In the third installment of our RES interview series, Chris and Yvette chat with John Oceguera. John is the CEO and owner of the public affairs firm Strategies 360, which has had a long relationship with The National Center. He is also a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe.

John shares his fascinating story of going from fire chief, to politician (including serving as the first Native American Speaker of the Nevada Assembly), to working with tribes at the state and local level on issues ranging from gaming to cannabis, and most recently taking over as CEO of multi-state consulting firm. John is a regular at RES, including speaking on a panel at RES 2026 on Native Americans running for political office.

We hope you enjoy the conversation - and make sure to listen to John's off-the-beaten-path recommendations to plan out your next trip to Nevada!

John Oceguera |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-oceguera-11a26ba/

Strategies 360 |
https://www.strategies360.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We have a very special guest for episode 48 of The Native Edge podcast - Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas! Taboo was a major presence at RES 2026, where he participated in a conversation with Chris on the mainstage and performed an impromptu set at the Indigenous Fashion Show that brought the house down.

We were lucky to grab Taboo for a few minutes for an appearance on The Native Edge, where he talked with Chris and Yvette about his career, his writing for Marvel Comics, the importance of his Native identity, the business of music, his own podcast, and his daughter Jett - an emerging star in her own right. 

It was an honor to have Taboo join us and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Stay tuned for additional conversations from RES that we will publish in the coming weeks! As always, you can watch the episode on our YouTube page.

Taboo |
https://www.instagram.com/taboo/

Taboo's Comics and Kicks podcast |
https://www.youtube.com/@TabooLab

Black Eyed Peas |
https://blackeyedpeas.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

The first episode from our RES conversations features Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association. Mary Jane - and yes, she confirms that is indeed her given name - chats with Chris and Yvette about how she found her way into the cannabis industry and plant medicine, its potential for Indian Country, and the challenges and opportunities for tribes and Native entrepreneurs working in, or interested in joining, this emerging field.

We will be releasing our conversations recorded at RES weekly, featuring sitdowns with pop stars, tribal leaders, former professional athletes, and others. So stay tuned to relive those amazing four days in Las Vegas!

Mary Jane Oatman |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jane-oatman-9490a272/

Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association |
https://www.indigenouscannabis.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're back! Over the coming weeks we'll be sharing some fantastic interviews from RES, ranging from rock stars to distinguished tribal leaders. But first, we have a special episode recorded prior to RES featuring an old friend of the National Center - Dr. Eric Trevan.

Dr. Trevan is a former President and CEO of The National Center and current President and CEO of aLocal - winner of the 2025 American Indian Business of the Year Award. Dr. Trevan talks about his background in tribal economic development, time at The National Center, pursuit of a Ph.D., and his current role in using AI to help tribes and other governments make sound economic development decisions.

Plus, you'll learn how Michiganders use "the mitten" to describe where they grew up!

Take a listen, subscribe, and check back weekly for new episodes from RES.

Dr. Eric Trevan |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-s-trevan-ph-d-83262348/

 aLocal |
https://alocal.ai/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
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One of the best parts of the Reservation Economic Summit is recognizing the latest class of the Native American 40 Under 40 award winners. The awards reception will take place on the evening of Tuesday, March 24 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

To talk about the 40 Under 40 program - which just welcomed its 18th class - we invited the two members of our staff who are also proud alumni. National Center Chief of Staff Erin Abrahamson and Director of Strategic Partnerships E. Skye Byrd sat down with Yvette Fielder to talk about 40 Under 40, what it means to them, and share a bit of their life story.

Learn more about Erin and Skye, and if you're in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, make sure to meet them and the hundreds of 40 Under 40 alumni who will be in attendance and celebrate with them on Tuesday night!

We are taking a short break in Native Edge programming until after RES. However, we are planning to record several interviews at RES, just outside the trade show floor near the headshot lounge. Stop by to listen to listen to the podcast in person!

Native American 40 Under 40 Program |
https://ncaied.org/what-we-do/40-under-40.html

Erin Abrahamson |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-abrahamson-2b923713b/

E. Skye Byrd |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emerald-byrd/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

In the latest episode, Chris and Yvette visit the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale for a conversation with museum CEO Todd Bankofier. Yvette recently joined the Board of the museum - billed as Scottsdale's Museum of the West - and has personal connections to the art and artists featured in its impressive building located in downtown Scottsdale.

Todd shared his story of going from ranching in Nevada, to DC politics, business, and for the last three years, CEO of the museum. The museum has an extensive collective of Native American art from Arizona and throughout the West and prides itself on inclusivity and telling an accurate story of all of the peoples who shaped western North America. It is also one of the first museums to earn affiliate status with the prestigious Smithsonian Institution.

If you're in the Phoenix area, make sure to stop by the museum - and tell them the Native Edge podcast sent you!

Plus, hear more about what's in store at RES and a great message from RES platinum sponsor, Aambé.

Todd Bankofier |
https://westernspirit.org/news/todd-bankofier/

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West |
https://westernspirit.org/

Aambé |
https://www.aambe.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 43 features a very special guest - National Center Board Chairman Derrick Watchman. Chairman Watchman has served the organization for decades, and his involvement with The National Center goes back nearly 40 years, when he first attended the very first RES for the same reason that many people do - to find a job!

Derrick shares his story - a "Navajo from Navajo" who became a banker on the ground floor of the tribal gaming boom, Chief of Staff for multiple Navajo Nation Presidents, a Presidential appointee in the U.S. Department of Energy, Congressional candidate, and a widely respected business leader.

