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Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of Indigenous Intel, a quarterly publication of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This newsletter highlights the people and programs expanding opportunities for America’s Indigenous communities.
In this issue, we’ll re-introduce you to four Tribal-affiliated organizations who recently received implementation funding through EDA’s Tech Hubs initiative and another that received Phase 2 funding through EDA’s Recompete program. We’ll also highlight recent EDA investments in the Middle Kuskokwin Tribes, the Pascua Yaqui Reservation, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and the White Earth Reservation.
For more information on all things EDA, please visit eda.gov and our social media channels: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. |
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Four Tribal-Affiliated Organizations Receive Tech Hubs Implementation Funding
On July 2, EDA announced that 12 tech hubs were awarded implementation funding totaling more than $500 million. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo made the announcement in Reno, Nevada—home to the Nevada Tech Hub.
Four of these tech hubs are in regions that will have a direct economic impact for Indigenous communities.
These include:
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Elevate Quantum Tech Hub (Colorado and New Mexico)
Tribe: Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Award: $41 million to implement three projects that will scale up the
production and delivery of critical technologies that will maintain
America's competitive edge in quantum computing.
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Nevada Tech Hub (Nevada)
Tribe: Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada
Award: $21 million to implement two projects that will strengthen America’s
critical minerals supply chain.
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South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub (Florida)
Tribe: Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Award: $19 million to implement three projects that will strengthen
America’s transition to clean energy.
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Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (Oklahoma)
Tribe: Osage Nation
Award: $51 million to implement six projects that will enable safe and
effective autonomous systems.
EDA first introduced the tech hubs initiative in 2023. This program brings together diverse public, private, and academic partners into collaborative consortia focused on driving inclusive regional growth.
Meet all of our designees and explore ways to collaborate with them at TechHubs.gov.
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Two Indigenous Led Recompete Plans Receive Phase 2 Funding
On August 5, the Economic Development Administration announced $184 million in Recompete Phase 2 funding. These implementation grants help improve access to good-paying, high-quality jobs in economically distressed regions. Two of the six recipients represent Indigenous communities.
The Wind River Indigenous-based Economy Recompete Plan, led by the Wind River Development Fund, will receive approximately $36 million to catalyze an indigenous-led eco-tourism economy on the Wind River Reservation and in Fremont County, Wyoming.
The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, led by Clallam County, Washington, will receive approximately $35 million to revitalize the natural resources industries in the remote region of Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula.
“Through partnership with local communities, the Recompete program will make targeted, community-led investments to reduce unemployment,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The Recompete awardees are bringing together a wide range of partners to develop integrated approaches to support Americans in accessing good jobs.”
 EDA's Revolving Loan Fund Program Addresses the Oweesta Corporation's 2024 Convening
On June 10, Matt Knutson of the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program represented EDA at the Oweesta Corporation’s 2024 Native CDFI Capital Access Convening in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. The annual event celebrates Native community development financial institutions (CDFI), providing an opportunity for networking while celebrating their accomplishments.
Knutson participated in a panel discussion moderated by Jael Kampfe, President, Indigenous Impact Co. He outlined the RLF program’s mission and history, presenting it as a source of capital for Native-led organizations.
To view a video of this presentation, please click here.
EDA Award Will Support the Timber Industry of the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes
On July 16, EDA announced a nearly $2 million award to TKC Fish Wheel in Anchorage, Alaska, for the construction of a more than 9,000-square-foot sawmill in Red Devil, Alaska. It will serve as a sustainable manufacturing enterprise for the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes, providing locally harvested timbers sourced from Tribal lands for use in affordable and energy efficient housing.
“As our communities combat outmigration and associated housing and energy shortages, it is imperative we are able to access the resources we need to keep Alaskans in state,” said U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-At-Large). “This grant will support those aims and increase Alaskans’ self-sufficiency.”
The award was made possible through EDA’s Fiscal Year 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding.
To read a news account of this story, please click here.
EDA Awards the Pascua Yaqui Reservation Funding to Support Workforce Development
On July 9, EDA announced a $4 million grant to the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation in Tucson, Arizona, for construction of a 3,200-square-foot facility that will support workforce development on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and the surrounding community. The award will also provide for the procurement of training equipment in the construction trades.
Speaking on behalf of the award, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly reaffirmed his support of targeted investments in rural and Tribal communities.
"This funding for the Pascua Yaqui community is a prime example of how we can create good-paying jobs and bolster our workforce. By constructing a new training facility and providing essential resources, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy for Southern Arizona.”
