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IEED

Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development

2021 Native American Business Development Institute NABDI Grant Awards

FY 2021 NABDI grant awards were to conduct economic development feasibility studies and/or economic development business plans.

The Office of Indian Economic Development, Division of Economic Development, will manage the grant awards. The following Tribes have been awarded the 2021 NABDI grants:

2021 NABDI Grant Awards

  • Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria awarded $44,500 for a convenience store/gas station feasibility study.
  • Nulato Tribal Council Awarded $45,000 for a Tribally owned airline feasibility study.
  • Delaware Nation awarded $37,500 for an orchard and apiary products company feasibility study.
  • Oglala Sioux Tribe awarded $65,000 for a feasibility study for businesses for the Crazy Horse scenic byway.
  • Lower Brule Sioux Tribe awarded $48,000 for an aquaculture/aquaponics feasibility study.
  • Oneida Nation awarded $65,000 for a beef and buffalo production plant feasibility study.
  • Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia awarded $40,000 for an economic development through tribal enterprises feasibility study.
  • Walker River Paiute Tribe awarded $65,000 for a food sovereignty economic development feasibility study.
  • Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians awarded $45,000 for an economic development recovery feasibility study.
  • Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria awarded $45,000 for an economic feasibility and business plan.

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

What is the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant?

All economic endeavors pose some degree of risk.

By funding feasibility studies, the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant helps tribes weigh their risks to determine whether a project is worth pursuing and empower them to make informed decisions about their economic futures.

Results from studies can often help tribes persuade lenders and investors to provide financial backing to help turn their idea into a reality.

Application Process

The NABDI program is dependent on available funding, currently, there is no NABDi offerings for the forseeable future. Only Tribes and Tribal Organizations would be eligible for NABDI grants. Individual Native Members and Native owned Businesses are not eligible. Interested in the application process? Learn how.

Evaluation Criteria

A comprehensive NABDI proposal will include eligibility (Tribe or Tribal Organization only) and description how the potential project will create jobs and stimulate economic activity within a Native community. There are five categories that a review panel will use to evaluate and score NABDI proposals. The evaluation criterion is described in the NABDI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Past Recipients

Need Technical Assistance?

In addition to our grants, many of our in-house technical capabilities and expert services are available for FREE to tribes.

We’re committed to offering the technical support needed to assist tribes in exploring and developing economic resources to meet their long-term goals to support their people.

Contact:

Dennis A. Wilson, Jr.
Grant Management Specialist
(505) 917-3235
dennis.wilson@bia.gov

Additional Information

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20245
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

Apply for a NABDI Grant

The NABDI program is a competitive discretionary grant program dependent on available funding. They are not self-determination/638 contracts that are awarded through the Public Law 93-638 process and give a tribe authority over programs operated by the federal government for the tribe’s benefit.

Currently, there is no funding available for the foreseeable future for any planned NABDI offerings.

The OIED will not offer a NABDI grant for the forseeable future.

What You Need

All NABDI proposals must meet eligibility requirements (Tribes, not Individuals or Native owned businesses) and include all documents/mandatory components listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). All applicants must complete the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424, version 4.

Please read the NOFO thoroughly to understand the application process and what is required.

To be considered for funding, you must submit all required forms for your application prior to the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered for ranking towards funding.

Any information submitted to NABDI becomes part of government records and may be subject to disclosure to third parties.

Fees

There is no cost to apply, but the Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs are not responsible for application preparation costs.

How to Apply

Submit Online

The required method of submitting proposals is through Grants.gov.

Next Steps

After we receive your application, we’ll send you a confirmation email within five business days.

Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant

Any future NABDI grant offerings are dependent on budget allocations. Currently, none are planned. Please check this webpage for current information. For more information about the FY 2022 previous grant offering, please visit our Announcement page on Grants.gov.

