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This week in Tribal Business News, proposed certification changes to the CDFI Fund could be detrimental to Native CDFIs; a new report examines food sovereignty efforts; and the Whitehouse proposes a boost in funding for Native housing. 
 

Proposed CDFI Fund certification changes could shut out Native CDFIs 

The Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund recently proposed changes to the CDFI certification application that would nearly shut out Native CDFIs from the fund altogether. 

 Pete Upton, the chairperson and interim CEO of the Native CDFI Network, said Native CDFI leaders are “shocked and puzzled” by the proposed changes. 

First Peoples Worldwide highlights role of Native-owned supply chains in food sovereignty efforts

 Maintaining self-sufficient food supply chains is crucial to avoiding volatile markets and potential future disruptions for tribal communities in the wake of the pandemic, which only exacerbated longstanding food security issues. That’s according to a new report by Native-led research organization First Peoples Worldwide that discusses the crucial role supply chains play in keeping Indigenous communities fed and the related economic and business opportunities. 

Biden proposes 21 percent bump in funding for Native housing; advocates press for more

After many years of stagnant funding that’s caused buying power to diminish because of inflation, federal Native American housing allocations have increased in the past couple of years. But with the skyrocketing inflation of the past two years and the ground that needs to be made up from the level funding era, more remains to be done, Native housing advocates say.

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Additionally, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) hosted staff from Indian Country Media, LLC to lead a panel discussion about the Tribal economy and Indigenous culture. The First Nations Trade Mission concluded its second portion, and Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Wind Creek Hospitality inked a sponsor agreement with the Chicago Bulls.

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At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

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Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

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Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
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