“We’re all fighting for our people.” Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris James

Insight in Indian Country Podcast

Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice

Episode 58 – “We’re all fighting for our people.” Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris James

For 55 years, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has been a cornerstone of small business growth, federal procurement support, and economic advocacy across Indian Country — serving approximately 4,000 clients from Maine to Alaska. In this episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Chris James, President and CEO of NCAIED, to explore the organization’s mission, the state of Tribal economic diversification, and what the next decade could look like for Native communities.

Chris speaks candidly about the role gaming has played as a transformational economic driver — and why Tribes are increasingly looking beyond it to federal contracting, technology, agriculture, tourism, and citizen entrepreneurship. He also digs into NCAIED’s 40 Under 40 program, which has recognized over 600 Native leaders since 2009 for both professional achievement and community service, and reflects on what “Rising Together” means for collective advocacy and the long-term strength of Tribal economies.

Is your Tribe exploring new avenues for economic growth or enterprise development?

Connect with REDW’s Tribal advisory team to explore how we can support your Nation’s goals.

Chapters

• 00:34 – About Chris James and NCAIED
• 02:52 – RES and the Momentum of Indian Country
• 05:42 – Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming
• 09:09 – Tracking Data and Partnering for Insight
• 11:50 – The 40 Under 40 Program and Community Leadership
• 15:19 – “Rising Together”: Advocacy, Sovereignty, and the Future of Tribal Economies

Takeaways

• NCAIED has served Indian Country for 55 years through technical assistance, small business development, procurement programs, and advocacy — supporting approximately 4,000 clients nationwide across six regional offices.
• The Reservation Economic Summit (RES) reflects the broader momentum of Indian Country economies — bringing together entrepreneurs, Tribal enterprises, and major buyers for matchmaking, training, and networking on a national scale.
• Gaming has been a foundational economic driver for many Tribal communities, but diversification into federal contracting, technology, agriculture, sports ownership, tourism, and citizen-led entrepreneurship is increasingly central to long-term growth.
• NCAIED partners with the Minneapolis Fed’s Center for Indian Country Development to track economic trends, and surveys Tribal leaders and businesses to capture the real-world impact of federal policy shifts.
• NCAIED’s 40 Under 40 program has honored 600+ Native leaders since 2009, recognizing not just professional accomplishment but active community involvement — and its alumni are now leading rooms and shaping advocacy across Indian Country.
• “Rising Together” means Tribal organizations don’t need to agree on everything — but shared commitment to sovereignty, culture, language preservation, and the wellbeing of future generations is a unifying force.

REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs.

Meet Your Host

Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA

REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader

As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee, and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

More from Insight in Indian Country

• “No is a complete sentence.” | Breaking the Need to Explain Yourself
  A REDW HR Consulting duo brings their standing-room-only WEWIN National Conference session to the podcast — practical tools for confidence, boundaries, and voice in Indigenous women’s leadership.
• REDW to Speak at the 2026 WEWIN National Conference
  REDW is heading to Tulsa for the 2026 WEWIN National Conference, where Jessica Goodfox and Taryn Reynolds will lead a workshop on confidence, boundaries, and voice for Indigenous women in leadership.
• REDW to Exhibit and Present at the 2026 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference
  REDW will exhibit and present at the 2026 OIGA Conference, July 20–22 in Oklahoma City. Visit Booth #517 and join Kandi Link’s panel on casino accounting and audits.
• Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?
  By Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, REDW Senior Human Resources Consultant,and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, HRC Business Partner, REDW Oklahoma’s labor market is among the fastest-growing in the country —… Read more: Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?
• REDW to Present and Exhibit at the 2026 UNITY National Conference for Native Youth
  REDW is proud to participate in this year’s Conference in Oklahoma City, July 10-14, supporting Native youth leadership and financial literacy through an interactive workshop and on-site engagement.