 

Congratulations to the FY 2022 NABDI Awardees!! The Awardees are listed below:

Native American Business Development Institute AwardeeProjectAward Amt.Description
Alabama –Coushatta Tribe of TexasPlanning for Economic Resiliency for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas$75,000.00The Planning for the Economic Resiliency of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas project is an economic development assessment, feasibility, and business planning project to catalyze the Tribal economy, job growth, and entrepreneurship. The comprehensive approach will explore assets and opportunities available to the Tribe and culminate in a plan to implement the most feasible strategies identified through the exploration process.
Bay Mills Indian CommunityBay Mills Indian Community Feasibility Study to Assess Economic Diversification Opportunities for Septic Services$75,000.00The Bay Mills Indian Community is performing a feasibility study to assess diversification opportunities for septic services to increase economic diversification. The project will look into the development of this opportunity, technical analysis and the project’s overall feasibility for the Bay Mills Indian Community to pursue.
Cherokee NationCherokee Nation Meat Processing Feasibility Study$75,000.00The project will undertake a feasibility study, along with the development of key elements for a business plan and marketing plan, for a new Tribal business venture. Cherokee Nation views this enterprise as a mechanism to strengthen our outreach of community services, in light of supply chain disruptions – particularly for affordable food - which arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which had a tremendous negative effect on Tribal citizens.
Coushatta Tribe of LouisianaCoushatta Tribe Ranch Feasibility Study$75,000.00The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will determine the feasibility and develop a market-based, investor quality business plan for the Coushatta Ranch. The goal is to redevelop the Coushatta Tribe Farm into a productive asset for the Tribe that serves as a highly desirable destination for visitors, creates employment opportunities for Tribal citizens, and generates profit that is reinvested into Tribal programs and services.
Pit River TribePit River Tribe requests BIA NABDI Grant Funds to Conduct a Technical and Financial Feasibility Study to Support a Decision on Forming a For-Profit, Tribal, Biomass Fuel Harvest and Supply Business$75,000.00The Tribe will conduct a detailed technical and financial feasibility study to support a decision on forming this business.
Soboba Band of Luiseno IndiansThe Soboba Economic Development Corporation Will Be Conducting a Feasibility Study in Preparation for Construction of a 10-Acre Controlled Environment Growing Facility$75,000.00The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians will be embarking on a climate-smart food sovereignty and nutrition security project for the Soboba Nation.
Kiowa Tribe of OklahomaTo Assist the Tribe with The Revitalization of Indian City Which Was Recently Put into Trust$73,665.00The purpose of this project is to undertake a market analysis and feasibility study to determine the highest and best use of the “Indian City” property. The overall goal of the Revitalization of the “Indian City” Property project is to establish an economic development enterprise which will honor the Kiowa Tribe, bring pride to our citizens and to create benefits for the Kiowa Tribe and our stakeholders.
Muscogee (Creek) NationMCN NABDI Feasibility Project$68,708.00This grant will support further economic development to help sustain our community in the future. Muscogee Creek Nation will utilize the funding to perform a project/market assessment and feasibility study of a parcel of land to determine the viable economic opportunity of the development of this location.
Burns Paiute TribeIdentifying and Planning for the Highest and Best Use of the Burnes Paiute Tribes Old Camp Property$65,750.00The Burnes Paiute Tribe seeks to determine how to best utilize their property to gain maximum economic impact from the development on the site. The Old Camp location presents an opportunity for the Tribe to develop a powerful new economic engine, this feasibility study will evaluate the site and provide recommendations.
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and NebraskaITKN GIS Business Plan$62,164.00With its GIS Development Plan, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska seeks to overcome the inadequacies of demographic research in Indian Country and embark on a new and innovative method to engage with business partners and other governments.
Delaware Nation Economic Development AuthorityFeasibility Study & Business Plan for DNEDA Medical Devise Distribution Business$60,300.00The Delaware Nation Economic Development Authority is exploring the possibility of entering the medical device distribution sector. In this study, The Delaware Nation Economic Development Authority wishes to determine the market opportunity, understand the segmentation within the overall market space, and determine what benefits may be available to Tribally-owned and Tribal 8(a) businesses. Based on the information, develop an actionable business plan and financial model that can be followed to establish a successful business that will generate revenues and job opportunities.
Kaibab Band of Paiute IndiansKaibab 90-Acre Commercial Corridor Travel Plaza Feasibility Study$59,700.00The feasibility study will provide professional technical assistance to help identify required levels of development, capital investment, equipment, staffing and operational needs for development of the proposed economic development enterprise.
Shinnecock Indian NationShinnecock Powwow Grounds Feasibility Study & Business Plan$58,752.00The Shinnecock Indian Nation’s project is part of the Nations recovery strategy from the impacts of COVID-19. The proposed project and scope of work for a feasibility study and business plan is for increased usage of the Nation’s Powwow Grounds for public events, tourism, and to generate additional revenue to support the Nation’s operations.
Resighini RancheriaThe “Marketplace 101” Feasibility Study$57,187.00The Resighini Rancheria will complete a feasibility study for a “Marketplace 101.” The project was selected by the Tribal Council as an economic development endeavor indicated in the Tribe’s Community Needs Assessment Survey.
Kickapoo Tribe of OklahomaInformation Technology (IT) Feasibility Study and Business Plan$43,774.00The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma will complete a business feasibility study to analyze the viability of creating a new Information Technology (IT) entity. The feasibility study will help realize the KTO’s economic future and distinguish real economic opportunities from investments that could fail. Once feasibility has been determined, business plan documents inclusive of operational and financial objectives will lead the Tribe to phase two – implementation.

