Latest news with #Native-owned
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Diesel spill along the Yukon raises fears about drilling
Nathaniel HerzNorthern Journal A 1,000-gallon diesel spill earlier this month near the Yukon River has prompted renewed objections to plans by a privately held oil company to drill in the region later this year. The truck was operated not by Hilcorp, the oil company, but by Brice Inc., a Native-owned construction firm that has worked with Hilcorp on its preparations for the summer drilling efforts in the remote Yukon Flats basin, north of Fairbanks. Hilcorp is staging equipment for the drilling program at the Yukon River Camp, where the Dalton Highway, which connects urban Alaska to the North Slope oil fields, crosses the Yukon River. Once the ice on the river clears, the equipment will be barged up the Yukon toward drill sites. Thom Leonard, a spokesman for Brice's parent company, Calista, said Brice's truck was 'between jobs' when the spill occurred earlier this month at a parking lot at the camp, which is run by a Fairbanks-based tourism business on federal land. The lot is typically used for 'multi-day barging storage,' according to a post-spill report from Brice to regulators at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, known as DEC. There's no indication that the fuel reached the Yukon itself, according to documents released by DEC. But critics of the drilling effort say the spill still serves as an example of the type of incidents that can happen during industrial operations like oil exploration. The spill left some 600 gallons of pooled fuel in the parking lot that had to be vacuumed up by another truck. A video of the site obtained by Northern Journal showed workers walking through an ankle-deep pool that one of them described as diesel. 'We were told over and over again that we were overhyping the danger, we were alarmist, and that everything they were doing is perfectly safe,' Rhonda Pitka, the chief of the tribal government in the Yukon River village of Beaver, said in a phone interview. 'It's so disappointing.' Oil companies often hire contractors to perform specialized tasks, and Brice affiliates have worked for Hilcorp in the past. Leonard, the spokesman for Brice's parent company, would not say whether the truck had originally been in the area supporting Hilcorp, adding that 'we don't typically comment on clients we serve.' A Hilcorp spokesman also declined to comment. But an online update last month from Doyon Ltd., the regional Native corporation that owns land in the Yukon Flats where the oil drilling will take place, noted that a crew from Brice was doing debris clearing for Hilcorp's exploration program. A Doyon official said the company is aware of a situation that was reported to DEC but referred questions to Hilcorp as the 'appropriate point of contact.' Hilcorp's search for oil in the Yukon Flats has support from Doyon and tribal leaders in Birch Creek, the Native village closest to where the summer drilling will take place. Other tribal leaders along the river and in Alaska's Interior have harshly criticized the exploration campaign, saying that its potential risks are incompatible with the region's salmon-dependent Native communities. While the spill took place April 6, according to documents released by DEC, drilling opponents only learned about it in recent days through word of mouth, according to Pitka. She described the incident as 'exactly what we were afraid of.' Opponents of the drilling program point to Hilcorp's history in Alaska: The company, which traditionally has acquired and operated aging oil and gas infrastructure, has been fined for numerous incidents, and regulators have pointed to a 'track record of regulatory noncompliance.' A DEC official involved in the spill response, Terra Meares, described Brice as the 'responsible party' for the spill and said that the purpose of the company's equipment at the Yukon camp is beyond her agency's jurisdiction. Decisions about potential penalties or enforcement actions, she added, would be made at higher levels of DEC. The director of the department's spill prevention and response division was out of the office this week and unavailable for comment. The truck was originally left at the parking lot April 4, 'with no indication of leaks or issues,' according to Brice's report to DEC. The spill was discovered early in the morning of April 6 by a camp resident who was watching the northern lights and saw or smelled fuel. The truck's tank holds 3,000 gallons, and the 600 gallons of 'pooled fuel' were ultimately vacuumed up from snow- and ice-covered ground by another truck that was dispatched to the site, according to documents released by DEC. An excavator subsequently arrived at the site to remove thicker layers of contaminated ice, according to the documents. Leonard, with Brice's parent company, said the businesses 'always strive to respect the environment.' 'We are Alaskans,' Leonard said in an email. 'It pains us when incidents like this occur, although we are proud our team members took immediate action and followed all regulatory requirements.'