Derrick is fresh off testifying before the House Indian and Insular Affairs Committee regarding economic development programs in Indian Country. After listening to the podcast, you'll understand why the Committee wanted Derrick to testify.

In addition, Chris and Yvette talk about some of the latest developments at The National Center, including a new program, funded by the Administration for Native Americans, that seeks to improve tribal procurement systems. Plus, learn how our partner Aambé is building a movement to advance economic sovereignty in Indian Country.

You can watch the episode on YouTube, and don't forget to tell your friends to tune in!

Derrick Watchman |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-watchman-mba-434aba134/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For Episode, 46 Chris and Yvette welcome OXDX founder Jared Yazzie to the Mesa studios. Jared shares his journey from an engineering student at the University of Arizona to finding his true passion in graphic arts and screen printing - and becoming one of Indian Country's most sought-after artists.

Learn more about some of Jared's collaborations and hear his advice for young artists trying to take the next step. And if you're in the Phoenix area, make sure to stop by his store in Tempe - or you can always shop online!

Make sure to check out the episode on our YouTube page (and see Jared's own design on the shirt he's wearing) and tell your friends!

Jared Yazzie |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-yazzie-49a249338/

OXDX |
https://www.oxdxclothing.com/

OXDX on Instagram |
https://www.instagram.com/oxdxclothing/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Happy New Year and welcome back to the Native Edge! We're kicking off 2026 with a very special guest - 2025 Native Woman Business Owner of the Year, Chelsee Pettit. Chelsee came all the way from Canada to our Mesa studio to share her inspiring journey, from learning financial literacy on the fly to building an extremely successful Indigenous clothing retailer. Along the way she won what she describes as "Indigenous Shark Tank."

We met Chelsee at RES 2025, where she was honored as Native Woman Business Owner of the Year. And she's excited to be at RES 2026 is just over two months, where she'll be looking for partners in her latest endeavor. So make sure you learn more about Chelsee on this podcast and meet in in Las Vegas in March.

Speaking of RES, this episode is brought to you by another RES attendee and former podcast guest, Aambé™. Learn more about Aambé™ in a short message at the beginning of the podcast, delivered by company CEO Ron "Hawk" Spoerl.

Thanks for tuning in - and don't forget to check us out on YouTube!

Chelsee Pettit |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsee-marie-pettit-915a22142

aaniin |
https://www.aaniin.shop

aaniin on Instagram |
https://www.instagram.com/aaniin.hello

aaniin on TikTok |
https://www.tiktok.com/@aaniin.hello?lang=en

Aambé™ |
https://www.aambe.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

As we wrap season 2 of the The Native Edge during the holiday season, The National Center team reflects on their favorite traditions - some unique, and many shared despite growing up in places as different as Washington state and South Louisiana. Regular hosts Chris and Yvette are joined by Nicole Watson, Erin Abrahamson, and Kyia Jackson (with producer Mikaela Garcia and administrative specialist Charmayne Charley in the background!).

They also look back at some of their favorite episodes of season 2, and talk a bit about the recent trip to New Zealand to foster international Indigenous trade and collaboration.

We hope you enjoy this episode and it helps get you in the holiday spirit. Be sure to check out the episode on our YouTube page, where you can see the close-knit nature of our team. We'll be back in 2026 with new episodes featuring fantastic guests - so stay tuned!

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're bringing you a special episode of the Native Edge, recorded at the Native Art Market in Scottsdale, Arizona. Co-founder Heather Tracy and her mother Denise Rosales joined us during the holidays last year, and we're excited to be on-site with Heather and her sister Shea Tunney in 2025.

Learn about the latest developments at the Native Art Market, and listen to guest host E. Skye Byrd and producer Mikaela Garcia share some of their favorite Native vendors and artisans - with websites on social handles linked below. You can also vote for your favorite food vendor at the Native Art Market by visiting their Instagram page.

Still need to find gifts for your friends and loved ones? Then this is the perfect episode for you. Make sure to also check out the episode on YouTube to see the market first-hand. We'll be back next week for the final episode of 2025 before taking a break for the holidays.

Native Art Market |
https://www.thenativeartmarket.com/

Heather Tracy |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-tracy-82764b170/

ASEP Designs |
https://www.asepdesigns.studio/

Kokom Scrunchies |

https://kokomscrunchies.ca/

Copper Canoe Woman |
https://www.coppercanoewoman.com/

OXDX |
https://www.oxdxclothing.com/

Eighth Generation |
https://eighthgeneration.com/

Cherish Skin |
https://www.instagram.com/_cherishskin/?hl=en

Desert Candles and Goods |
https://desertcandlesandgoods.co/

Generational Trauma |
https://generationaltrauma.store/

Iconic Winyan |
https://www.iconicwinyan.com/

Red Line Beauty |
https://www.instagram.com/red_line_beauty/

The Pueblo Apparel |
https://thepueblo.myshopify.com/

Prados Beauty |

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 38, we welcome baseball player Jordan Brewer, who will soon suit up for the inaugural season of the Loco Beach Coconuts - one of the six teams that compete in "Banana Ball." Jordan joined us virtually to discuss his career path, from high school football and baseball star, to junior college, to Big 10 Player of the Year at the University of Michigan, to minor league player and now a Banana Baller. Jordan has also recently become a Nike N7 athlete.

Jordan, who is Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, is a testament to never giving up and overcoming adversity and taking the opportunities that come your way - even the ones that you least expect. 

