Insight in Indian Country

Hosted by REDW Advisors & CPAs

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Aug 2026

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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. Gain expertise on building bright futures futures with our trusted advisors. Press play on your commute or coffee break!

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August 14, 2026Episode 6221 min

"I'm not waving the white flag." 🏳️Soaring Bird & the Road to TL&M w/ Karla Bylund

Send us Fan Mail Earlier this year, Soaring Bird Solutions — a name well known across Indian Country for its Tribal-focused HR consulting — joined REDW, uniting founder Karla Bylund with REDW's HR Consulting Practice Leader, Cristin Heyns. In this episode, Wes Benally sits down with Karla to trace that journey: the meaning behind her Potawatomi name, Pneshi Bmashi ("Bird Who Soars"); the gap in HR knowledge across Indian Country that led her to found Soaring Bird Solutions in 2015; and what led her, after a decade serving Tribal governments, casinos, enterprises, and nonprofits, to bring that work into REDW's broader advisory platform. The conversation turns to what's ahead: REDW's Tribal Leadership & Management (TL&M) Conference in Las Vegas — a gathering Karla co-founded to bring authentic, Tribally grounded training in leadership, governance, HR, and more to Tribal council members, administrators, and executives. Curious what expanded Tribal HR support could look like for your organization? Connect with REDW's Tribal HR Consulting team to learn more. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Karla Bylund and the Soaring Bird Story 01:14 – The Meaning Behind "Bird Who Soars" and Karla's Path into Tribal HR 02:23 – Starting Soaring Bird Solutions in 2015 to Close a Gap in Tribal HR 04:49 – The Toughest HR Challenges in Indian Country 07:31 – Why Karla Joined REDW: Capacity, Continuity, and Shared Values 09:12 – Working with an Expanded Consulting Bench 13:04 – Introducing the Tribal Leadership & Management (TL&M) Conference 16:03 – What Attendees Can Expect from TL&M 19:00 – Closing Thoughts and the Exclusive Registration Discount for Listeners Tribal HR Support, Backed by a Full Advisory Bench Whether you've worked with Karla and her team for years or you're just getting to know REDW, Tribal organizations now have access to trusted HR consulting alongside REDW's full suite of services — audit, tax, compensation, cybersecurity, and more. Learn more about REDW's Tribal HR Consulting practice , and use code REDWPOD26 to register for this year's TL&M Conference before the extended Early Bird deadline at the end of August. The 4th annual Tribal Leadership & Management Conference is October 14 – 15 , 2026 | South Point Hotel & Casino | Las Vegas, NV. REGISTER BY AUG 31! ➡️ https://whova.com/portal/registration/VBG0F3LdQig8nSuY3b78/ ] 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

August 6, 2026Episode 6118 min

"No is a complete sentence." 🗣️ Breaking the Need to Explain Yourself with Jessica Goodfox & Taryn Reynolds

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Insight in Indian Country, REDW HR Consulting Business Partner Jessica Goodfox sits down with Senior HR Consultant Taryn Reynolds to revisit their session at the 2026 WEWIN National Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma — "Breaking the Need to Explain Yourself: Confidence, Boundaries, and Voice for Indigenous Women." What started as a breakout session filled to standing room only became a candid, packed-room conversation about the pressure many Indigenous women feel to over-explain, soften their message, or justify their boundaries in professional and community spaces. Jessica and Taryn share what stood out from the room, walk through their "Rewrite the Script" exercise for turning over-apologetic responses into clear, respectful ones, and unpack how cultural values of humility and respect can coexist with self-advocacy and a clear voice. Grab your companion permission slips and worksheet HERE and get ready to build a healthier communication culture in your organization with REDW's HR Consulting team. 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

May 14, 2026Episode 6023 min

"Tribal finance is much more than just budgeting." 🎓Inside OSU's Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate with Lindsey Ray

