fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

WASHINGTON — The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona have been awarded $7.8 million in funding from The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Both grants are part of the American Rescue Plan's Indigenous Communities program and will be used for local business growth.  

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

The Chickasaw Nation was awarded a $3.1 million grant to build a critical high-speed network while promoting entrepreneurship and workforce development to the Tribal community in Ada, Oklahoma. The project was organized by the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) and is focused on creating an economic roadmap to strengthen the regional economy and create jobs. 

“This EDA investment will provide the high-speed internet capacity that Chickasaw Nation businesses need to grow and thrive,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Fort Apache Heritage Foundation, Inc., was awarded a $4.7 million grant to build new commercial infrastructure for Tribal entrepreneurs as they start and grow businesses on reservation land. According to the EDA, the grant will be matched with $406,855 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 190 jobs, according to estimates. The project will help the renovation of an existing residential building for use as office and commercial space.

“This EDA investment will provide critical infrastructure for the White Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Reservation, supporting the diversification of the economy and the creation of new jobs in the community,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is in northeastern Arizona and spans parts of Navajo, Gila, and Apache counties. It is home to the federally recognized White Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Reservation, a Western Apache tribe.

 “We’re proud to help secure over $4 million for Fort Apache Indian Reservation small businesses,” Senator Krysten Sinema (D-AZ) said in a statement. “This historic investment will fuel growth and create more economic opportunities, helping Arizonans continue to thrive.” 

$100 million of American Rescue Plan funding has been allocated specifically for Indigenous communities and Tribal Governments, who were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The program funds a wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects. The program closed applications on May 26, 2022, with program funding to be announced through September 30, 2022. 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Trump Proposes Renaming Mount Denali to Mount McKinley, Sparking Cultural Debate
Native Bidaské: Dean & Sharon on Expanding Native Homeownership with VA Loan Improvements
This Day in History – Dec. 26, 1862: 38 Dakota Men Executed by Order of Abraham Lincoln

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

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. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

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].