We hope you enjoy learning more about Jordan, and make sure to check him out when the Bananas come to town. Preseason kicks off on February 26, 2026, with the regular season opening on April 16. Please download and tell your friends!

Jordan Brewer |
https://www.instagram.com/the_breeze5/

Savannah Bananas and "Banana Ball" |
https://thesavannahbananas.com/

Nike N7 |
https://www.nike.com/n7-native-american-indigenous-heritage

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 37, co-hosts Nicole Watson and Yvette Fielder welcome hip hop artist Nataanii Means (Oglala Lakota, Diné, Omaha) to the Mesa studio. Nataanii shares his journey from the Navajo Reservation to becoming a successful musician, and explains how hip hop fits squarely in the Indigenous tradition of storytelling.

In addition to his music, Nataanii has been active in helping Native youth, and stepped up when the recent government shutdown cut off SNAP benefits for those in need. Nicole and Nataanii grew up in the same town, so it's like a conversation with old friends. You can hear his new album on January 8th, 2026, but he's releasing singles regularly in the mean time. Check out where to find him at the bottom.

This is our last installment of our Native American Heritage Month series. But don't worry - we'll be back in December with new content. Please make sure to subscribe - and tell your friends!

Nataanii Means |
https://nataaniimeans.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For the third installment of our Native American Heritage Month series, we welcomed Ron "Hawk" Spoerl, President and CEO of Aambé Corporation, to our Mesa studio. Aambé is a platinum sponsor of RES 2026, and is doing incredible work across Indian Country, particularly in health care where they are helping tribes tap into a multi-trillion-dollar industry that also provides vital services to their citizens.

Ron shares his own story, as well as Aambé's, which means "let's go" in Ojibwe. In addition to health care, Ron discusses Aambé's work in sports, including the upcoming Native American Heritage Month partnership with the NBA G-League's Wisconsin Herd. You can also learn more about Aambé and Ron in a Q&A available on The National Center's website. And of course, make sure to meet Ron and learn more at RES.

Before Ron joins the episode, hear about some of Yvette's new initiatives, including her appointment as a Board member of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Thanks for tuning in - and make sure to check back next week for the last installment of our Native American Heritage Month series!

Aambé Corporation |
https://www.aambe.com/

Ron "Hawk" Spoerl |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-s-b8856110/

Q&A with Ron on National Center's Website |
https://ncaied.org/stories-media/press-releases.html/article/2025/11/12/aamb-is-leading-a-movement-into-the-next-era-of-tribal-economic-growth

Wisconsin Herd Native American Heritage Month Partnership |
https://wisconsin.gleague.nba.com/news/wisconsin-herd-to-celebrate-native-american-heritage-month

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West |
https://westernspirit.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

In our second episode of Native American Heritage Month, Chris and Yvette welcome Maria Dadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), to The National Center's headquarters. It's a familiar location for Maria, who spent many years working for The National Center, culminating with a stint as acting President and CEO.

Maria leads an organization that represents the diverse interests of 21 tribes in Arizona. As she discusses, much of her role is that is navigating across governments - tribal, state, local, and federal - and other organizations and non-profits. ITCA operates more than 30 projects and employs a staff of 70 to provide on-going technical assistance and training to tribal governments in program planning and development, research and data collection, resource development, management and evaluation

Prior to her time at ITCA, Maria was instrumental in creating the Washington Internship for Native Students (a program Chris relied on when he was at SBA), worked in the private sector, and started her own business.

We hope you enjoy the episode - and stay tuned for new content each week during November!

Maria Dadgar |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-dadgar-mba-722b6354/

ITCA |
https://itcaonline.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

In episode 34, guest hosts Nicole Watson and Mikaela Garcia welcome Eunique Yazzie to the studio. Eunique (Diné) has a background in graphic arts, and is a founding member of Cahokia, LLC. Cahokia, located in downtown Phoenix, is a cultural space created for Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and increase the collective wealth of underserved populations.

Eunique discusses the journey that led her to Cahokia, including a stint as a graphic designer for the Arizona Republic, as well as the challenges of simultaneously working in corporate America and representing the cultural values of her Indigenous community.

This is the first episode in our Native American Heritage Month series. We'll be releasing episodes weekly throughout the month, so check back every Tuesday morning - or simply subscribe on your favorite platform - for new content from inspiring guests!

Eunique Yazzie |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniqueyazzie/

Eunique's Instagram |
https://www.instagram.com/euniquellc/

Cahokia |
https://www.cahokiaphx.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We head back to the State of Arizona for episode 33 of The Native Edge podcast, where Chris and Yvette welcome Sebastian Aleman, Legislative and Tribal Liaison for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. Sebastian discusses his office's role in economic and workforce development in Arizona, in particular tribal communities.

You'll hear about Yvette's extensive workforce development experience, and the group dives into topics like tribal consultation, housing, microlending and CDFIs, and the importance of data in economic decision making. If you enjoy this conversation, make sure to check out Episode 31 with Sebastian's colleague Jason Chavez, Director of Tribal Affairs for Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.

Please download and tell your friends! As always, thank you for listening to and supporting The Native Edge podcast.

Sebastian Aleman |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-aleman-829902208/

Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity |
https://oeo.az.gov/

Tribal Energy and Economic Futures Summit |
https://gotr.azgovernor.gov/gotr/tribal-energy-and-economic-futures-summit

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For Episode 32 of the Native Edge Podcast, Chris is joined by guest co-host Nicole Watson for a conversation with UNITY Executive Director Mary Kim Titla. UNITY and The National Center have long had a close relationship, including sharing office space in the same building in Mesa, Arizona and UNITY co-hosting events and programming at the annual Reservation Economic Summit.