All economic endeavors pose some degree of risk. By funding feasibility studies or business plans, the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant helps tribes and tribal organizations weigh their risks to determine whether a project is worth pursuing and empower them to make informed decisions about their economic futures.

Results from studies can often help tribes and tribal organizations persuade lenders and investors to provide financial backing to help turn their idea into a reality.

NABDI Feasibility Study Basics

A comprehensive NABDI proposal will include eligibility (Tribe or Tribal Organization only) and description how the potential project will create jobs and stimulate economic activity within a Native community. There are five categories that a review panel will use to evaluate and score NABDI proposals. The evaluation criterion is described in the NABDI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

What Would You Like to Do?

What You Need to Know

News

Success Stories

  • Hydaburg Cooperative Association in Alaska

    Hydaburg Cooperative Association in Alaska

    Findings from a study that we funded helped the Hydaburg Cooperative Association, one of two federally recognized Haida tribes in Alaska, secure a $600,000 Housing and Urban Development Indian Community Development Block Grant to construct a café/laundromat.
    Read more about the Hála Café

  • Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma

    Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma

    Our funding made it possible for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to open “Iron Horse,” the first American Indian-run rail line in the U.S.

    With our grant, the nation conducted a study to explore the viability of building an industrial park and restoring a 66-mile rail line to connect the greater Oklahoma City area with the rural southeastern quarter of Oklahoma. Results from the study allowed them to obtain $3,500,000 in financing to develop a 400-acre industrial park and $1,000,000 for repairs of an existing railroad bridge.

  • Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in Texas

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in Texas

    Funding from our grant provided Ysleta del Sur Pueblo with the opportunity to conduct an analysis and develop a reuse plan for the tribe’s recreation and wellness center. 

    Constructed in 2001, the tribe’s original 100,516 square-foot center was a state-of-the-art recreational facility in the El Paso metropolitan area which promoted exercise and healthy lifestyles for the tribal community. Most of the financial support for the facility came from revenue from the tribe’s Speaking Rock Casino, which was shut down in 2002 after a federal court decision.

...

Additional Information

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240

Borrower Success Story: Three Wolves Charters

“DCI ...was an incredible resource for our business. We cannot thank them enough for...ensuring we have all the support and resources necessary to navigate the program." Russell Dick, Owner

Snapshot

2016 Loan Guarantee
Business: Icy Strait Whale Adventures
Lender: First National Bank Alaska
Borrower: Three Wolves Charters, LLC
Amount Financed: $432,000
Location: Hoonah, Alaska
Tribal Area: Tlingit Clan of Hoonah

About

Three Wolves Charters LLC operates the touring company Icy Strait Whale Adventures. Their goal is to share the beauty and majesty of Haa Aaní, the homelands of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska. Sightseeing enthusiasts gain premier access to some of the best whale watching in the world while onboard Icy Strait Whale Adventures vessels.

