It’s important to address the structural barriers grant models often impose on tribal sovereignty.
The unique challenges that state recognized tribes and urban Indian accusations face should be a larger part of the conversation; many have uncovered opportunities that are typically underutilized by Federally recognized tribes.
Related Past Events:
This 90-minute session featured a panel of experts who explored how tribal/Native communities can approach hazard mitigation planning and disaster preparedness as opportunities to build stronger, more resilient economies. By reviewing project examples, the audience learned about how disaster-related projects can create workforce and small business development opportunities; how investments in resilient energy systems can keep homes, businesses, and community facilities operating during and after disasters; and how regional partnerships and federal resources can advance both hazard mitigation and economic development in tribal/Native communities.
This workshop, facilitated by the Indigenous Economic Development Community of Practice in-person as a pre-convention activity prior to the 2025 NAIHC Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Los Angeles, CA, explored innovative approaches for co-locating housing development with other valuable assets and vital infrastructure in tribal communities.
This session featured the presentation of two unique funding mechanisms for supporting community economic development in tribal and Native communities, including Section 105(l) leases and Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSCBI), as well as an introduction to some useful tools and Resources the EDA offers for underserved communities
The August CoP session featured a panel of grant experts who discussed strategies for writing successful grants and attracting other capital, common mistakes and other barriers to the grant writing process, and opportunities to reduce or eliminate barriers.
As tribes work on projects to grow and improve their communities, it is essential that all the various sectors of community economic development are involved in the conversation together through a holistic planning process.