It was a great chance to catch up with Mary Kim and learn about her fascinating career and the work UNITY does to empower Native youth. Mary Kim began her career as a journalist, and later became an entrepreneur in her own right and ran for political office before taking the helm of UNITY in 2013.

In addition, Mary Kim joined Chris and others on a recent trade mission to New Zealand where they connected with the Māori community in the country. Chris and Kim reflect on the similarities and differences between the Indigenous communities in New Zealand and the United States, and how these conversations can lead to future collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Take a listen - and stay on until the end to learn how you can have "coffee with Chris"!

UNITY |
https://unityinc.org/

Mary Kim Titla  |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kim-titla-81199161/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're back in our Mesa studio for Episode 31 of The Native Edge podcast, and Chris and Yvette welcome a special guest - Jason Chavez, Director of Tribal Affairs for Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.

Jason has a background in voting and election administration, having previously served under then-Secretary of State Hobbs. We was also the voter outreach coordinator to his tribe, Tohono Oʼodham, for the Pima County, Arizona Recorder's Office. He discussed his passion for elections, as well as some of the major tribal initiatives and priorities at the Governor's office, including the groundbreaking "Turquoise Alert" system for MMIP in Arizona.

In addition, Chris and Yvette discussed some of the big things happening at The National Center, including the upcoming NEI in Bar Harbor, Maine (registration info, including virtual options, is below) and registration for the 2026 Reservation Economic Summit. Plus, be on the lookout for future episodes discussing our recent trade mission to New Zealand!

Thank for your listening - and please tell your friends!

Jason Chavez |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonnchavez520/

Governor's Office of Tribal Affairs |
https://gotr.azgovernor.gov/

Tribal Energy and Economic Futures Summit |
https://gotr.azgovernor.gov/gotr/tribal-energy-and-economic-futures-summit

Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day |
https://gotr.azgovernor.gov/gotr/indian-nations-and-tribes-legislative-day

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Congress is back from its August recess, so we thought it would be a great time to introduce our policy team!

Chris sat down with Kate Boyce and Ryan Seelau, who along with Dr. Ian Record lead The National Center's policy and advocacy efforts. Kate has worked for The National Center for decades, and has unmatched experience in and knowledge of Indian Country policy. Ryan is a recent addition to the team, after working on Indigenous issues in Arizona - and abroad.

You will learn more about The National Center's work in Washington, DC, as well as some of the challenges and opportunities in the Trump Administration and current Congress. They also discuss the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty, which has done great work to advocate - and educate about - Indian Country in the early days of the new administration.

Please take a listen - and share with your friends. As always, the episode will be on our YouTube channel. Click the links below to learn more about some of the topics discussed today.

Kate Boyce |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboycereeder/

Ryan Seelau |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-seelau-jd-llm-sjd-6a2b28107/

The National Center's Policy Page |
https://ncaied.org/what-we-do/policy-advocacy.html

Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty |
https://coalitionfortribalsovereignty.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 29, we welcome back Chef Denella Belin of Nella's Innovative Kreations for a first on The Native Edge - a cooking demonstration! Guest host Nicole Watson sat down with Chef Denella to talk about the growing food sovereignty movement and tips for incorporating Indigenous foods into your diet.

Later, we go in the kitchen with Chef Denella where she demonstrates how she creates three of her signature dishes: a cookie, blue corn mash, and blue corn nachos. Chef Denella features ingredients from several Indigenous-owned farms, which you can find linked below.

This is an episode that you will definitely want to watch on our YouTube channel so you can recreate these dishes at home. Thanks for tuning in - please subscribe and tell your friends!

Nella's Innovative Creations |
https://nellasinnovativekreations.com/

Bidii Baby Foods |
https://www.bidiibabyfoods.org/

Ramona Farms |
https://ramonafarms.com/

Blue Corn Custom Designs |
https://www.instagram.com/bluecorncustomdesigns/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're back in DC for Episode 28, where Chris chats with National Center Board Vice Chair Lillian Sparks Robinson. Chris and Lillian have known each other since they were both officials in the Obama Administration and continue to work together to move The National Center forward.

Lillian had a fascinating career before becoming the Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans - Miss Indian World, Georgetown Law, NCAI, ED of the National Indian Education Association, and volunteer on the Obama campaign and transition team. 

After the Administration, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of starting her own business, Wopila Consulting, LLC - named after the word for gratitude in Lakota. Lillian is also a Native American 40 Under 40 recipient and she remains heavily involved in the program. She is also one of the founders of the Indigenous Fashion Collective, which has its annual gala coming up in October (find out more in the link at the bottom).

We hope you enjoy this episode. Make sure to check it our on your YouTube page - and tell your friends to listen and download!

Wopila Consulting, LLC |
https://www.wopilallc.com/

Lillian's Bio on Our Board of Directors Page |
https://ncaied.org/who-we-are/board.html

The Indigenous Fashion Collective |
https://indigenousfashioncollective.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're continuing our series of interviews with leaders of Native organizations with an episode featuring Nicole Borromeo, President of the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA). Nicole and Chris caught up in our DC office while they were both in town for advocacy meetings.

Nicole shared her extensive background in Alaska Native issues, including serving as general counsel for the Alaska Federation of Natives and working for Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Bryce Edgmon - the first Alaska Native Speaker in the state's history. 

