is part of a quiet, national surge in Native-owned startups. But steep challenges remain.
Nuclear power push ramps up uranium mill
Federal efforts to revive uranium mining in the West and decrease reliance on Russian uranium raise concerns about drinking water for tribal communities reckoning with the industry's deadly legacy.
Trump’s Patriot Games are billed as a youth sports contest. They’re also a test of patriotic branding
The premise sounds almost fictional: one boy and one girl from every state, territory and some tribal nations, flown to a private campus in Ohio to compete in a televised athletic contest called the Patriot Games — a Trump-backed youth competition with obstacle courses, patriotic testimonials and inevitable comparisons to The Hunger Games.
Trump’s Patriot Games are billed as a youth sports contest. They’re also a test of patriotic branding
The premise sounds almost fictional: one boy and one girl from every state, territory and some tribal nations, flown to a private campus in Ohio to compete in a televised athletic contest called the Patriot Games — a Trump-backed youth competition with obstacle courses, patriotic testimonials and inevitable comparisons to The Hunger Games.
Watchdog for $46 billion tribal gambling industry can't enforce the law without a chairperson
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma opened its new Harrah’s-branded casino in April.
‘Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical’
When “Hair” premiered on Broadway in 1968, after two off-Broadway runs and extensive revisions, it broke new ground.
Great Plains Tribal Health Program hosts free Healthy Families Carnival in Rapid City
The Great Plains Tribal Health Program held its free Healthy Families Carnival.
Native entrepreneurs don’t need discovery. They need opportunity.
Native entrepreneurship predates the United States. Rod Wilson argues the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act should remove barriers, not create opportunity.
The Newest Federally Recognized Tribe Wants Better Healthcare. It May Be On Its Own.
North Carolina's Robeson County, where most of the tribe’s citizens live, ranks as one of the worst counties in the U.S. for health disparities. After securing federal recognition, Lumbee tribal leaders will have to decide how to address them.
Northern Arapaho Business Council crafts policy governing 'outside organizations' after sermon sparks outrage
Protests, Sunday services continue after Foundations for Nations pastor goes viral with call for tribal members on Wind River Reservation to reject their traditional spiritual ways.
ANTHC to get $400 million settlement from feds over unpaid healthcare costs
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in a 2021 lawsuit contended it was owed about $640 million.
House lawmakers question sports prediction markets as tribes defend gaming authority
House lawmakers examined sports prediction markets as tribal leaders argued federally regulated event contracts threaten tribal gaming authority and consumer protections.
Pressley, Warren, Booker, Moore, Dingell, Adams, Underwood, Colleagues Renew Push to Combat Maternal Health Crisis
Mamas First Act would expand Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives,...
A Historic Data-Sharing Agreement Affirms Tribal Authority and Aims to Improve Public Health
Diseases do not recognize borders, but the laws, regulations, and systems governing critical public health data often do. Improving how data is shared across different jurisdictions—including state and Tribal governments—better prepares public health departments to understand and respond to disease outbreaks and other public health issues while advancing the unique issue of Tribal data sovereignty, the right of a Tribal nation to collect and manage its own data.
Tribal partnerships anchor the 104th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market
The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts has announced its tribal partnerships and sponsor programming for the 104th annual Santa Fe Indian Market.
Iowa Tribe claims health care sovereignty from IHS
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma entered the Indian Health Service’s Tribal Self-Governance Program this month, announcing it now has more direct oversight of its healthcare.
Iowa Tribe claims health care sovereignty from IHS
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma entered the Indian Health Service’s Tribal Self-Governance Program this month, announcing it now has more direct oversight of its healthcare.
WATCH: Dem gov mocked for criticizing ‘tribal’ politics amid redistricting push: ‘Hypocrisy knows no bounds’
Gov. Wes Moore faces hypocrisy accusations over his July 4th speech criticizing tribalism while pushing a special session to redistrict Rep. Andy Harris.