The touring business was inspired by the late Albert Dick. “We have been dedicated to carrying on my father’s legacy,” said Russell Dick, Albert’s son. “We do that by sharing the love for the community of Hoonah and the rich culture and heritage of our Tlingit brothers and sisters.” Russell is a co-owner, along with his mother Jackie, and both are direct descendants of the Kaagwaantaan (Eagle/Wolf clan) Tlingit.

“Believe it or not, the highlight of our success is not financial,” Russell said. “The creation of jobs and building up employee capacity and skillsets has been wonderful. We’ve been able to watch deckhands grow to become experienced and certified 100-ton vessel captains.”

“The Division of Capital Investment assisted with our guaranteed loan and was an incredible resource for our business,” Russell said. “We cannot thank them enough for their service and ensuring we have all the support and resources necessary to navigate the program.”

Three Wolves Charters incidentally benefited from another guaranteed loan that Huna Totem Corporation used to construct a new cruise ship pier at Icy Strait Point. The dock allows for more cruise passengers to spend more time off the ship and seek touring activities. Since construction of the pier, Icy Strait Whale Adventures’ business has increased substantially with access to more passengers.

Additional Information

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

ILGP Borrower Success Story: Alaska Park LLC

"One of the greatest highlights has been our loyal customers. They love our attention to detail when it comes to their vehicles." -Alaska Park General Managager

Snapshot

2017 Loan Guarantee
Business: Alaska Park Valet Parking
Lender: Northrim Bank
BorrowerTanadgusix Corp (TDX)
Amount Financed: $11,000,000
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Tribal Area: St. Paul Island

About

Alaska Park, the only airport valet parking facility in Alaska, is owned by Tanadgusix Corporation (TDX), an Alaska Native Village corporation from St. Paul Island, Alaska. TDX built the parking valet facility on land once occupied by a depot that had become a community eyesore. Since 2013 Alaska Park has been providing upgraded parking services, including 24-hour security, an app that can order and track shuttle pick-up at the terminal, a rewards program, and a warmed-up, snow-free vehicle upon returning from trips.

TDX overcame challenges with marketing and establishing a loyal customer base for the business, and worked with the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) in 2017 to refinance an initial construction loan. TDX continues to invest in Alaska Park and its employees and customers, which has resulted in strong growth in per-night visits, repeat customers, and revenue.

“One of the greatest highlights has been our loyal customers. They love our attention to detail when it comes to their vehicles. Whether it’s cleaning cars off in the winter or offering car wash services in the summer, we always get enthusiastic responses from our customers,” says Andy Brinkman, general manager.

Additional Information

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

Tribal Infrastructure

We work with other federal agencies to support tribes with their construction, improvement, repair, and maintenance projects.

One of the many barriers to economic development in tribal communities is the lack of physical infrastructure.

We are committed to working with tribes to support and create new opportunities that can benefit their communities.

National Tribal Broadband Summit

Save the Date! September 17, 24 & October 1, 2021 | Virtual Summit and Register Today! Registration is open through September 30, 2021.

Today, more than ever before, access to reliable and affordable broadband service is critical to the health, wellbeing, and economic development of Tribal nations. The Biden Administration is making historic investments to broadband in rural and Tribal communities, and is committed to bringing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband to all Americans.  The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities. 

Learn more!

What Would You Like to Do?

What You Need to Know

News

Additional Information

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Contact Us

Division of Economic Development
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

Past Indigenous Tourism Projects

Through past partnerships with The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the George Washington University (GW) International Institute of Tourism Studies, the Pamplin College of Business at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and various Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHO), the OIED has supported a wide variety of indigenous tourism projects through its NATIVE Act implementation.