Nicole joined the ANCSA Regional Association in June, where she works with the 12 Alaska Native Regional Corporations (ANCs) created by the landmark 1972 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Nicole ensures ANCs speak with a united voice on regional concerns, and plays a key role in preserving, strengthening - and often explaining - Alaska's unique model of tribal sovereignty and economic self-determination.

Give the episode a listen - and tell your friends!

ANCSA Regional Association |
https://ancsaregional.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We are joined by Quinton Carroll, Executive Director of the Native American Contractors Association. Quinton is the last in a series of interviews we conducted from our Washington, DC office in May, and he's a fitting guest as NACA also shares office space in the Indian Gaming Association's headquarters.

Quinton shared stories of growing up in the northernmost city in the United States - Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly Barrow) - as the son of the first Executive Director of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commissioner and a "cowboy from Wyoming." Quinton has also worked in the Department of Interior and for Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and now leads the organization that advocates for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian contractors - a vitally important part of Indian Country's economy.

The National Center and NACA have collaborated closely together over the years and it was great to learn more about Quinton and their work. We hope you give it a listen - and please tell your friends!

Quinton Carroll |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinton-uksi-carroll-157474a1/

Native American Contractors Association |
https://nativecontractors.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For Episode 25, Chris and Yvette interviewed Corey Blankenship, Executive Director of NAFOA. This episode is the second of three we recorded from our Washington, DC office in May.

Cory and Chris have known each other for decades, both hailing from Cherokee, NC - home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Cory shared his story, starting with working in finance for his tribe to leading a national organization that focuses on growing tribal economies by strengthening tribal finance. He was also an advocate at a young age, traveling to Washington, DC in high school to testify in support of legislation that enabled a land swap that allowed EBCI to build a new school.

Give it a listen - and tell your friends! Thank you for tuning in.

NAFOA |
https://nafoa.org/

Cory Blankenship |
https://nafoa.org/about/team/cory/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 24 is the first of three interviews from The National Center's Washington, DC office, conducted over several days in May. And it just happens to be with the executive director of the organization (Indian Gaming Association) that owns our office space! 

Chris sat down with Jason Giles to learn more about his story - from growing up in "sleep farm town" as the son of a CIA analyst father and Attorney General of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma mother, to offensive lineman at West Point, to Marine, to attorney, and finally to running one of Indian Country's most important trade associations.

Jason also shares the story of IGA's office space, which was the home of the first Librarian of Congress and at one time the tallest building in Washington, DC. As Jason said, it is "Indian Country's building" and any tribal member visiting DC should stop by. Plus, you'll get the perspective on how the city has changed over the years, shared by someone raised in the DMV.

We hope you enjoy this episode - and please tell your friends and colleagues!

Indian Gaming Association |
https://indiangaming.org/

About the Indian Gaming Association's office building |
https://indiangaming.org/conference-center/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

In Episode 23 we welcome Chef Denella Belin, Owner of Nella's Innovative Kreations in the Phoenix area. Nella's is a catering service that integrates Denella's Navajo heritage and professional culinary training. It also offers cooking classes and private dinners.

Chris and guest host Nicole Watson from The National Center's tourism team chatted with Denella about her career, including being the only Native American chef in her class at the famed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. As she was ready to launch Nella's, Project DreamCatcher at ASU was instrumental in getting her business off the ground.

We hope you take a listen - and if you're in the Phoenix area, give Nella's a taste - and tell your friends!

Nella's Innovative Kreations |
https://nellasinnovativekreations.com/

Project DreamCatcher |
https://thunderbird.asu.edu/lifelong-learning/entrepreneurship/dream-catcher

Documentary "What Dreams May Come" | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Ae8fNLFtI

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We have a VERY special guest for Episode 22 - actor Martin Sensmeier! You may know Martin from productions like The Magnificent Seven, West World, or 1883, and soon you can watch him on Season Two of The Terminal List.

Chris first met Martin in 2020 when he keynoted the Reservation Economic Summit, and he joined us as a guest at RES 2025. In the episode, Martin shares more about his career journey, from a welder and roustabout working for Doyon Drilling in interior Alaska to a sought-after actor collaborating with some of the most famous names in Hollywood.

We hope you enjoy learning more about Martin - and please share with your friends!

Martin Sensmeier |
https://www.instagram.com/martinsensmeier

NEI Cherokee, NC |
https://ncaied.org/events/event/2025/05/08/native-edge-institutes-cherokee-nc/518901

NEI Milwaukee, WI |
https://ncaied.org/events/event/2025/05/22/native-edge-institutes-milwaukee-wi/518902

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're back! Episode 21 of The Native Edge podcast is a conversation with Holland and Knight attorney James Meggesto that took place during the closing general session at RES 2025. This was our first-ever live recording, and we hope you enjoy the conversation that Chris and Yvette had with James. 

James discussed his career journey, first thoughts about the new Trump Administration, how Indian Country can advocate for its interests, and potential opportunities for tribes. This episode will be available on our YouTube page - so please make sure to watch it, like so many did at RES.

Holland and Knight has been a longtime supporter of both The National Center and Indian Country and we appreciate James joining us for a live episode. Take a listen, subscribe, and tell your friends!

James Meggesto |
https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/m/meggesto-james-t

Holland and Knight |
https://www.hklaw.com/en

National Center YouTube Page |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter 

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 20, we're joined by Bobby Martin, Program Manager for Navajo Nation Tourism and Tony Skrelunas, Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. Yvette and guest host Kyia Jackson sat down with Bobby and Tony during a recent Native Edge Institute in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Bobby and Tony shared some of the Navajo Nation's incredible work in tourism, which has become an important part of its economic development portfolio. They also discuss Navajo Tourism's support for local small businesses and eagerness to partner for future endeavors.