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A diesel spill along the Yukon raises fears about Hilcorp's drilling program
This photo, released by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, shows the parking lot where a tanker truck released some 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel earlier this month. A 1,000-gallon diesel spill earlier this month near the Yukon River has prompted renewed objections to plans by a privately held oil company to drill in the region later this year. The truck was operated not by Hilcorp, the oil company, but by Brice Inc., a Native-owned construction firm that has worked with Hilcorp on its preparations for the summer drilling efforts in the remote Yukon Flats basin, north of Fairbanks. Hilcorp is staging equipment for the drilling program at the Yukon River Camp, where the Dalton Highway, which connects urban Alaska to the North Slope oil fields, crosses the Yukon River. Once the ice on the river clears, the equipment will be barged up the Yukon toward drill sites. Above the Yukon River, on Native land, Hilcorp is set to drill for oil this summer Thom Leonard, a spokesman for Brice's parent company, Calista, said Brice's truck was 'between jobs' when the spill occurred earlier this month at a parking lot at the camp, which is run by a Fairbanks-based tourism business on federal land. The lot is typically used for 'multi-day barging storage,' according to a post-spill report from Brice to regulators at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, known as DEC. There's no indication that the fuel reached the Yukon itself, according to documents released by DEC. But critics of the drilling effort say the spill still serves as an example of the type of incidents that can happen during industrial operations like oil exploration. The spill left some 600 gallons of pooled fuel in the parking lot that had to be vacuumed up by another truck. A video of the site obtained by Northern Journal showed workers walking through an ankle-deep pool that one of them described as diesel. 'We were told over and over again that we were overhyping the danger, we were alarmist, and that everything they were doing is perfectly safe,' Rhonda Pitka, the chief of the tribal government in the Yukon River village of Beaver, said in a phone interview. 'It's so disappointing.' Oil companies often hire contractors to perform specialized tasks, and Brice affiliates have worked for Hilcorp in the past. Leonard, the spokesman for Brice's parent company, would not say whether the truck had originally been in the area supporting Hilcorp, adding that 'we don't typically comment on clients we serve.' A Hilcorp spokesman also declined to comment. But an online update last month from Doyon Ltd., the regional Native corporation that owns land in the Yukon Flats where the oil drilling will take place, noted that a crew from Brice was doing debris clearing for Hilcorp's exploration program. A Doyon official said the company is aware of a situation that was reported to DEC but referred questions to Hilcorp as the 'appropriate point of contact.' Hilcorp's search for oil in the Yukon Flats has support from Doyon and tribal leaders in Birch Creek, the Native village closest to where the summer drilling will take place. Other tribal leaders along the river and in Alaska's Interior have harshly criticized the exploration campaign, saying that its potential risks are incompatible with the region's salmon-dependent Native communities. While the spill took place April 6, according to documents released by DEC, drilling opponents only learned about it in recent days through word of mouth, according to Pitka. She described the incident as 'exactly what we were afraid of.' Opponents of the drilling program point to Hilcorp's history in Alaska: The company, which traditionally has acquired and operated aging oil and gas infrastructure, has been fined for numerous incidents, and regulators have pointed to a 'track record of regulatory noncompliance.' A DEC official involved in the spill response, Terra Meares, described Brice as the 'responsible party' for the spill and said that the purpose of the company's equipment at the Yukon camp is beyond her agency's jurisdiction. Decisions about potential penalties or enforcement actions, she added, would be made at higher levels of DEC. The director of the department's spill prevention and response division was out of the office this week and unavailable for comment. The truck was originally left at the parking lot April 4, 'with no indication of leaks or issues,' according to Brice's report to DEC. The spill was discovered early in the morning of April 6 by a camp resident who was watching the northern lights and saw or smelled fuel. The truck's tank holds 3,000 gallons, and the 600 gallons of 'pooled fuel' were ultimately vacuumed up from snow- and ice-covered ground by another truck that was dispatched to the site, according to documents released by DEC. An excavator subsequently arrived at the site to remove thicker layers of contaminated ice, according to the documents. Leonard, with Brice's parent company, said the businesses 'always strive to respect the environment.' 'We are Alaskans,' Leonard said in an email. 'It pains us when incidents like this occur, although we are proud our team members took immediate action and followed all regulatory requirements.' Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at natherz@ or (907) 793-0312. This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this link.