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to truly prepare a professional to work in Tribal finance and governance? For Lindsey Ray, Senior Tribal Programs Manager at Oklahoma State University, the answer started with a needs assessment, a gap in the market, and a partnership that grew into something much bigger than anyone expected. In this episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Lindsey to explore the origin and evolution of OSU's Introductory Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate — a program that has now reached participants from 258 Tribes and enterprises across 32 states. Lindsey shares how the program grew from a hand-selected pilot cohort of 20 Oklahoma Tribal professionals in 2018 to a nationally recognized resource offered in both in-person and online formats, and how REDW became a core partner in developing and facilitating nearly a third of its sessions. The conversation goes beyond program logistics to ask a harder question: why do traditional accounting and MBA programs leave so many professionals underprepared for the realities of Tribal finance? Lindsey's answer — that Tribal finance is tied to sovereignty, governance, federal regulations, and long-term economic development in ways that mainstream curricula simply don't address — is the heart of why this certificate exists. Whether you're an entry-level accounting professional, an elected Tribal leader, or a CIO realizing that financial literacy gaps are showing up in your meetings, this episode makes a compelling case for education that's built specifically for Indian Country. Chapters · 01:06 - Why the OSU Program Keeps Coming Up Across Indian Country · 01:36 - The Origin: A Needs Assessment, a Training Gap, and NAFOA · 02:58 - From Oklahoma Pilot to National Program · 05:41 - Online vs. In-Person: What Each Format Offers · 10:01 - Who Should Attend — and Who's Actually Showing Up · 13:52 - Why Traditional Programs Fall Short for Tribal Finance · 16:09 - The Intentional Mix of Faculty, Practitioners, and Legal Experts · 18:32 - How Participants Stay Connected After the Program Ends · 20:25 - The Real Impact of Earning a Certificate Does your Tribal organization need advisors who bring hands-on Tribal finance experience to every engagement? Connect with REDW's National Tribal Practice to learn how our team supports Tribal governments and enterprises with training, advisory, and financial services tailored to your nation's unique needs. 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

April 25, 2026Episode 5910 min

"Lead with Curiosity." 🛡️ NAFOA Session Preview: Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments with John Graham

Send us Fan Mail Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue — it's a leadership issue. In this special session preview, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with REDW Principal John Graham, CISA, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, ahead of the NAFOA 44th Annual Spring Conference in Reno, Nevada. John offers Tribal leaders a new way to think about cyber risk — one rooted in stewardship, sovereignty, and sound decision-making. He shares how Tribal governments can build resilience before an incident strikes, what tends to go wrong when one does, and why data — from financial systems to recorded language — deserves to be protected like any other tribal asset. On April 28, 2026, John will join a panel of cybersecurity experts for What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments at NAFOA 2026. Don't miss it. Learn more about REDW at NAFOA 2026. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: John Graham and the NAFOA Panel 01:04 - Reframing Cybersecurity as a Leadership Conversation 02:53 - When Incidents Spiral: Leadership Disconnects During a Cyber Event 06:06 - Stewardship, Sovereignty, and Tribal Data as an Asset 08:26 - What John Hopes Leaders Take Away from NAFOA 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

April 15, 2026Episode 5819 min

"We're all fighting for our people." 🌱 Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris James

Send us Fan Mail 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 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

March 19, 2026Episode 5728 min

"We've got to generate revenue for the nation." 🌐 How DDC Is Winning in Federal IT for the Navajo Nation with Austin Tsosie

Send us Fan Mail What 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 Diné Development Corporation (DDC) — the Navajo Nation's 8A federal contracting arm — joins host Wes Benally to answer exactly that. Over 21 years, DDC has grown from a council-inspired idea to a mid-tier federal IT powerhouse operating in 30 states and five countries with over 700 employees. Austin shares the thinking behind DDC's diversification strategy, their bold AI-first approach that tripled proposal output, the Navajo Career Pathways Program and Navajo Leadership Academy, and how DDC defines success beyond the bottom line. Is your Tribal enterprise looking to build sustainable economic development strategies and strengthen organizational governance? Reach out to REDW's Tribal advisory team to learn how our trusted advisors support Tribal Nations in building lasting financial and operational strength. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Austin Tsosie and Diné Development Corporation 02:30 - DDC's Mission: Off-Reservation Federal Contracting for the Navajo Nation 05:00 - Diversifying Across IT, Environmental Engineering, and Professional Services 08:45 - Embracing AI: DDC's AI-First Strategy and 20+ Custom AI Enablers 12:50 - Hiring Navajo Talent: Challenges and the Navajo Career Pathways Program 16:20 - The Navajo Leadership Academy: Building Future Board Members 18:40 - Measuring Success: Beyond Revenue to Community Contribution 22:10 - The Reservation Economic Summit and Trusted Tribal Partnerships Takeaways DDC was created by the Navajo Nation Council to separate business from politics and pursue federal contracts off-reservation — generating revenue and bringing it home for Tribal economic development. Deliberate diversification across IT services, environmental engineering, and professional services helps DDC navigate shifts in government spending across administrations. DDC has adopted an AI-first strategy company-wide — deploying 20+ AI enablers and increasing proposal output by 2.5 to 3x, enabling the organization to respond to over $1 billion in proposals in a single year. Building a Navajo workforce in federal contracting requires intentional programming; DDC's Navajo Career Pathways Program and Navajo Leadership Academy are actively addressing talent development and governance pipeline challenges. DDC measures success not only in financial metrics but in contributions to the Navajo economy — including jobs, dividends, partnerships with Navajo businesses, and culturally significant milestones like the Navajo Code Talker building in Dayton, Ohio. 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