Plus, you can hear Yvette's excitement when recounting the time she stood on corner in a certain small town in Northern Arizona.

Want to learn more about tourism? Join us at next week's Reservation Economic Summit, where Native tourism will be a big topic of conversation. You can also learn more about The National Center's tourism program, linked below. 

Thanks for listening - and tell a friend!

Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development |
https://navajoeconomy.org/

Navajo Nation Tourism |
https://discovernavajo.com/

Contact Bobby Martin |
bobby.martin@navajo-nsn.gov

Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center |
https://nativeedgetourism.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're just six days from the Reservation Economic Summit, and that means back-to-back episodes of the Native Edge podcast. Special guest host Nicole Watson steps in for Yvette for a great conversation with Dr. Traci Morris, Executive Director of the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty, located within the American Indian Policy Institute at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

Dr. Morris discusses her career path, starting out as a hairdresser and ultimately completing three degrees and becoming a go-to expert on all things related to tribal broadband, including writing a book on the subject that is expected to be released later this year. Dr. Morris will be speaking about tribal broadband as a foundation for economic development on a RES panel on Tuesday, March 11.

In addition, the Spring 2025 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy will be presenting their business pitches at RES on Monday, March 10. RES attendees are welcomed to attend the ILA meeting.

Enjoy this engaging conversation - and see you next week at RES!

Traci L. Morris, PhD |
https://aipi.asu.edu/traci-l-morris-phd

American Indian Policy Institute/Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty  |
https://aipi.asu.edu/ctds

The Indigenous Leadership Academy |
https://aipi.asu.edu/ila

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

We're back for season 2 of the Native Edge podcast! And we have a great guest to kick off the new season: Onawa Haynes, CEO/Founder of Hozhonigo Consulting - "team of problem solvers."

Since 2015, Onawa and Hozhonigo have helped clients secure over $50 million in vital grant funding for transportation, water infrastructure, education, language revitalization, cybersecurity, and more.

Learn more about Onawa's career, which started in pageantry, and her tireless work to help Indian Country. Plus, you'll hear more about the upcoming Reservation Economic Summit, where Onawa will be formally launching the Tribal Funding Registry, as well as where we'll host Native Edge Institutes in the coming months.

Thank you for listening, and tell your friends! We will have several episodes coming out this week ahead of RES, so stay tuned. And if you're at RES, we'll be set up near the registration desks for you to learn more about the podcast, so stop by!

Hozhonigo Consulting |
https://www.hozhonigo.com/

Tribal Funding Registry |
https://www.tribalfunding.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For Episode 17 of The Native Edge podcast, E. Skye Byrd and Kyia Jackson sub in for Chris and Yvette to talk about shopping Native, particularly around the holidays. They welcomed the founders of Scottsdale, AZ-based Native Art Market Denise Rosales and Heather Tracy to talk about their business and career journey - and of course to share some of their amazing products.

Plus, everyone brought in some of their favorite Indigenous-made apparel and discussed some of their favorite artisans, all of whom are listed below. Of course, listening doesn't do them justice; stay tuned for the video version of the podcast that will be posted in the coming days on The National Center's YouTube channel, where you can see the quality and creativity yourself.

We hope you enjoy - and make sure to shop Native this holiday season. We'll see you in 2025 for a new season of The Native Edge podcast. Thank you to everyone who made 2024 a success!

Businesses talked about:

Native Art Market
https://www.thenativeartmarket.com/
IG: Native Art Market

Copper Canoe Women
https://www.coppercanoewoman.com/

Meka Clothing
https://www.mekaclothing.com/

Indigenous Land
IG: IndigenousLand

Relative Arts NYC
https://www.relativeartsnyc.com/

OXDX
https://www.oxdxclothing.com/

Asdzáá Stardust
IG: asdzaa_stardust
https://asdzaastardust.myshopify.com/

Eighth Generation
https://eighthgeneration.com/

Still She Lives
https://www.stillshelives.com/

ASEP Design
https://www.asepdesigns.studio/

Glittering World Gal
IG: Gilitteringworldgal

Lynnette Haozous
https://www.lynnettehaozous.com/
IG: Ihaozous

Still She Lives

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 16, we welcomed renowned journalist Mark Trahant to the studio for a conversation about his storied career, from a tribal high school basketball radio announcer to interviewing a President of the United States. Mark is currently Editor-at-Large at Indian Country Today, and over his five-decade career he has worked across both Native and mainstream media, and even had stints in government and academia. 

We hope you enjoy the discussion and learn about the future of journalism, and what to expect from a new administration taking over in Washington. Mark is also working on a new book about Native women leaders in the 20th Century.

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

In Episode 15 - and the fourth installment in our Native American Heritage Month series - we welcome Dr. Jeremy Garcia and Dr. Valerie Shirley from the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at the University of Arizona.

Chris and Yvette lead a wide-ranging conversation about Indigenous education and the origins of ITEP, as well as Dr. Garcia and Dr. Shirley's book Indigenizing Education. They share their approach on how they prepare undergraduate students to create culturally-rooted curriculum, drawn from their own culture, origin stories, philosophies, and languages. We hope you listen - and tell your friends to download!

