1. MUST READ: Native Co-Owned Accounting Firm Launches to Strengthen Financial Stewardship for Tribal and Public Sector Clients
Grinding Rock CPAs and Advisors (Grinding Rock CPAs) proudly announces its official launch as a trusted provider of financial audit, assurance, and advisory solutions for tribal governments, tribal enterprises, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations.
A Native American and minority-owned accounting firm, Grinding Rock CPAs is uniquely structured through shared ownership between the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and service providers with over 30 years of experience. This partnership blends deep cultural understanding with top-tier financial expertise, creating a firm that is both community-driven and client-focused.
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, through its Section 17 Development Corporation Acorn Enterprises, holds a direct ownership role under the leadership of Chairwoman Regina Cuellar. “Our community has long prioritized financial independence and self-determination,” said Chairwoman Cuellar. “Launching Grinding Rock CPAs is a powerful next step in strengthening tribal financial sovereignty. By combining cultural insight with financial excellence, we are building a lasting legacy for our people and the communities we serve.”
Source: pr.com / Grinding Rock CPAs
2. CONFERENCE: Download the Digital Navigator Magazine
NAFOA’s conference magazine, the NAFOA Navigator, features over 100 pages of articles, policy reports, speaker listings, spotlights on featured member tribes, congressional calendars, exhibit hall listings, and much more.
3. MUST READ: New Data Showcase the Breadth of Tribally Owned Businesses
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
An established and growing body of research sheds light on how businesses owned by Native entities are a key means of economic development for Native communities. Native entity-owned businesses bolster local economies. Some are major local employers, creating job opportunities for tribal citizens and non-citizens. And Native entities’ business activities in sectors including gaming and federal contracting have positive spillover impacts for non-Native economies.
Article Highlights
- First-of-their-kind snapshot data enable new research about businesses owned by tribal governments
- Tribally owned businesses are located throughout the United States
- Tribes’ business holdings span sectors and decades
Source: Center for Indian Country Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
4. GRANT OPPORTUNITIES: Native Youth Summer Camp Grants
The Association on American Indian Affairs offers funding for Tribes and Native-run organizations that use innovative activities which intertwine the old with the new to strengthen traditional cultural knowledge and teach skills to live healthy and productive lifestyle. Applications for funding are based on the following required criteria:
- The camp must provide summer programming to Native Youth up to 18 years of age and be inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ2S+ Native youth;
- The program must include education on diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and/or other health and wellness topics;
- The program should include education on culture, language and community advocacy;
- The program should involve Native Elders and/or have active community involvement; and
- The camp must follow safety and security protocols and procedures to protect and care for the youth and Elders, including maintaining social distancing and mask wearing when needed, and provide education for hand washing, and how infectious disease can spread.
Source: Association on American Indian Affairs
5. JOBS: Attorney General, Catawba Indian Nation
The Attorney General is responsible for protecting all Tribal assets, defending the integrity of the Tribe, assisting and advising all Tribal entities in their pursuit of progress on behalf of Tribal citizens, and managing and providing legal services and representation to the Tribe, its Tribal Government, and its Tribal Entities. In addition, the Attorney General will work on developing Tribal Codes and supervising outside counsel. This position supports the CIN Mission by being a leader in the Legal Services Department that seeks to protect the interest and sovereignty of the Catawba Indian Nation and promote collective and individual self-sufficiency of the Catawba people.
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