Information

ProjectState/RegionUniversity PartnerDescription
AIANTA "American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association"New Mexico N/AIn 2019, AIANTA was designated a coordinating partner, and charged with fulfillment of section 4353(d) of the Act, which calls for an “organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations” in order to “identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations” and to “provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance…” AIANTA coordinates consultations among DOI, Commerce, and indigenous populations to identify technical assistance needed to support the NATIVE Act. These efforts include providing a means to deliver technical assistance and identifying opportunities to collaborate. AIANTA's efforts integrate federal tourism assets to strengthen native tourism opportunities, cultivate Native American tourism and enhance tourism branding.
Historic Preservation Field Training through Stewardship Projects with NHOsHawaiʻiHistoric Hawaiʻi FoundationBuild capacity of NHOs for historic preservation to ensuring that their traditional cultural stories and places are documented, preserved and shared with visitors
Restore and Utilize ʻOiwi Spatial DataHawaiʻiEdith Kanakaʻole FoundationEnhance visitor experience at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park by improving interpretive and educational products through the application of Native Hawaiian foundational knowledge.
COVID-19 Customer Service Training for Native Hospitality Professionals Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota GW and Virginia Tech To support hospitality workers’ re-entry into the workforce, GW and Virginia Tech organized customer service trainings for Native hospitality professionals across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Native Entrepreneurs Project Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota GW and Virginia Tech In collaboration with GW, Virginia Tech piloted a project to support native entrepreneurs. The training was focused on developing virtual tourism experiences for commercial purposes.
Tribal Tourism Development in Montana Project (TTDMP) Montana GW and Virginia Tech TTDMP is supporting the development of culturally appropriate, sustainable tourism in eight Montana tribal communities. It's working on developing a regional tribal tourism collaboration through the Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance.
COVID-19 Operational GuidanceMontana Virginia Tech Virginia Tech compiled a comprehensive set of tourism/hospitality guidelines for safe operations, which included a reference sheet with guidelines for Native lodging, camping, restaurants, retail, and attraction establishments.
Blackfeet TourismMontana Virginia Tech Virginia Tech is working on a pilot project with the Blackfeet Nation that includes working to develop an Economic Strategic Implementation Plan for the tribe and a Blackfeet Native Tourism website.
Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the AmericasNorth America and South America GW An indigenous tourism and resource network to inform and support the development of a sustainable indigenous tourism industry.
North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (NDNTA)North Dakota GW NDNTA is a regional tourism development and management network of the five federally recognized tribes of North Dakota. It plans to market and sell cultural tours in collaboration with the five tribes.
Tourism Product Development Studio North Dakota GW GW conducted an eight-week online educational series on tourism topics like markets, pricing, and developing operating guidelines. Standing Rock Sioux Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians developed new tour packages after participating in the series.
Virtual Tourism Experience Training Series North Dakota GW and Virginia Tech GW, in partnership with Virginia Tech, trained Native cultural entrepreneurs to develop and launch live online tourism experiences on platforms such as Airbnb and Eventbrite.
South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (SDNTA) South Dakota GWThe network of representatives from tribal nations and federal, local, and state governments aims to develop indigenous as a catalyst for economic growth and has developed comprehensive tourism plan.
Virtual Tourism Experience Training South Dakota GWGW provided basic training to tribes and tribal members on how to develop virtual tours and marketing videos.
Tribal Tourism Development in Virginia Project (TTDVP) Virginia Virginia Tech TTDVP seeks to help federally recognized tribes identify indigenous tourism opportunities.
Tourism and Economic Development Workshop Virginia Virginia Tech Virginia Tech hosted an event with representatives from all seven tribes on their Richmond campus. Representatives from Indian Affairs and several other government agencies gave presentations, and breakout sessions were held with each of the tribes to determine their specific tourism and economic development resources and needs.
Hotel Feasibility Analysis and Market Study for Investment Planning for the Chickahominy Tribe Virginia Virginia Tech A strategy for a tourism investment was developed and approved by the tribal council. The tribe acquired land and is now in the process of setting up a campground that will be used for tourism activities.
Tourism Assessment Strategy for the Nansemond Indian Nation Virginia Virginia Tech Virginia Tech is working with the Nanesmond Nation to develop a strategy for tourism development as part of their economic development plan.
Grant Writing Seminars Virginia Virginia Tech Virginia Tech conducted three grant writing seminars for tribes in Virginia. This training provided a step-by-step program for identifying possible grant funding opportunities and discussed how to develop winning proposals.

