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November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, the traditions and the contributions of our Indigenous communities. It’s the perfect time to visit a reservation or museum, support native-owned businesses and charities, or simply read the works of Native American authors. We wish everyone a happy Native American Heritage Month.
This issue of Indigenous Intel features an interview with Alejandra Castillo, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and the head of EDA. She’ll discuss the American Rescue Plan and its Indigenous Communities program, which provided $100 million to support the needs of Tribal governments and Indigenous communities as they work to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll also meet the Tribal organizations who received awards through EDA’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge and highlight current federal funding opportunities.
For more information, please visit eda.gov and our social media channels.
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Alejandra Y. Castillo
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Alejandra Y. Castillo is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. As the head of EDA, she is responsible for fulfilling the bureau’s mission of leading the federal economic development agenda. As part of this, she is working to promote economic development in those communities traditionally underserved, including Tribal nations.
“After decades of disinvestment, our Tribal communities were dealt additional economic hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary Castillo. “In response, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and its Indigenous Communities program allocated $100 million specifically to help Tribal communities recover and rebuild.”
For the full story, please visit eda.gov.
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Tribal Nations Awarded Through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge
On September 2, 2022, President Joe Biden announced the 21 winners of EDA’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. It was the culmination of more than a year’s work, which began with 529 applications from all across the country. Indian country was well represented among the awardees.
For the full story, please visit eda.gov.
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NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1
White House Tribal Nations Summit
The White House Tribal Nations Summit will be conducted November 30-December 1 at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, DC. The summit will feature new Administration announcements and efforts to implement key policy initiatives supporting Tribal communities.
In conjunction with this event, the Economic Development Administration will be hosting a roundtable event on Friday, December 2, from 2:30-3:30pm EDT. Alejandra Y. Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, will serve as moderator for this event. It will include key Indigenous stakeholders and EDA American Rescue Plan grantees discussing how these investments are impacting Tribal communities. There is no registration required for this event. To participate, please join via Bluejeans.
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NOVEMBER 2022
EDA Grant Will Establish New Community of Practice for Indigenous Communities
This month, EDA underscores its commitment to Indigenous economic development with the announcement of a $1.5 million grant to the Urban Institute, in partnership with the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC). It will establish a Community of Practice for current and future EDA Indigenous grantees designed to build capacity for project planning and implementation.
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NOW AVAILABLE
Indigenous Communities Fact Sheet
In October, EDA released a new Indigenous Communities Fact Sheet, outlining its American Rescue Plan funding results. Fifty-one awards totaling $100 million were made across 25 states and U.S. territories. These awards are an important step towards fostering economic mobility and resiliency in Indigenous communities across the country as they rebuild from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
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OCTOBER 14
Assistant Secretary Castillo Attends Build Back Better Regional Challenge Event in Fresno, California
On Friday, October 14, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo was in Fresno, California, to speak with members of the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation coalition, recipient of a $65 million EDA grant. Made through the Build Back Better Regional challenge, this award will help accelerate the integration of technology and skills in the region’s agriculture industry—improving productivity and job quality for existing farmworkers while driving a more resilient and sustainable food system.
According to David Mendoza, Project Director of the Fresno Native American & Business Development Center, this award will help regional native agricultural businesses and will support workforce development for this industry.
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SEPTEMBER 22
Deputy Assistant Secretary Alvord Visits Indian Nations Council of Governments
On Thursday, September 22, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Dennis Alvord visited Tulsa, Oklahoma, and leaders of the Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility (TRAM) Corridor, a recipient of a $39 million grant through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge.
The Indian Nations Council of Governments will serve as the lead institution in building the TRAM Corridor, working with multiple partners to address economic disparities among underserved communities throughout the state.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
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FUNDING
FEMA Announces Disaster Assistance Funding to Seminole Tribe of Florida
On October 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster assistance to the Seminole Tribe of Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. This funding will support temporary housing and home repairs as well as low-cost loans to businesses and individuals as they work to rebuild. For more information, please visit fema.gov.
Department of Agriculture Announces $400 Million to Support Regional Food Business Centers
The U.S Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service has announced $400 million in federal funding for at least six regional food business centers, including one national Tribal center. These centers will provide coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources. Applications are due November 22, 2022. For more information, please visit usda.gov.
Department of Justice Announces More Than $246 Million in Grants for Tribal Nations
On September 21, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it will award more than $246 million in grants to Tribal communities to improve public safety and to serve victims of crime. The announcement came during the 17th annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation. For more information, please visit justice.gov.
Department of Labor Provides $80 Million in Funding to Increase Workforce Development in Nursing
The Employment Training Administration is providing $80 million in grants through its Nursing Expansion Grants Program, which works to expand training and diversify the pipeline of qualified nursing professionals. Applications are due January 6, 2023. For more information, please visit grants.gov.
Department of Agriculture FY 2023 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities, which in turn pass through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. Applications are due December 31, 2022 (second quarter), March 31, 2023 (third quarter) and June 30, 2023 (fourth quarter). For more information, please visit rd.usda.gov.
OPPORTUNITIES
Department of Agriculture Seeks Tribal Organizations for Demonstration Project
The Food and Nutrition Service is soliciting proposals from eligible Tribal organizations to participate in a demonstration project and purchase agricultural commodities for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Applications are due January 31, 2023.For more information, please visit federalregister.gov.
Department of Interior Hosts Free Grant-Writing Webinar
The U.S. Department of the Interior will be conducting a free webinar on grant writing techniques entitled "Fundamentals of Grant Writing - Keys to Success." The following sessions will be offered.
Part 1: Planning & Mechanics. Thursday, December 8, 2:00-3:30pm EDT
Part 2: How to Read a Notice of Funding Opportunity & Request for Proposals.
Thursday, December 15, 2:00-3:30pm EDT
To register for this event, please visit Zoom.
RESOURCES
Department of Agriculture Announces New Resource Guides for Tribal Organizations
On August 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released updated 2022 versions of its USDA Resource Guide for American Indians and Alaska Natives as well as its USDA Native Youth Resource Guide. For more information, please visit usda.gov.
IEDC Publishes Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resilience
The International Economic Development Council has released the 2022 edition of its Leadership in a Time of Crisis toolkit. This edition includes new information about pandemic response and resilience.
IN THE NEWS
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September 6, 2022 - U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $725,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Development of Wind Farm on Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation in North Dakota
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September 6, 2022 - U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Design and Engineering of Solar-Hydroelectric Power Plant on Tribal Reservation in Washington County, Utah
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August 30, 2022 - U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5.8 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Workforce Development in Choctaw, Mississippi
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August 30, 2022 - U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tribal Business Expansion in Presque Isle, Maine
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August 23, 2022 - U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $857,119 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Cultural Tourism Growth for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
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LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM EDA?
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- Subscribe to this and other EDA newsletters and updates – click here to register.
- Connect with a local Economic Development Representative (EDR) – click here to find your EDR.
- Find an Economic Development District (EDD) for planning support and technical assistance – click here for the EDD Directory.
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