Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe is a landmark Supreme Court case centered around the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), which enables Tribes to enter into contracts with the Federal Government to operate their own health programs. The court’s recent decision in favor of the San Carlos Apache Tribe affirmed the government’s obligation to fully fund these contracts, including paying contract support costs. To dive deeper into the case and its impact for Indian Country, host and REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wesley Benally welcomes Kevin Cronk, CPA, and Lloyd B. Miller of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Miller & Monkman, LLP to the podcast.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction to the Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe Ruling
- 04:14 – The Importance of Contract Support Costs for Tribal Self-Determination
- 06:33 – Documentation Challenges and Tips for Making Successful Claims
- 15:03 – Expanding Programs and Negotiating Better Terms with Federal Agencies
Takeaways
- The recent Supreme Court ruling in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe is a significant win for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
- Contract support costs are crucial for Tribes operating health programs under self-determination, as they cover the overhead expenses of running the program.
- Tribes should gather the necessary documentation, such as indirect cost agreements, proposals, and amendments, to support their claims for contract support costs.
- The ruling provides an opportunity for Tribes to negotiate better terms with federal agencies and expand their programs to better serve their communities.
- Tribes should consult with legal counsel to ensure their claims are properly prepared and comply with the requirements of the Contract Disputes Act.
At REDW, we’re proud to serve Tribes as they recoup healthcare contract support costs (CSC) as a result of this landmark Supreme Court decision.
Contact our National Tribal Practice leadership team, Wesley Benally or Victor Flores, to start a conversation or ask a question.
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
- “We’re all fighting for our people.” Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris JamesChris 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.
- Spring 2026 Single Audit ReadinessIf your organization receives federal funding — whether you’re a Tribal government, local government, or nonprofit — 2026 is a year to pay close attention to your Single Audit readiness.
- NAFOA 44th Annual ConferenceREDW is proud to return as a Gold Sponsor of NAFOA’s Spring Conference, taking place April 27–28 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Join us as we connect with tribal leaders and industry experts to discuss the economic issues shaping Indian Country — and don’t miss REDW Principal and Cybersecurity expert John W. Graham’s session, “What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments,” on April 28.
- “We’ve got to generate revenue for the nation.” How DDC Is Winning in Federal IT for the Navajo Nation with Austin TsosieWhat does it look like when a Tribally-owned enterprise deliberately goes off the reservation to generate economic returns for its Nation? Austin Tsosie, CEO of DinĂ© Development Corporation (DDC) — the Navajo Nation’s 8A federal contracting arm — joins host Wes Benally to answer exactly that.
- REDW Advisors & CPAs Welcomes Soaring Bird Solutions, Expanding Advisory Services to Tribal Nations and EnterprisesSoaring Bird Solutions, LLC has joined the firm through a strategic acquisition, integrating its operations into REDW’s national advisory platform. Through this partnership, REDW will expand its capabilities in supporting Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises, particularly in the areas of human resources strategy, leadership development, and organizational consulting.