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Investing In Sovereignty: The Oweesta Approach
Native Americans own over 400,000 businesses across the United States, accounting for 1.2% of all U.S. firms. Yet many entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing capital, often due to the unique legal and geographic structures within tribal communities and broader challenges within the traditional lending system. As President and CEO of Oweesta Corporation, a national Native CDFI intermediary, Chrystel Cornelius leads efforts to bridge the gap between financial institutions and Native communities. A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota, Chrystel has spent the past 25 years advancing economic development in Native and rural areas. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Chrystel about the current landscape for Native-owned businesses and the transformative work of Oweesta. Our conversation, edited for clarity, follows below. Rhett Buttle: At a high level, can you describe how Native small business owners are contributing to the economy in the United States, as well as their communities. Chrystel Cornelius: Native small business owners are vital to the strength and sovereignty of Indigenous communities and the U.S. economy. Rooted in resilience, innovation, and cultural stewardship, Native entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and reclaiming economic power on their own terms. Today, Native Americans own over 400,000 businesses across the United States, representing 1.2% of all U.S. firms. Collectively, these businesses contribute over $33 billion annually to the economy and employ nearly 300,000 workers nationwide. Native-owned businesses are thriving in industries such as construction (35,969 firms), professional and technical services (30,966 firms), and other key sectors (43,573 firms). Their impact extends beyond these numbers—Native entrepreneurs are leading in tourism, agriculture, technology, and the arts, bringing Indigenous knowledge and practices into the broader market. Many Native business owners are weaving tradition with innovation, integrating ancestral knowledge, sustainable practices, and cultural craftsmanship into their enterprises. Their success is a direct investment in Indigenous communities, strengthening local economies, funding education, expanding healthcare access, and fostering self-sufficiency. Native entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the economy—they are building legacies, preserving culture, and reclaiming economic sovereignty for future generations. Rhett Buttle: What are some of the unique challenges Native entrepreneurs face in starting and maintaining their own small businesses? Chrystel Cornelius: Native entrepreneurs face distinct challenges when launching and sustaining their businesses, many of which are rooted in historical and systemic barriers. One of the most significant obstacles is limited access to capital and investment. Unlike the rest of America, many Native business owners struggle to secure traditional loans due to the rural nature of tribal communities and the reluctance of conventional banks and investors to support Native-led businesses. Without equitable financial opportunities, Indigenous entrepreneurs often rely on self-funding or community-based lending, which can limit growth potential. Infrastructure disparities further hinder Native business development. Many Indigenous communities lack reliable internet access, transportation networks, and commercial space, making it difficult to operate and scale businesses—especially in remote or rural tribal lands. These infrastructure gaps place Native entrepreneurs at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy. Market access and visibility also present significant challenges. Native business owners frequently struggle to break into mainstream markets due to limited networking opportunities, lack of exposure, and misconceptions about Indigenous products and services. Many businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth and local sales, which can limit their ability to expand and reach broader audiences. Despite these challenges, Native entrepreneurs continue to build and sustain businesses that uplift their communities, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to economic sovereignty. Addressing these barriers—through increased access to capital, stronger infrastructure investment, and broader market inclusion—is critical to ensuring the long-term success and resilience of Native-owned businesses. Rhett Buttle: How does the Oweesta Corporation work with businesses to help them overcome these challenges? Chrystel Cornelius: Oweesta Corporation plays a critical role in strengthening Native small businesses by acting as a direct investor in Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs), which often face limited access to capital. By supporting these financial institutions, Oweesta ensures that Native entrepreneurs and tribal businesses have access to the funding and resources they need to thrive within their communities. Beyond investment, Oweesta supports Native CDFIs, Tribes, and Native-led nonprofits by providing technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support. These efforts help organizations strengthen their expertise needed to deliver capital, financial education, and business development services to Native