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Division of Economic Development
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240

NATIVE Act Tourism Projects

What You Need to Know

Additional Information

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Division of Economic Development
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP)

Indian Affairs Awards $5.7 Million in Living Languages Grants

The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development today announced it has awarded $5.723 million in total Living Languages Grant Program funding to 20 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal Organizations. Read the Press Release issued on December 21, 2023.


Congratulations to the 2024 Living Language Grant Awardees
Living Language AwardeeDescriptionAward Amount
Shawnee TribeThe language program will develop curricula for intermediate and advanced level learners as well as a specialized Early Childhood Development curriculum. This program will train 6 Master Teachers and 12 apprentices, implementing 6 Shawnee Language Nests along with one Early Childhood Development Immersion Program.$280,200.00
Cherokee NationThe Cherokee Immersion Teacher Institute (CITI) program will provide professional development and extended training for current Cherokee language teachers. The Cherokee reservation is so large, encompassing 14 counties, that they have not had language teachers at most the schools. The overwhelming gap is the lack of teachers. This program will implement the CITI to train teachers in the Cherokee language.$300,000.00
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of WisconsinThe Red Cliff Ojibwe Language Immersion Teacher Training project will educate trainees by building necessary teaching skills for interacting with community members of all ages, from pre-K children to elders. This program would be mainly used for training to focus on language proficiency in K-5 teachers.$300,000.00
Reno-Sparks Indian ColonyThe Community Dual Language 50:50 Immersion Programming is an all-inclusive community approach to language that would allow intensive Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe language and traditional instruction for ages birth to 65+. Language immersion will be taught through many aspects including implementing language education into traditions and cultural events.$300,000.00
Metlakatla Indian CommunityThe Metlakatla Indian Community Sm’algyax Revitalization Program (Wap Lip Algyag’m) will provide trainees education through the B.C.’s Master-Apprentice Language Program. They currently have one native speaker left in their area. The trainees will then educate the tribe on the language through events, classes and cultural traditions.$299,900.00
Tribal Government of St. Paul IslandThe Advancing Fluency Via Song and Story program will provide for fluent speakers to create dialogue lessons by deconstructing songs and stories for community wide exposure and education.$277,500.00
Sitting Bull CollegeThe “Iyapi Kin Ni Un – The Language is Alive” project will develop Thematic Curriculum Units and aligned Family and Community Language and Culture Learning Guides. These lessons and guides will span from Montessori preschools through all ages. This program will also create a Wahohpi Community Resource Website.$299,928.00
Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes AlaskaThe Xaad Kíl Reawakening Plan proposes to address an urgent need with only one fluent speaker remaining in the entire state of Alaska. Development and delivery methods for the program include multimedia and digital application technology along with participation in the Xaad Kíl CDA Pathway/Apprenticeship Program.$265,920.00
Bundled Arrows IncThe Tuscarora Community Language Project: Extending the Rafters (Project) focuses on training 7 adult language instructors, developing an adult immersion language program, bringing 7 adult learners to an advanced level of fluency. Extending the Rafters, will facilitate accreditation to provide up to 12 college credit hours to students by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).$288,098.00
The Kalispel Indian Community of The Kalispel ReservationThe Kalispel Language Acquisition Program (KLAP) proposes to develop a 30-lesson interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in native plants and animals, in accordance with seasonal rounds, braiding, language acquisition with indigenous knowledge and practices. Community members will be encouraged to use the language at home, during community gatherings, and at cultural events.$298,552.00
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw IndianThe "Living Languages: A Collaborative Approach to Intergenerational Language Immersion in miluk, hanis, and sha’yuusht’a u quuiich," program proposes language immersion through integration of language nests and language proficiency across CTCLUSI Departments and Schools and entwining language usage within various tribal events. Geographical barriers are transcended through virtual platforms, emphasizing oral tradition, storytelling, and cultural teachings.$299,900.00
