Insight in Indian Country

Hosted by REDW Advisors & CPAs

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

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 MailWhat 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 MailCybersecurity 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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction: John Graham and the NAFOA Panel01:04 - Reframing Cybersecurity as a Leadership Conversation02:53 - When Incidents Spiral: Leadership Disconnects During a Cyber Event06:06 - Stewardship, Sovereignty, and Tribal Data as an Asset08:26 - What John Hopes Leaders Take Away from NAFOAREDW 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 MailFor 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. Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:34 – About Chris James and NCAIED02:52 – RES and the Momentum of Indian Country05:42 – Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming09:09 – Tracking Data and Partnering for Insight11:50 – The 40 Under 40 Program and Community Leadership15:19 – "Rising Together": Advocacy, Sovereignty, and the Future of Tribal EconomiesTakeawaysNCAIED 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 MailWhat 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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Austin Tsosie and Diné Development Corporation02:30 - DDC's Mission: Off-Reservation Federal Contracting for the Navajo Nation05:00 - Diversifying Across IT, Environmental Engineering, and Professional Services08:45 - Embracing AI: DDC's AI-First Strategy and 20+ Custom AI Enablers12:50 - Hiring Navajo Talent: Challenges and the Navajo Career Pathways Program16:20 - The Navajo Leadership Academy: Building Future Board Members18:40 - Measuring Success: Beyond Revenue to Community Contribution22:10 - The Reservation Economic Summit and Trusted Tribal PartnershipsTakeawaysDDC 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 MailIn 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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome01:25 - The Path to Leadership02:53 - University Days and the American Indian Movement05:03 - Law School and Early Career07:22 - The First Indian Gaming Cases in Oklahoma09:12 - Cultural Teachings and Finding Your Way Home15:32 - Building the Osage Nation21:45 - Economic Development and Diversification28:18 - Healthcare and Community Services35:45 - Election Integrity and Tribal Governance40:45 - Respect FirstA 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 MailSage 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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome01:03 - Melinda's Background and Connection to Sage Memorial Hospital03:54 - The History: From 1911 Mission to Modern Healthcare08:47 - Incorporating Traditional Values in Modern Care12:34 - Innovation and Modernizing Healthcare Delivery15:55 - Workforce Challenges and Hiring the Right People19:49 - Patient Stories and Keeping Families Closer to Home23:16 - Measuring Success: KPIs and Quality Indicators26:55 - Vision for the Next 5-10 YearsTakeawaysAt 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 WesREDW 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 MailRevenue 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 HealthcareTakeaways· 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 ServicesREDW 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 MailThe 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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Geoff’s Background in Tribal Law02:44 - What Are 105(l) Leases? Breaking Down the Basics06:46 - The Landmark Maniilaq Litigation Cases16:19 - Establishing Mandatory Lease Requirements17:15 - Three Compensation Methodologies Explained24:34 - Barriers and Negotiation Issues28:44 - Congressional Appropriations and Future Sustainability31:31 - Looking Forward: Financing New FacilitiesTakeaways105(l) leases are funding agreements, not traditional leases—the federal government transfers funds to Tribes for facility maintenance and operationsThe Maniilaq litigation established that 105(l) leases are mandatory, not discretionary, and must be fully fundedThree compensation methodologies exist: fair market appraisal, hybrid appraisal, and cost reimbursementNearly $1 billion in total 105(l) lease value has been achieved across Indian Country in recent yearsTribes are now using projected 105(l) revenue streams to finance new construction projects, transforming the facilities landscapeFrom Legal Right to Financial RealityGeoff 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

September 22, 2025Episode 5221 min

"People are keeping a close eye on HR in Indian Country." 👁️‍🗨️ Navigating Employee Voice & Cultural Competency with Taryn Reynolds & Jessica Goodfox

Send us Fan MailEmployee voice is transforming HR practices across Indian Country, creating both opportunities and challenges for Tribal organizations. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, from REDW's Human Resource Consulting team to discuss the heightened focus on HR accountability, proper documentation practices, and the unique cultural considerations that shape Tribal workplace policies. From developing bereavement policies that honor four-day traditional burial practices to managing investigations in close-knit communities where "everyone knows everyone," Taryn and Jessica share practical insights for HR professionals navigating these complex dynamics. They also preview their upcoming presentations at the NNAHRA Conference, including executive coaching for HR practitioners and compensation clarity sessions.Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a new manager dealing with employee relations for the first time, this conversation offers valuable guidance on documentation best practices, cultural competency, and leveraging external expertise when needed.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome02:04 - The Rise of Employee Voice in Indian Country HR07:17 - Top Three Things for New Managers10:22 - Cultural Competency Beyond Buzzwords13:21 - NNAHRA Conference Experience and Networking16:38 - What to Expect at NNAHRA 2025TakeawaysEmployee needs and investigations are increasing across Indian Country, requiring proper documentation and legal complianceHR professionals should document employee interactions immediately and avoid promising complete confidentiality during investigationsCultural competency in Tribal HR means aligning policies with traditional practices, such as four-day bereavement periods for burial ceremoniesThe NNAHRA Conference provides transformative networking opportunities and professional development for Tribal HR professionalsExternal HR consulting can help remove bias and provide objective investigation services in close-knit Tribal communitiesResourcesLearn how to design effective compensation strategies amid ongoing financial uncertainty in our latest blog, “Navigating Compensation: Creative Strategies Amid Uncertainty” | READ MOREDownload our FREE white paper, “Addressing Pay Compression: Strategies and Best Practices” | LEARN MORENNAHRA'S 29th Annual Conference - September 29 - October 1 - Pechanga Resort CasinoREDW's Human Resource Consulting team will be front and center at NNAHRA’s 29th Annual Conference with presentations on executive coaching and compensation clarity, plus our popular booth featuring chair massages and great swag. Stop by to learn how REDW can support your Tribal organization's HR needs. | Connect with REDW at NNAHRAREDW 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 28, 2025Episode 5131 min

“Nothing beats a warm welcome." 👍Innovating the Casino Experience with John James

Send us Fan MailJohn James, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), joins Wes Benally this episode to discuss the evolution of tribal gaming. They discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the industry. John shares insights on navigating economic uncertainty, balancing technology with team development, and the significance of non-gaming amenities in enhancing customer experiences. A must-listen for aspiring leaders in the gaming sector!Chapters· 01:18 - Evolution of Tribal Gaming Over the Decade· 04:53 - The Experience of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos· 08:25 - Customer-Centric Operations in Gaming· 11:54 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty in Gaming· 14:42 - The Role of Innovation in Gaming Operations· 17:32 - Balancing Technology and Team Development· 19:21 - Non-Gaming Amenities and Customer Experience· 25:01 - Future Trends in Tribal Gaming· 29:14 - Advice for Aspiring CEOs in the Gaming IndustryREDW 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