entrepreneurs. By directly investing in Native-led economic development efforts, Oweesta strengthens the financial infrastructure in tribal communities, creating pathways for small business success, job creation, and long-term economic sovereignty. Through these efforts, Oweesta ensures that Indigenous businesses are not just surviving—but thriving. Rhett Buttle: Would it be possible to share some success stories? Chrystel Cornelius: Absolutely. One inspiring example comes from Olympia, Washington, where Native American and veteran entrepreneurs Daniel and Treasa Sabo launched MELO Powerwash—a professional exterior cleaning company focused on helping homeowners and businesses maintain and enhance their properties. Treasa's journey began when she connected with the Nimiipuu Fund and enrolled in their Indianpreneurship Workshop. Through this program, she sharpened her business strategy and created a solid plan to bring MELO Powerwash to life. With the guidance and support of the Nimiipuu Fund, she secured seed capital through a Native CDFI—providing the critical investment needed to launch the business. Today, MELO Powerwash has grown to serve both residential and commercial clients across Washington State, offering services like pressure washing, roof and window cleaning, and even holiday light installations. But their impact goes beyond business—by helping others protect their homes and investments, the Sabos are building a stronger, more resilient community. Rhett Buttle: The White House recently issued an executive order on reducing the federal government that impact the CDFI fund and the MBDA. Would this affect Native small businesses and if so, how? Chrystel Cornelius: The CDFI Fund and the NACA Program have made it possible for Native CDFIs to serve as financial pillars in their community, providing capital where traditional banks and lenders have fallen short. Native CDFIs' direct investment in their community has led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of Native-owned small businesses across the United States —all of which strengthen our local economies and our Nation as a whole. Rhett Buttle: If an aspiring entrepreneur or business owner wants to engage with the Native CDFI sector for business support, what should they do? Chrystel Cornelius: There is a CDFI in every state in the US. If a tribal entrepreneur wishes to receive support for their business they should look up viable CDFIs in their area by researching CDFIs on the Department of Treasury CDFI Fund website.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Five Native businesses to consider for that last-minute gift
Shondiin MayoICT With Valentine's Day coming up on Friday, you might be looking for a last-minute gift idea or perhaps an idea on where to shop for your significant other's birthday or anniversary. Here are five Native-owned businesses to consider next time you're looking for a gift. Sequoia Soaps In 2002, Michaelee Lazore, a Kanien'kehá:ka and Northern Paiute, transitioned from her engineering career to establish Sequoia Soaps. This enterprise is entirely owned and managed by Indigenous women. Lazore initiated Sequoia due to the lack of locally produced products from Indigenous companies that met her needs. Its products include soaps, candles, body care items such as lotions, mists, and lip balms, as well as gift sets like gift cards, which can be bought online. Wer'erp Wesona Colleen Colegrove, a self-taught artist, finds inspiration in her Yurok and Dine heritage while running her business, We'erp Wesona. The name, meaning "butterfly in the sky," is a nod to her given name. As the owner, she creates jewelry from natural materials such as dentalium shells, abalone, elk antler, and porcupine quills. You can explore her work on Instagram @ or through her online store. NIHIDZILL Carissa Eich is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Information Technology at Arizona State University, where she showcases her Diné heritage through digital art. By integrating photography and graphic design, her creations emphasize modern elements of her culture, including infrastructure, attire, and signage. Eich's artwork is available online, and she can be followed on Instagram @nihidzill. JAYBAES Jaylein Kriska presents herself on her Instagram account (@jaybaesbeads) as an 'Athabascan creating jewelry and more.' Originating from Koyukuk, Alaska, she focuses on designing and producing a variety of beaded earrings and jewelry crafted from dentalium shells, beaver fur, fish skin, and moose skin. Her artistic work is influenced by the values, current challenges, and culture of her Native community. Kriska promotes her beaded items via Instagram, while her website features T-shirts that highlight her community, LandBack themes, and illustrations of traditional camps. Rez Streetwear Rez Streetwear, established by Susanna Osife in 2023, is dedicated to the mission of "embracing and uplifting Indigenous culture through design and fashion." While pursuing a degree in Business Administration and a certificate in digital media at Tohono O'odham Community College, Osife seeks to create a brand that honors cultural identity through streetwear. Her website features a range of tote bags adorned with designs such as "It's a good day to be Indigenous" and imagery that highlights the Akimel O'odham alongside a river backdrop. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter!