How Investors Are Reacting To Caesars Entertainment (CZR) Expanding Tribal-Linked Online Casinos And Digital Wallets In Maine
In June 2026, Caesars Entertainment announced it had expanded its partnership with three Wabanaki Nations to pursue a 2026 launch of three branded online casino platforms in Maine, pending regulatory approvals, integrated with Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Rewards, and its Universal Digital Wallet. The agreement not only broadens Caesars’ digital footprint but also ties online gaming growth directly to tribal workforce development and long-term community funding commitments across the Wabanaki...
Cherokee Nation health system generated $2B economic impact in Oklahoma, report finds
A new report found Cherokee Nation Health Services generated more than $2 billion in Oklahoma economic output in FY2025 while supporting nearly 11,500 jobs.
How 'masculinism' is reshaping American politics
Can the new faultline in American political tribalism be broken down along the masculine question? Republican attacks against Texas Democratic Candidate for Senate James Talarcio falsely claim he's vegan as a challenge to his masculinity. While others in the GOP say they want to repeal the Woman's right to vote. What is he overarching strategy here. Why testosterone matters in today's politics.
As business concerns mount, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson taps Amazon, Microsoft and others to shape economic strategy
The group includes leaders from technology, aerospace, organized labor, higher education, tribal governments, ports and economic development organizations who will advise the governor on policies aimed at strengthening Washington's economy.
How Caesars’ Expanded Tribal iGaming and Community Partnership Could Shape Caesars Entertainment (CZR) Investors’ Outlook
In June 2026, Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced that it had expanded its partnership with three Wabanaki Nations in Maine to cover online casino gaming, aiming to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in 2026, subject to regulatory approval and integrated with Caesars Rewards and a universal digital wallet. A distinctive element of this agreement is Caesars’ commitment to employ and train tribal members while providing financial...
Karuk Tribe secures $1.5M for healthcare workforce housing project
The Karuk Tribe secured $1.5 million from the Indian Health Service to build workforce housing units aimed at recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals serving tribal communities.
SBA moves to revise 8(a) rules while preserving tribal, ANC eligibility
Details By Brian Edwards Native Contracting June 13, 2026 The U.S. Small Business Administration has proposed changes to its 8(a) Business Development Program that would eliminate race-based presumptions of social disadvantage for individually owned businesses while leaving eligibility standards unchanged for tribally owned enterprises, Alaska Native corporations and other Native entity-owned participants. In both the title and summary of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, SBA emphasized that the changes only apply to individually owned firms and “do not impact entity-owned firms,” including tribes, Alaska Native corporation, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations. The proposed rule, announced June 11, would require all individual applicants seeking admission to the 8(a) program to submit evidence demonstrating social disadvantage. Membership in a racial or ethnic group alone would no longer establish eligibility, according to the SBA. For Indian Country, the agency said eligibility standards for businesses owned by federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations would remain unchanged. The proposal comes after the Department of Defense reaffirmed that participation by tribes and Alaska Native corporations in the 8(a) program is based on their political status under federal law rather than diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In a May 28 letter to Alaska's Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey wrote that participation by federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations in federal programs is “grounded in their political status as Native Americans, not DEI initiatives.” The SBA proposal follows a 2023 federal court ruling that found unconstitutional the program's rebuttable presumption that members of certain racial and ethnic groups were socially disadvantaged. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the proposed rule would establish a single standard for individually owned applicants by requiring evidence of social disadvantage. The 8(a) Business Development Program provides participating firms with business development assistance and access to federal set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. The program remains a major source of federal contracting revenue for tribal enterprises and Alaska Native corporations. Native-owned firms received $16.1 billion of the program's approximately $26 billion in federal contract awards during fiscal 2024, according to data previously reported by Tribal Business News. The proposal also arrives amid ongoing concerns from Native contractors about SBA administration of the program. In May, the Native American Contractors Association and 53 Native-owned businesses urged SBA to address delays in processing 8(a) applications, saying some reviews had stretched beyond regulatory deadlines and appeared to have stalled since August 2025. The proposed rule is open for public comment through July 13. The Federal Register notice does not reference tribal consultation or indicate whether SBA determined consultation was unnecessary because tribal eligibility standards are unchanged. The SBA has not announced when the proposed rule would take effect. The agency is expected to accept public comments before issuing a final rule.About The AuthorAuthor: Brian EdwardsBrian Edwards is associate publisher and associate editor of Tribal Business News and Native News Online. He is a longtime publisher, editor, business reporter and serial entrepreneur. Subscribe Today!Other Articles by this authorDefense Department reaffirms tribal, ANC eligibility in SBA 8(a) programTribal heritage projects eligible for up to $100K in federal funding through NPS programIHS launches tribal long-term care construction initiative with three projectsIḷisaġvik College acquires site for long-planned Utqiaġvik campus This article is available to paid digital subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski believes Xbox is "steering the 'ship' back in the right direction", as E-Day skips PS5
Gears of War creator Cliff 'CliffyB' Bleszinski says Xbox "hurt their loyal tribal fanbase's perception of the brand".