To read a news account of this story, please click here.
EDA Supports Pharmaceutical Development in the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
On June 25, EDA provided a $2.5 million grant to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Mashantucket, Connecticut. This award was designed to help determine the feasibility of launching a generic drug production facility on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the largest employer in the region.
This award will support economic diversification within the community, where today most jobs are in the casino industry. The new facility will be owned and operated by the Tribe in service to the community.
Speaking of the award, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said “this $2.5 million EDA grant from President Biden’s Investing in America initiative will create lots of good-paying local jobs that will support the growth of Tribal economies and expand economic opportunities for all so communities across the region are better equipped to respond to future disasters.”
The award was made possible through EDA’s Fiscal Year 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding. It was in response to a series of disaster declarations in 2021 and 2022.
To read a news account of this story, please click here.
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EDA Supports Healthcare Workforce Development at Minnesota's White Earth Reservation
On June 5, EDA announced that it had awarded a $1.5 million grant to White Earth Tribal Community College in Mahnomen, Minnesota, to support healthcare workforce development. The award is supporting the procurement of mobile medical training units and related equipment for the school’s nursing program.
Of the award, U.S. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota said “Tribal Colleges serve students in some of the most isolated and under-served areas of the country. Helping them to prepare students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector is a great way to boost Tribal economies and strengthen rural areas in general, as well as address the workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.”
To read a news account of this story, please click here.
EDA Announces New $25 Million Good Jobs Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity
EDA is now accepting applications for the FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity, which will invest in high-quality, locally led workforce training programs that lead to good jobs.
This new funding opportunity builds on the success of the first round of Good Jobs Challenge awards, funded by the American Rescue Plan, and this round will invest $25 million to support sectoral partnerships that bring together diverse stakeholders to develop high quality training that leads directly to a good job. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 27, 2024 at 4:59pm ET. For more information, please email goodjobschallenge@eda.gov. To apply, please visit eda.gov.
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EVENTS, RESOURCES, AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
EVENTS
2024 AISES National Conference
Hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. This three-day event focuses on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. (October 3-5). For more information, please visit ncai.org.
2024 NAFOA Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference
Hosted by the Native American Finance Officers Association, this event explores the current trends in Tribal economic development and shares resources with Tribal financial professionals. (San Diego, CA, September 23-24). For more information, please visit nafoa.org.
Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians Winter Conference
Hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. (September 29-October 4). For more information, please visit ncai.org.
Alaska Federation of Natives 2024 Convention
With a theme of “Our Children – Our Ancestors,” this free event brings thousands of officials and participants from across the state to address critical issues of public policy and government in the Alaska native community. (Anchorage, AK, October 17-19). For more information, please visit nativefederation.org.
Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024
A two-day event where Indigenous leaders, cultural performers and supporters from across the globe celebrate the rich history, art and culture of Indigenous People. This year’s event will be on October 13-14. Please check your local listings for events near you.
RESOURCES
U.S. Department of Energy
The Office of Indian Energy's resource library provides links to helpful resources on energy project development and financing on Tribal lands. For more information, please visit energy.gov.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Health Resources and Services Administration provides a variety of resources for Tribal and Tribal communities, including grants for underserved populations, loans, scholarships, health care services and more. For more information, please visit hrsa.gov.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
National Science Foundation
The Tribal Colleges and Universities Program provides more than $10 million in total funding to federally recognized Tribal colleges and universities, Alaska native-serving institutions, and native Hawaiian-serving institutions to promote high quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, research, and outreach. The deadline to apply is September 3, 2024. For more information, please visit grants.gov.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program is providing $7.2 million in total funding to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) in building institutional research capacity through applied projects that address student educational needs and meet community, reservation or regional challenges. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2024. For more information, please visit grants.gov.
U.S. Department of the Interior
The Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes - Fiscal Year 2024 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is providing awards of up to $100,000 to support development and/or implementation of Great Lakes Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (Tribal AIS Plans). The deadline to apply is December 31, 2024. For more information, please visit grants.gov.
U.S. Department of Transportation
The Federal Highway Administration is providing nearly $24 million in total funding to construct, reconstruct, or rehabilitate nationally significant Federal Lands and Tribal transportation projects. The deadline to apply is October 16, 2024. For more information, please visit grants gov.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Tribal and Territory Grants program is providing $9 million in total funding to federally recognized Tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) to incentivize and accelerate the upgrading or retirement of the nation’s legacy diesel engine fleet. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2024. For more information, please visit grants.gov.
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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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