In November, we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. A time to recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous people in the United States, this month pays tribute to the traditions, resilience, impact, and diversity of Native American communities across the nation.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Annual Business Survey, American Indian and Alaska Native-owned firms generate $54.4 billion in annual receipts, providing employment to over 307,933 individuals nationwide (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). Despite this significant economic contribution, the 574 federally recognized Indian tribes (USA GOV, 2024) and their business owners still face systemic inequities. These challenges contribute to Native Americans ranking near the bottom of all Americans in health, education, and employment outcomes (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2018, p. 8).
At the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council, 20% of our Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) are Native American-owned. Committed to empowering minority-owned businesses, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight four of our Native American-owned MBEs for Native American Heritage Month and beyond:
- Oxygen Learning
Inspired by a transformative corporate retreat unlike any she had previously experienced, Juliana Stancampiano founded Oxygen – a change management consulting firm renowned for doing things differently. In alignment with Oxygen’s mission, Juliana and her diverse team work relentlessly to empower people to be and feel invaluable as Oxygen accelerates business leaders’ growth strategies.Since its inception in 2008, Oxygen has partnered with a diverse range of Fortune 100 companies, offering expertise in change management, sales enablement, and learning and development. Through this, Oxygen drives impactful results, redefining the way companies approach business transformation.
Website: https://www.oxygenexp.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxygen-exp/
- Apollo, Inc.
Founded in 1993 by Bruce Ratchford, Apollo Inc. has become a stable of the Northwest’s contracting industry, earning its reputation as “the Northwest’s most capable contractor.” Specializing in a wide range of projects, from Commercial and Transportation to Water/Wastewater, Apollo Inc. has seen significant growth.To this day, the company remains locally owned. Steadfastly upholding a commitment to delivering projects on time and under budget, Apollo Inc. is known to consistently exceed client expectations with a focus on quality and reliability.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apollo.inc1/
Website: https://apollo-gc.com
- ASRC
As an Alaska Native corporation, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) provides economic support through dividends and employment to its more than 14,000 Iñupiaq shareholders. For more than 50 years, ASRC has made a meaningful impact on Alaska Native communities and continues to build an enduring enterprise for future generations of North Slope Iñupiat, to provide opportunities for the next 50 years and beyond.
Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1972, ASRC‘s mission has been to drive economic development and long-term growth for the Iñupiat of the North Slope through shareholder dividends and employment opportunities. ASRC operates across several sectors, including government services, industrial services, petroleum refining and marketing, energy support services, and construction.Learn more about ASRC here: ASRC
Website: https://www.asrc.com
- ASRC Industrial
ASRC Industrial, an operating company of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), provides specialized contracting services in industrial, civil, and environmental sectors across the entire U.S., including the Northwest region. They deliver tailored solutions to a broad range of industries, supporting projects in areas like environmental remediation, infrastructure development, and facility maintenance.As a Native-owned minority business enterprise (MBE), ASRC Industrial enhances the economic and cultural freedom of ASRC‘s more than 14,000 shareholders, the North Slope Iñupiat and their descendants. Recently, ASRC Industrial was recognized as the #1 MBE Certified Contractor on Engineering News-Record‘s Top 600 list for 2024—a testament to their commitment to excellence in the contracting sector.
Website: ASRC Industrial
By supporting these businesses, we work toward a more equitable economy that values and uplifts Native American communities.
If you would like to certify your minority-owned business with the Northwest Mountain MSDC as well, click here.
A resource that might be helpful for Native American Business Owners:
Sources
US Census Bureau. (2023, October 26). Census Bureau Releases New Data on Minority-Owned, Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned Businesses. Census.Gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/annual-business-survey-employer-business-characteristics.html
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2018, December 20). Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans. https://www.usccr.gov/reports/2018/broken-promises-continuing-federal-funding-shortfall-native-americans
USA GOV. (2024, September 24). Federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities. https://www.usa.gov/indian-tribes-alaska-native