More information on the topics discussed in this podcast:

ITEP Website | https://itep.coe.arizona.edu/

Indigenizing Education | https://www.infoagepub.com/products/Indigenizing-Education

Donate to ITEP | https://give.uafoundation.org/results?id=a3b513d3-05ea-4cb8-8931-ff45a5a52a70

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

For episode 14, we welcome Sherry Black, who has a long history in advancing economic development throughout Indian Country. Sherry talks about her early involvement with Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the importance of board representation and networking, and her extensive work across Native organizations and philanthropy, including the Johnson Scholarship Foundation.

This is the third episode in our Native American Heritage Month series. We hope you check them all out - and also learn more about some of the organizations with which Sherry is involved. Looking for other ways to support The National Center? Consider supporting us - and wearing your support for Native-owned businesses - by purchasing a specially designed t-shirt celebrating Native American Heritage Month! All proceeds go to support The National Center's programming.

Learn more:

The Johnson Scholarship Foundation
First Nations Development Institute
Junior Achievement USA
Native American Agriculture Fund
Native CDFI Network
Native Americans in Philanthropy
First Peoples Fund

The Native Edge podcast is produced in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

On Episode 13 of The Native Edge podcast, Chris and Yvette welcomed Fawn Sharp to The National Center's headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. Fawn is well-known throughout Indian Country from her time as President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and leadership in Quinault Indian Nation and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

Fawn shares her path to leadership; her incredible local, regional, and national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; advocacy in combatting climate change; current role as a board member of the Nature Conservancy; and how the rest of the world can learn from Indigenous peoples and culture.

The interviewed was recorded over the summer, but we wanted to releases it during Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we are selling a customed designed t-shirt encouraging you to buy Native throughout the month. All proceeds go directly to support our incredibly programming. Click here to purchase a shirt!

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Thank you for listening to The Native Edge, and Happy Native Heritage Month! We will be releasing shows weekly, starting with episode 12 featuring a conversation that Chris and Yvette had with Hud Oberly during a recent Native Edge Institute in New York.

Hud, a Ralph Lauren model and Founder and Creative Director at Here's to You, is no stranger to The National Center. He is a 40 Under 40 honoree, speaker at RES, and was on a panel at the New York NEI.

Learn more about Hud's journey and his passion for uplifting Indigenous art and creatives. Plus, a big plug for the benefits of the 40 Under 40 program (nominations for the 2025 class due soon!). Check out some of the programs and organizations discussed below. As always, thank you for listening - and tell your friends!


Here's to You

Native Forward Scholars Fund

UNITY

40 Under 40 Program Nomination Form

2025 Reservation Economic Summit

2024 Native American Heritage Month T-Shirt

Daryl Domingo | https://is.gd/cxAQMB

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 11 is a continuation of episode 10, featuring our amazing tourism team. During our recent Lake Tahoe NEI, Chris and Yvette lead a conversation - our largest yet - with the six people who will be leading our tourism efforts across five regions.

Learn more about our team and what they have planned as we expand Native Edge Tourism. If you want to learn more, please check out a press release when the cooperative agreement was announced.

Guests on the episode are:

• Eastern Region - Haley Garcia
• Southwest Region - Nicole Watson
• Hawaii - U'ilani Corr-Yorkman
• Northwest - Skye Gillham
• Alaska - Yvonne Phillips
• "Our Boss" Charmayne Charley

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 10 of The Native Edge podcast is all about tourism. Yvette solo hosts (with an assist from producer Mikaela Garcia) this episode, which features a conversation with Ed Hall. Ed is a consultant for The National Center working on our new tourism program.

Ed and Yvette talk to the tremendous potential for tourism in Indian Country, as well as some challenges and regional differences. This is the beginning of the conversation about tourism; a future episode will feature the rest of our tourism team representing five regions across the country.

To learn more about our work with tourism, check out this press release announcing the cooperative agreement between The National Center and the Office of Indian Economic Development at the Department of Interior.

Thank you for listening - and tell a friend!

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Election Day is just around the corner! To get you ready to cast your ballot and answer some questions about our voting process, we invited Maricopa County, Arizona Recorder Stephen Richer to join us in studio. Stephen has established himself as one of the foremost experts on voting systems and the election process in the country.

Chris and Yvette talk to Stephen about his background, why he decided to run for Recorder, how he withstood and fought back against unfounded attacks after the 2020 election, the importance of voting and democracy, and being named a "Democracy Defender" by Time Magazine. Plus, Stephen shares his love of learning - and challenges with changing a flat tire.

We hope you enjoy the episode. Please tell your friends to listen - and don't forget to register to vote and make your voice heard!


You can follow Stephen on X for the latest on voting - and everything from sports, to politics, to the latest Arizona news.

A few of the websites discussed on the podcast, including for helping those affected by Hurricane Helene, are found below.

Vote.gov
Servicearizona.com (To register to vote in Arizona - deadline for the 2024 election is Monday, October 7!)
Maricopa.gov | (For information on the voting process in Maricopa County)
Blue Ridge Public Radio | (Information on Hurricane Helene relief efforts)
Register for the 2025 Reservation Economic Summit
Register for upcoming Native Edge Institutes

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

On Episode 8 of the Native Edge Podcast, Chris and Yvette sat down with actor and producer John Ambrosino. John recently played the role of "Uncle Ernie" in the hit Broadway remake of the musical Tommy. Members of The National Center's team had the opportunity to see John under the bright lights when they were in New York for a recent Native Edge Institute.

John talks about his career, going from behind the stage to a leading role in an iconic rock opera. He also talks about the business of theater, and what happens behind the scenes to make a successful show - and a successful career.

