The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) published its first issue of a new magazine this summer, called NC Magazine.

The magazine, which will be published twice a year, will highlight the accomplishments of Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian businesses and entrepreneurs. The first issue features an interview with Congresswoman Sharice Davids of Kansas, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The summer 2021 issue also includes a legislative update, a report on the 35th Reservation Economic Summit (RES) as well as feature stories about young Native leaders and entrepreneurs.

“The objective of the magazine is to share the story of the Indian Country economy,” Chris James, president and CEO of NCAIED wrote in an email to the Tribune. “We too often only hear the bad stories – the stories of economic challenges and conditions for our people, both on and off the reservation. NC Magazine won’t shy away from these stories; we won’t be able to move forward unless we’re open and honest about the challenges. But truth be told, we need to celebrate our significant achievements and celebrate those who have accomplished great things – people like Congresswoman Sharice Davids. I hope NC Magazine fills this void and gives our community some needed good news.”

NCAIED is a nonprofit organization which assists American Indian tribes and tribal people with business and economic development. It is the largest Indian specific business organization in the country and works with about 1,200 clients, up from 200 a few years ago.

The magazine has a circulation of about 1,500, including clients, Native leaders, sponsors and partners. NCAIED said it also delivered about 2,000 copies at RES 2021, held July 19-21 in Las Vegas

Tribal member Joel Frank Sr. is a board member of NCAIED and attended RES.

“We ran out of magazines, so I didn’t get a chance to grab one,” Frank said. “The idea of the magazine ticked around for a long time, finally getting it implemented is fantastic. There’s a lot of talent out there in Indian Country, so why not promote it whether it’s a tribal business or an individual’s. That’s what the National Center is all about.”

Frank said RES was well attended, and he was pleased to be promoting Indian business again.

“We have so many great stories to tell,” James wrote. “Not just about the National Center, but about our clients and the work they are doing across a variety of fields.”

NCAIED shares the stories throughout the year, but the organization decided it would be a good idea to put them in one location and make it easily available to those interested in learning about the Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian economy.

The next issue will be published in December. To view the current issue visit ncaied.org and click on “About” and “News and Blogs.”