Lower Brule Sioux TribeThe Lakota Language Immersion Program proposes to train educators to implement 90:10 immersion programming to children enrolled in early childhood education tribal programs. The program provides scheduling techniques and language activities for parents to foster a home-based 50:50 immersion. Online language learning resources offered by the Lakota Language Consortium will be available for distance learning.$296,273.00
Sac & Fox NationThe language program Tatakwi will double the number of participants in the current language immersion program, implement adult community language classes that participants can receive certification in, create a community class instructor program so that people of our community can fulfill teaching roles, establish a family-based language class with a focus on children five years of age and younger accompanied with a parent or legal guardian.$300,000.00
Wichita and Affiliated TribesThe language program will create two full-time positions dedicated to language learning and instruction, a monthly Community Language and Culture Dinner: kirikiri:sa:hir hikeecak (We’re going to talk Wichita) and resource creation - from a Level 1 Wichita Language Workbook to household item labels written in Wichita, posters and flyers - posted on social media and given out at all partnering programs to promote participation. The posters will include QR codes that link to sounds of the Wichita language.$299,279.00
Kickapoo Tribe of OklahomaThe Kickapoo Tribe proposes to provide a Master-Apprentice, Teacher Training, Film Video, Podcast, and Master-Apprentice-Community components. This program will involve training ten fluent speakers in the initial year, increasing to 40-plus students.$300,000.00
San Carlos Apache Tribal CouncilThe San Carlos Apache Tribe Language Preservation Program proposes to develop a curriculum for seasonal harvesting and cultural foraging expeditions providing Apache language immersion classes by fluent Apache language speakers. Tribal member families will be selected to participate in traveling groups and learn each seasons foraging curriculum.$219,647.00
Igiugig VillageThe Bristol Bay Indigenous Languages Revitalization program proposes to increase the language proficiency of language apprentices and training in immersion teaching techniques that will gain job skills, provide in-person immersion classes in schools using the holistic cultural curriculum and provide in person weeklong intensive immersion classes annually for students and language teachers in Bristol Bay. This program will also allow the Igiugig to complete a Cultural Heritage Strategic plan with Language Revitalization as the driving component.$299,999.00
Lummi NationThe Lummi Nation proposes to invest in job training for language teachers and modernize over 1000 hours of first generation speaker recordings as language resources to digital files. This program will also assist in creating conservation policies and developing intellectual property policies.$296,000.00
Modoc NationThe Modoc Nation Revitalization Language Program will focus on developing a strategic plan for language in the Modoc Nation, to train 3 speakers/educators and implement an online platform for onsite and distant learning for language program users. This program will also allow for the ability to hold a minimum of monthly classes with at least 3 teachers conducting classes.$299,807.00
Quechan Indian TribeThe Quechan (Kwatsáan) integrated learning through immersion program will train immerging instructors, record all lessons for future educational reference, provide a four-day language and culture immersion by fluent speakers to the Tribal Council, community and staff each year. This program will also provide collaboration with community volunteers, BIA grant staff, a linguist, consultants, tribal programs and city programs.$201,997.00

Eligibility Information

Eligible applicants are Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations, as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) (25 U.S.C. 5304), including Tribal Consortia.  While only federally recognized Tribes or Tribal Organizations may apply for LLGP grants, grantees may select or retain for-profit or non-profit Tribal Organizations to perform a grant’s scope of work for grant funding to support Tribal programs to document Native languages or build Tribal capacity to create or expand language preservation programs.  Schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and BIE programs targeting students enrolled in those institutions are ineligible for LLGP financial support.

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Division of Economic Development
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday

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