November 17, 2025Episode 5643 min

"It's their country and you got to respect that." 🤝 Leadership & Cultural Respect with Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Native American Heritage Month, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation for a profound conversation about leadership, cultural respect, and the journey that shaped one of Indian Country's most experienced leaders. Chief Standing Bear, now in his third term as Osage Nation Principal Chief, shares his remarkable path from University of Oklahoma law student during the American Indian Movement era to becoming general counsel of the Muscogee Creek Nation in his late twenties. He recounts his involvement in filing the first federal Indian gaming case in Oklahoma in November 1984, his work with multiple Tribes, and his service as General Counsel to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The conversation explores the cultural teachings that guide his leadership, the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with experienced advisors, and the critical need to understand and respect each Tribe's unique sovereignty, traditions, and ways of connecting with the sacred. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 01:25 - The Path to Leadership 02:53 - University Days and the American Indian Movement 05:03 - Law School and Early Career 07:22 - The First Indian Gaming Cases in Oklahoma 09:12 - Cultural Teachings and Finding Your Way Home 15:32 - Building the Osage Nation 21:45 - Economic Development and Diversification 28:18 - Healthcare and Community Services 35:45 - Election Integrity and Tribal Governance 40:45 - Respect First A Message for Native American Heritage Month - As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Chief Standing Bear's wisdom reminds us that true partnership with Indian Country begins with genuine respect and understanding. Each Tribal Nation has its own constitution, culture, and sacred traditions that deserve our time and attention to learn about properly. Whether you're a business advisor, service provider, or community partner, remember that you're entering their country and are there to help—not to impose. This kind of respect, paired with REDW's deep commitment to serving Tribal Nations with integrity and cultural understanding, creates the foundation for meaningful, lasting partnerships. 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

October 3, 2025Episode 5530 min

"Treating our patients as relatives." 💚 Building Sage Memorial Hospital's Future with Melinda White

Send us Fan Mail Sage Memorial Hospital's journey from a four-room adobe building in 1911 to a state-of-the-art healthcare facility represents more than a century of serving the Ganado community. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally welcomes Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital, to discuss the hospital's remarkable transformation and its commitment to blending Western medicine with traditional Navajo healing practices. Melinda, who was born at Sage and returned as CEO three years ago, shares how the hospital is redefining healthcare in Indian Country—from building sweat lodges and hiring traditional healers to implementing cutting-edge technology and expanding critical services like ICU, dialysis, and elder care. She discusses workforce challenges, the importance of keeping patients close to home, and the vision for continued growth while maintaining the strong foundation of traditional values. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 01:03 - Melinda's Background and Connection to Sage Memorial Hospital 03:54 - The History: From 1911 Mission to Modern Healthcare 08:47 - Incorporating Traditional Values in Modern Care 12:34 - Innovation and Modernizing Healthcare Delivery 15:55 - Workforce Challenges and Hiring the Right People 19:49 - Patient Stories and Keeping Families Closer to Home 23:16 - Measuring Success: KPIs and Quality Indicators 26:55 - Vision for the Next 5-10 Years Takeaways At Sage Memorial Hospital, traditional healing programs, including sweat lodges, medicine men/women, and future hooghan construction, are being integrated with Western medical care. The new facility achieved a complete transition to paperless operations with comprehensive electronic health records encompassing clinical and financial systems. Key expansion services include ICU, inpatient dialysis, swing beds, elder care facilities, and future plans for labor and delivery and surgical units. The hospital's core mission focuses on reducing patient transfers and keeping families closer to home, lessening the financial and emotional burden of traveling to distant facilities. Quality initiatives are measured through hospital-wide KPIs across four pillars: finance, community, people (HR), and quality. Quality Services. Quality Outcomes. REDW was honored to support Sage Memorial Hospital's transformation through our Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS), Business Valuation , and Risk Advisory expertise . This journey demonstrates a powerful truth: investing in quality advisory services yields the best return. If your tribal healthcare organization is navigating growth or transformation, our team is here to help. 👉 Connect with Wes 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

October 2, 2025Episode 5434 min

"It's about meeting the needs of the community." 🔄 Strengthening Revenue Cycles in Tribal Healthcare with Melissa Goad

