fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
This week in Tribal Business News, a native-owned energy company is awarded $31 million to build a state-of-the-art microgrid for a SoCal tribe; California voters rejected sports betting measures that would step on tribal sovereignty; and Google launched a digital coaching program to leverage tribal broadband. 

Indian Energy secures $31M to build landmark microgrid for SoCal’s Viejas Tribe

A Native-owned energy company will leverage $31 million in state funding to create a long-duration energy storage system for a southern California tribe. The California Energy Commission issued the grant to Anaheim Hills, Calif.-based Indian Energy LLC, which plans to deploy a state-of-the-art microgrid that will provide renewable backup power for the Viejas Tribe of Kumeyaay Indians. 

Tribal sovereignty becomes sticking point in California sports betting battle

Tribal exclusivity became a central question between two proposed sports betting measures in California leading up to last Tuesday’s elections. The first measure, Proposition 26, would have legalized in-person sports betting on tribal lands, while the second measure, Proposition 27, would have legalized mobile sports betting across the state and invited larger operations such as DraftKings and FanDuel to participate.

 Through partnership with Google, NCAI appoints digital coach to help Native businesses

The National Congress of American Indians has partnered with the Grow with Google Digital Coaches Program to bring broadband education to Indian Country. All the broadband access in the world won’t help close the digital divide in Indian Country without the education to make use of the new technologies, says New Mexico Community Capital Program Director Henry Jake Foreman. 

Want to learn more about the Tribal economy? Get the free Tribal Business News weekly newsletter today.

Additionally, the BIA distributes $3 million for Native incubators; Powwow Pitch awards $200K to winners of Entrepreneurship Awards; and tribal-driven conservation projects receive the bulk of $91 million in grants from America the Beautiful Challenge. 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Man Convicted for Selling Fake Hopi Jewelry, Defrauding Buyers of $400K
Native Bidaské with Holly Cook Macarro & Kevin H. Sharp on the Impending Release of Leonard Peltier
Native Governance Center (NGC) Recently Named Dr. Amber Annis as Its New Executive Director

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting. 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].