We hope you enjoy the latest episode - and tell your friends!

Read John's bio

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 7 of The Native Edge podcast returns to a familiar subject - advocacy - with an in-person interview with Tylynn Gordon, a longtime friend of and former consultant for The National Center. Tylynn has a wealth of knowledge about politics and federal lobbying and advocacy across many fields, including Native American and Alaska Native policy.

Tylynn was on the cutting-edge of the changing dynamics of federal lobbying, with Fortune Magazine calling her a “a new breed” of in-state grassroots lobbyists. She shares her observations with Chris and Yvette, including the importance of Indian Country telling its own story.

We hope you enjoy Episode 7 - and tell your friends!

Tylynn Gordon | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylynngordon 

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Welcome back Native Edge Listeners!

In this episode, Chris James and Yvette Fielder sit down with Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., for an insightful conversation about his journey in building a diversified company, changing the law on Indian gaming, and eventually evolving into sports betting.

Lance shares advice through the challenges and successes of government contracting, creating a diversified enterprise, and building a system of checks and balances. He also mentions how he used modules like the Tribal Leverage Buy Out to acquire Ho-Chunk, Inc.
 
There's a lot of information to uncover in Episode 6 with Lance Morgan, so sit back, relax, and we hope you enjoy!


For more information on the individuals highlighted, click the links below!

Ho-Chunk Inc. | https://www.hochunkinc.com/

WarHorse Casino | https://www.warhorsecasino.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Episode 5 of the Native Edge Podcast is all about advocacy!

Hosts Chris James and Yvette Fielder welcome guest Clara Pratte, who has a long and distinguished history of advocacy across Indian Country. They discuss Clara's background and experience, the importance of advocacy and making your voice heard, Native representation and tribal consultation, voting, and work-life balance.

Check it out - and make sure to tell your friends to download! Thank you for your support of the Native Edge Podcast.

Clara Pratte | Founder and Principal of Strongbow Strategies
https://www.strongbowstrategies.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

What's up Native Edge listeners!

On Episode 4, we share more of the conversation from Episode 2 between Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center, and Tedd Buelow, the Tribal Relations Team Lead for USDA's Office of Rural Development. This interview was recorded in April.

Buelow gives insight into USDA programs related to telecom infrastructure, rural housing development, commodity foods programs, and more. They also discuss the improvements in USDA programs and how these changes are helping Indigenous-owned businesses bid in the bidding processes. You can hear more of the RES speech from Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

So let's dive into and get our podcasting on!

For more information on the individuals highlighted, click the links below!

The Honorable Tom Vilsack | Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-usda/our-secretary

Ted Buelow | USDA Office of Rural Development
https://www.rd.usda.gov/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Thank you for tuning in to the Native Edge!

In our latest episode, Program Director Yvette Fielder, Business Development Specialist Kyia Jackson, and Producer Mikaela Garcia talk about Native Edge Institutes - the free, one-day training business training sessions The National Center hosts across the country.

One of the participants in NEIs is CEO of Turtle Island Protection Services Shawntay Negrete. We share some of her remarks and her business's story, including its incredible growth.

From hands-on workshops and mentorship programs to access to critical funding, NEIs' comprehensive approach ensures that new business owners are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern market.

So, sit back and relax as we uncover the impactful stories and innovative strategies helping to shape the future of Native business!


If you’d like to learn more about the programs and individuals we highlighted you can visit the websites below!

Shawntay Negrete  | Turtle Island Protection Services
https://www.facebook.com/Turtleislandprotectionservices/

Yvette Fielder | Native Edge Institutes
https://www.ncaied.org/native-edge/

AZ MBDA Export Center
https://www.ncaied.org/arizona-mbda-export-center/

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
https://www.ncaied.org/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Welcome back to the Native Edge podcast!

Join us as we explore the world of agriculture through business, philosophy, and clips from awesome entrepreneurs and experts.

On episode 2, The National Center's Chris James and Yvette Fielder take a deep dive into Indigenous agriculture, with perspective from sisters  Andi & Alisha Murphy of the Toasted Sister Podcast; USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack; Tedd Buelow, Tribal Relations Team Lead for the USDA's Office of Rural Development; and renowned Indigenous chefs and restauranteurs Sean Sherman and Ben Jacobs.

The episode features both original interviews, as well as clips from RES and the Toasted Sister Podcast. We hope you enjoy, we will see you next time on the Native Edge! 

If you’d like to learn more about the programs and individuals we highlighted you can visit the websites below! 

Andi and Alisha Murphy | Toasted Sister Podcast
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-853jh-1454ab31

The Honorable Tom Vilsack | Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-usda/our-secretary

Ted Buelow | USDA Office of Rural Development
https://www.rd.usda.gov/

Sean Sherman | Owamni/NĀTIFS
https://seansherman.com/

Ben Jacobs | Tocabe
https://www.tocabe.com/

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |     

Welcome to the very first episode of our new podcast, Native Edge! 

Native Edge will explore a wide array of topics across Indian Country, as well as more about the work of and the people behind The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

In our pilot episode, National Center President and CEO Chris James and Program Director Yvette Fielder discuss the organization's programs, some highlights from the 2024 Reservation Economic Summit, and provide information on how you can get involved.

Get ready for some laughs and serious discussions on how we can empower our communities and economic development in Indian Country. 

So grab your popcorn and snacks, and get ready for a podcast party!

Support the show

Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development |
https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html

Watch on YouTube |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter

This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund.

Stay Updated 👇👇
@NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |