Native Edge

NCAIED
  • 5.0 (21)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Native Edge! Join us as we discuss success stories, small businesses, access to capital, and the vibrant spirit of Indigenous business owners and leaders. But it's not all business here - we also know how to have a good time! So grab a seat, tune in, and let's dive into this dynamic world together!

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep.45 | 40 Under 40 with Erin Abrahamson & Skye Byrd

    Any questions or comments please send here! One of the best parts of the Reservation Economic Summit is recognizing the latest class of the Native American 40 Under 40 award winners. The awards reception will take place on the evening of Tuesday, March 24 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. To talk about the 40 Under 40 program - which just welcomed its 18th class - we invited the two members of our staff who are also proud alumni. National Center Chief of Staff Erin Abrahamson and Director of Strategic Partnerships E. Skye Byrd sat down with Yvette Fielder to talk about 40 Under 40, what it means to them, and share a bit of their life story. Learn more about Erin and Skye, and if you're in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, make sure to meet them and the hundreds of 40 Under 40 alumni who will be in attendance and celebrate with them on Tuesday night! We are taking a short break in Native Edge programming until after RES. However, we are planning to record several interviews at RES, just outside the trade show floor near the headshot lounge. Stop by to listen to listen to the podcast in person! Native American 40 Under 40 Program | https://ncaied.org/what-we-do/40-under-40.html Erin Abrahamson | https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-abrahamson-2b923713b/ E. Skye Byrd | https://www.linkedin.com/in/emerald-byrd/ Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    51 min

  2. FEB 24

    Ep.44 | Western Spirit Museum CEO Todd Bankofier

    Any questions or comments please send here! In the latest episode, Chris and Yvette visit the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale for a conversation with museum CEO Todd Bankofier. Yvette recently joined the Board of the museum - billed as Scottsdale's Museum of the West - and has personal connections to the art and artists featured in its impressive building located in downtown Scottsdale. Todd shared his story of going from ranching in Nevada, to DC politics, business, and for the last three years, CEO of the museum. The museum has an extensive collective of Native American art from Arizona and throughout the West and prides itself on inclusivity and telling an accurate story of all of the peoples who shaped western North America. It is also one of the first museums to earn affiliate status with the prestigious Smithsonian Institution. If you're in the Phoenix area, make sure to stop by the museum - and tell them the Native Edge podcast sent you! Plus, hear more about what's in store at RES and a great message from RES platinum sponsor, Aambé. Todd Bankofier | https://westernspirit.org/news/todd-bankofier/ Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West | https://westernspirit.org/ Aambé | https://www.aambe.com/ Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    55 min

  3. FEB 10

    Ep.43 | National Center Board Chairman Derrick Watchman

    Any questions or comments please send here! Episode 43 features a very special guest - National Center Board Chairman Derrick Watchman. Chairman Watchman has served the organization for decades, and his involvement with The National Center goes back nearly 40 years, when he first attended the very first RES for the same reason that many people do - to find a job! Derrick shares his story - a "Navajo from Navajo" who became a banker on the ground floor of the tribal gaming boom, Chief of Staff for multiple Navajo Nation Presidents, a Presidential appointee in the U.S. Department of Energy, Congressional candidate, and a widely respected business leader. Derrick is fresh off testifying before the House Indian and Insular Affairs Committee regarding economic development programs in Indian Country. After listening to the podcast, you'll understand why the Committee wanted Derrick to testify. In addition, Chris and Yvette talk about some of the latest developments at The National Center, including a new program, funded by the Administration for Native Americans, that seeks to improve tribal procurement systems. Plus, learn how our partner Aambé is building a movement to advance economic sovereignty in Indian Country. You can watch the episode on YouTube, and don't forget to tell your friends to tune in! Derrick Watchman | https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-watchman-mba-434aba134/ Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    57 min

  4. JAN 27

    Ep.42 | OXDX Founder Jared Yazzie

    Any questions or comments please send here! For Episode, 46 Chris and Yvette welcome OXDX founder Jared Yazzie to the Mesa studios. Jared shares his journey from an engineering student at the University of Arizona to finding his true passion in graphic arts and screen printing - and becoming one of Indian Country's most sought-after artists. Learn more about some of Jared's collaborations and hear his advice for young artists trying to take the next step. And if you're in the Phoenix area, make sure to stop by his store in Tempe - or you can always shop online! Make sure to check out the episode on our YouTube page (and see Jared's own design on the shirt he's wearing) and tell your friends! Jared Yazzie | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-yazzie-49a249338/ OXDX | https://www.oxdxclothing.com/ OXDX on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/oxdxclothing/ Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    53 min

  5. JAN 13

    Ep.41 | aaniin's Chelsee Pettit

    Any questions or comments please send here! Happy New Year and welcome back to the Native Edge! We're kicking off 2026 with a very special guest - 2025 Native Woman Business Owner of the Year, Chelsee Pettit. Chelsee came all the way from Canada to our Mesa studio to share her inspiring journey, from learning financial literacy on the fly to building an extremely successful Indigenous clothing retailer. Along the way she won what she describes as "Indigenous Shark Tank." We met Chelsee at RES 2025, where she was honored as Native Woman Business Owner of the Year. And she's excited to be at RES 2026 is just over two months, where she'll be looking for partners in her latest endeavor. So make sure you learn more about Chelsee on this podcast and meet in in Las Vegas in March. Speaking of RES, this episode is brought to you by another RES attendee and former podcast guest, Aambé™. Learn more about Aambé™ in a short message at the beginning of the podcast, delivered by company CEO Ron "Hawk" Spoerl. Thanks for tuning in - and don't forget to check us out on YouTube! Chelsee Pettit | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsee-marie-pettit-915a22142 aaniin | https://www.aaniin.shop aaniin on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aaniin.hello aaniin on TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@aaniin.hello?lang=en Aambé™ | https://www.aambe.com/ Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    47 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Ep.40 | Season Wrap and Holiday Traditions with The National Center Team

    Any questions or comments please send here! As we wrap season 2 of the The Native Edge during the holiday season, The National Center team reflects on their favorite traditions - some unique, and many shared despite growing up in places as different as Washington state and South Louisiana. Regular hosts Chris and Yvette are joined by Nicole Watson, Erin Abrahamson, and Kyia Jackson (with producer Mikaela Garcia and administrative specialist Charmayne Charley in the background!). They also look back at some of their favorite episodes of season 2, and talk a bit about the recent trip to New Zealand to foster international Indigenous trade and collaboration. We hope you enjoy this episode and it helps get you in the holiday spirit. Be sure to check out the episode on our YouTube page, where you can see the close-knit nature of our team. We'll be back in 2026 with new episodes featuring fantastic guests - so stay tuned! Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    49 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Ep.39 | Holiday Episode at the Native Art Market

    Any questions or comments please send here! We're bringing you a special episode of the Native Edge, recorded at the Native Art Market in Scottsdale, Arizona. Co-founder Heather Tracy and her mother Denise Rosales joined us during the holidays last year, and we're excited to be on-site with Heather and her sister Shea Tunney in 2025. Learn about the latest developments at the Native Art Market, and listen to guest host E. Skye Byrd and producer Mikaela Garcia share some of their favorite Native vendors and artisans - with websites on social handles linked below. You can also vote for your favorite food vendor at the Native Art Market by visiting their Instagram page. Still need to find gifts for your friends and loved ones? Then this is the perfect episode for you. Make sure to also check out the episode on YouTube to see the market first-hand. We'll be back next week for the final episode of 2025 before taking a break for the holidays. Native Art Market | https://www.thenativeartmarket.com/ Heather Tracy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-tracy-82764b170/ ASEP Designs | https://www.asepdesigns.studio/ Kokom Scrunchies | https://kokomscrunchies.ca/ Copper Canoe Woman | https://www.coppercanoewoman.com/ OXDX | https://www.oxdxclothing.com/ Eighth Generation | https://eighthgeneration.com/ Cherish Skin | https://www.instagram.com/_cherishskin/?hl=en Desert Candles and Goods | https://desertcandlesandgoods.co/ Generational Trauma | https://generationaltrauma.store/ Iconic Winyan | https://www.iconicwinyan.com/ Red Line Beauty | https://www.instagram.com/red_line_beauty/ The Pueblo Apparel | Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    42 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Ep.38 | Banana Baller Jordan Brewer

    Any questions or comments please send here! For episode 38, we welcome baseball player Jordan Brewer, who will soon suit up for the inaugural season of the Loco Beach Coconuts - one of the six teams that compete in "Banana Ball." Jordan joined us virtually to discuss his career path, from high school football and baseball star, to junior college, to Big 10 Player of the Year at the University of Michigan, to minor league player and now a Banana Baller. Jordan has also recently become a Nike N7 athlete. Jordan, who is Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, is a testament to never giving up and overcoming adversity and taking the opportunities that come your way - even the ones that you least expect.  We hope you enjoy learning more about Jordan, and make sure to check him out when the Bananas come to town. Preseason kicks off on February 26, 2026, with the regular season opening on April 16. Please download and tell your friends! Jordan Brewer | https://www.instagram.com/the_breeze5/ Savannah Bananas and "Banana Ball" | https://thesavannahbananas.com/ Nike N7 | https://www.nike.com/n7-native-american-indigenous-heritage Support the show Support The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development | https://ncaied.org/get-involved/make-a-gift-today.html Register for RES | https://res.ncaied.org/ Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter This podcast is brought to you in part through the generous support of the Rich Davis and Tylynn Gordon Charitable Fund. Stay Updated 👇👇 @NCAIED 📲 Web | Monthly Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube | LinkedIn | X | TikTok |

    55 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Welcome to Native Edge! Join us as we discuss success stories, small businesses, access to capital, and the vibrant spirit of Indigenous business owners and leaders. But it's not all business here - we also know how to have a good time! So grab a seat, tune in, and let's dive into this dynamic world together!

Information

  • Creator
    NCAIED
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Native Edge
  • Show Website
    Native Edge