President’s Message – October 2023
Osiyo, and thank you for your continued interest in and support of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. We are in the middle of planning and preparing for the 2024 Reservation Economic Summit, which we expect to be the biggest and best yet. There will be more than 100 sessions covering all aspects of Indian Country’s economy, an unparalleled trade show, and a speaking lineup that you don’t want to miss. Plus, you can help shape RES. Have an idea for a speaker or session? Submit it through our portal!
Registration is now open, with low rates still available. What are you waiting for? Secure your spot today!
We will also celebrate the 2024 Class of the Native American 40 Under 40 awards at RES. We just opened nominations for the 2024 class. Know of a deserving honoree under the age of 40 who has made significant contributions to their tribe, community, or profession? Please feel free to submit their nomination for consideration by December 1.
And finally, the fourth edition of NC Magazine will be issued in conjunction with RES 2024. NC Magazine tells Indian Country’s story – its positive story – with deep dives into the people, tribes, businesses, and organizations leading our community. Of course, the magazine would not be possible with support from our advertisers. If interested in securing a spot in the upcoming edition, reach out to Carla Ghafari at carla@ncaied.org or try our office number at 602-325-8554. You can also learn more in the NC Magazine media kit.
October and November are big months for Indian Country. On the 9th, we celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While we still have a long way to go, 17 states, Washington, DC, and more than 100 cities across the United States officially observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For the third consecutive year, President Biden signed a proclamation marking the occasion. The week before the holiday, members of the U.S. House and Senate introduced legislation to formally declare the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I am heartened at the growing belief that America’s Indigenous people deserve their own holiday to celebrate all they have contributed to the country – and the world.
The momentum on Indigenous People’s Day leads into November, which is Native American Heritage Month. We are always excited to join with all of Indian Country in celebrating this very important month. We wish you and your family a very happy upcoming Native American Heritage Month, and hope to see you at a National Center event soon.
Chris James
President and CEO
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development