Lonestar benefit concert leads packed June at tribal casinos
From country legends to wrestling, tribal casinos deliver standout June events.
Lonestar benefit concert leads packed June at tribal casinos
From country legends to wrestling, tribal casinos deliver standout June events.
How the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Built a Resilient Rural Health Clinic from the Ground Up
Today, a clinic founded by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Health Department serves 1,700 tribal members and more than 250 non-tribal patients. Wraparound services connect patients to nutrit…
Aaliyah Auginash places in top three overall at Native American Youth Science and Engineering Fair in Pine Point, MN
Red Lake Tribal Council: Congratulations to Aaliyah Auginash, enjoy DisneyWorld!! Aaliyah placed in the top three overall in the Native American Youth Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF) in Pine Point, MN and earned herself a free trip this summer with her "Dancing Roots" experiment. Native American Youth Science and Engineering Fair Bemidji Midd...
IN SERVICE | Ellen and Serena Harmon on entrepreneurship, community and building for the future
After launching a business with their siblings on the Rosebud Reservation, Ellen and Serena Harmon built an award-winning company serving tribal, federal and regional customers.
Decades in the making, Deb Haaland's political rise spurs both inspiration and scrutiny
SAN FELIPE PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — As the sun peeked over the Sandia Mountains, Deb Haaland was at a familiar spot, the tribal community where she used to work, waving at motorists and encouraging them to stop and vote in New Mexico’s primary.
SCOTUS might surprise you
Sarah Isgur argues growing distrust of justices says more about our tribalism than any change in way judiciary works
Labour figures who wrote competing ‘manifestos’ join forces to warn against tribalism
Mathew Lawrence and Mark McVitie, previously seen as favouring Burnham and Streeting respectively, say change of direction is needed
Clean Water, Hospital Construction Among Tribal Health Concerns at Senate Budget Hearing
Health care was the focus of last week’s Senate Indian Affairs Committee budget hearing as lawmakers pressed agency leaders on Indian Health Service funding cuts. While the FY 2027 budget requests $9.1 billion in discretionary funding for the IHS, the budget cuts several key programs, including sanitation facilities, special diabetes programs and scholarships for health […]
Early June casino shows bring big comedy, rock to Central Valley
From Jim Gaffigan to free concerts, tribal casinos offer packed Memorial Day holiday week and early June entertainment schedules.
Unpacked: How a tribal health clinic has helped patients find success managing diabetes
A tribal health clinic in Lapwai, Idaho, has helped patients find success managing diabetes and prediabetes. NWPB’s Rachel Sun joined host Connor Henricksen to discuss.
Joe Hunter says 'Survivor 50' jury vote was decided before final Tribal Council
Joe Hunter says 'Survivor 50' jury vote was decided before final Tribal Council and addresses Cirie saying he needed to be babysat by tribemates on a 'Joetation.'