ICYMI: President Biden officially declared October 11 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

On October 14th, NAFOA will be hosting a webinar with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) on their updated Tribal eligibility regulations as well as an overview of funding available through their recent programs.

The webinar will be held via Zoom on October 14, 2021 at 2pm-3pm EDT. The EDA will be taking questions about how the new eligibility will impact EDA’s grant programs and will provide an overview of how EDA intends to ensure both that the for-profit entity is wholly owned by a Tribe and that the entity is organized for the benefit of that Tribe.

Register to Join on October 14

EDA Dear Tribal Leader Letter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the new Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and encourages eligible entities to apply now for funds. Applications must be submitted electronically through the grant portal at usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 22, 2021. Approximately $650 million in funding is available for the PRS grants, which are funded by the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

The PRS Grant program will assist small businesses in certain commodity areas, including specialty crop producers, shellfish farming, finfish farming, aquaculture, and apiculture; specialty crop, meat, and other processors; distributors; and farmers markets. Small businesses and nonprofits in these industries can apply for a grant to cover COVID-related expenses such as workplace safety measures (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety, shifting to online sales platforms, transportation, worker housing, and medical costs.

The minimum funding request is $1,500 and the maximum funding request is $20,000.

By Tina Duncan, Business Development Manager, AMERIND

In 1986, more than 400 Tribal governments pooled resources and formed AMERIND. Now 35 years later, AMERIND is the only 100 percent Tribally owned and operated insurance provider serving Indian Country. “AMERIND has grown and evolved over time. We now offer products and services one would have only dreamed of back in 1986.” said Phil Bush, Chairman of the Board, Chehalis Tribe. “I attribute much of our success to the mission and vision established by the original board of directors. AMERIND is successful today because we have not deviated from the goals and values set forth by these visionary leaders. ”Derek Valdo, CEO, Pueblo of Acoma said, “’Tribes Protecting Tribes’ is more than a tagline for AMERIND. It’s the foundation for every business decision we make. This focus on and commitment to Indian Country is what makes us unique and what keeps us successful.”

Read more on page 98-99 in the NAFOA Fall 2021 Navigator.

The Wilma Mankiller Quarter is the third coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program. Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and an activist for Native American and women’s rights.

She was born in the Cherokee Nation in 1945. Mankiller was elected chief in 1987, and four years later, re-elected in a landslide. She tripled her tribe’s enrollment, doubled employment, and built new housing, health centers, and children’s programs in northeast Oklahoma. Under her leadership, infant mortality declined and educational levels rose. Her leadership on social and financial issues made her tribe a national role model. After leaving office in 1995, she remained a strong voice worldwide for social justice, native people, and women.

Mankiller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998, the highest honor given to civilians in the United States. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.

NIHB is in need an Interim CFO to start with the organization as soon as possible. Primary expectations: 1. Current background check with employer-provided indemnification against dishonesty 2. Receive training from outgoing CFO 3. Proven track record of successful CFO professional experience in non-profit sector 4. Work alongside current CFO to ensure proficiency 5. Participate as part of Senior Management Team/Stabilizing presence within organization 6. Manage all aspect of financial management for NIHB, including payroll, 401(k) contributions, etc.) 7. Manage all aspects of financial management of federal grants (tracking, budget and budget narrative preparation in collaboration with programs staff, timely, accurate, thorough and otherwise compliant reporting to funders and federal government).

For more information, visit nafoa.org/jobs.