Send us Fan Mail Revenue cycle management isn't just a back-office operation—it's a strategic tool for strengthening care delivery in Tribal communities. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Melissa C. Goad, CRCR, CPA, MBA, a healthcare finance veteran with 30 years of experience spanning both payer and provider perspectives. Melissa shares her transformative journey as CFO of a 638 Tribal Healthcare Facility on the Navajo Reservation, where she led a comprehensive revenue cycle optimization initiative that delivered a tenfold return on investment. From fixing data flow challenges and reducing denials by up to a third, to implementing culturally sensitive front-end operations and embracing industry best practices, Melissa's insights offer a practical roadmap for Tribal healthcare organizations looking to maximize reimbursements and close gaps in care. Her approach? Take it layer by layer, build cross-functional teams, and remember that optimizing revenue cycles ultimately means securing the resources needed to serve the community better. Chapters · 00:00 - Introduction and Melissa's Healthcare Background · 02:05 - The Importance of Revenue Cycle Management · 04:45 - Assessing Opportunities in Tribal Healthcare Settings · 06:36 - Embracing Industry Best Practices · 12:24 - Denials Management and Registration Challenges · 17:37 - Data Flow and EHR Customization Issues · 20:13 - The Power of Cross-Functional Teams · 25:05 - Cultural Considerations in Tribal Healthcare Takeaways · Revenue cycle optimization is about ensuring continuity of care and honoring commitments to the community, not just financial health. · Tribal healthcare facilities face unique challenges including geographic isolation, staffing limitations, complex billing regulations like the All-Inclusive Rate (AIR), and often inadequate technology. · Starting with a thorough assessment before implementing changes prevents costly assumptions and builds a strong foundation for improvement. · Registration is one of the most critical points in the revenue cycle—if data starts wrong, it ends wrong. · Cross-functional teams that include both clinical and revenue cycle staff are essential for identifying and fixing denial patterns. · Cultural sensitivity in patient-facing operations, including language support and understanding Tribal-specific requirements like CBI collection, strengthens both patient experience and reimbursement accuracy. · Organizations can expect to see returns within 6 months of implementing systematic fixes, with some facilities achieving tenfold ROI on revenue cycle investments. Ready to Strengthen Your Revenue Cycle? Whether you're considering a 638 transition or looking to improve existing operations, connect with REDW's Tribal healthcare advisors to explore how we can help strengthen your organization's financial health and expand care for your community. 👉 Learn more about 638 Healthcare Transition Support 👉 Explore Accounting Advisory Services 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website

October 1, 2025Episode 5335 min

"It's fascinating and very rewarding, frankly." 💰 How 105(l) Leases Are Transforming in Indian Country with Geoff Strommer

Send us Fan Mail The 105(l) lease program has become one of the most transformative funding mechanisms available to Tribal Nations—but it's widely misunderstood. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Geoff Strommer, partner at Hobbs Straus Dean Walker, to demystify this critical provision of the Indian Self-Determination Act. Despite the name, 105(l) "leases" aren't leases at all in the traditional sense—they're funding agreements that enable Tribes to receive resources for maintaining, repairing, and even constructing healthcare and administrative facilities. Geoff, who litigated the landmark Maniilaq cases that established Tribes' rights to fully funded 105(l) agreements, shares the fascinating journey from dormant statutory provision to nearly $1 billion in total lease value across Indian Country. Learn about the three compensation methodologies, how Tribes are using projected 105(l) revenue to finance major new construction projects, and what barriers (and opportunities) exist in this evolving landscape. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Geoff’s Background in Tribal Law 02:44 - What Are 105(l) Leases? Breaking Down the Basics 06:46 - The Landmark Maniilaq Litigation Cases 16:19 - Establishing Mandatory Lease Requirements 17:15 - Three Compensation Methodologies Explained 24:34 - Barriers and Negotiation Issues 28:44 - Congressional Appropriations and Future Sustainability 31:31 - Looking Forward: Financing New Facilities Takeaways 105(l) leases are funding agreements, not traditional leases—the federal government transfers funds to Tribes for facility maintenance and operations The Maniilaq litigation established that 105(l) leases are mandatory, not discretionary, and must be fully funded Three compensation methodologies exist: fair market appraisal, hybrid appraisal, and cost reimbursement Nearly $1 billion in total 105(l) lease value has been achieved across Indian Country in recent years Tribes are now using projected 105(l) revenue streams to finance new construction projects, transforming the facilities landscape From Legal Right to Financial Reality Geoff and his team at Hobbs Straus Dean Walker establish the legal framework for 105(l) leases —REDW helps you put that framework into action. Our 638 Healthcare Transition Support team guides Tribes through self-governance transitions, while our Advisory & Accounting specialists help you document costs, prepare lease proposals, and build financial packages that leverage 105(l) revenue streams for new facility construction. Ready to turn 105(l) opportunities into reality? Reach out to learn how we can help you maximize available resources. 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. Thanks for listening! 👉 Visit our website