Standing Together: Honoring Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate the enduring strength, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. As a Tribally owned company, Cayuse Native Solutions stands in solidarity with Native communities and recognize the importance of working together to build a future rooted in sovereignty, resilience, and shared prosperity.

Native American people wearing eagle feather head dressings.

📊 Native Populations Today: A Snapshot

• 3.7 million people in the U.S. identify as American Indian or Alaska Native alone in the US 2020 Census. (https://ictnews.org/news/2020-census-native-population-increased-by-86-5-percent/#:~:text=Indian%20Country%20Today,Indian%20and%20Alaska%20Native%20alone.).

• There are 574 federally recognized tribes, each with distinct languages, traditions, and governance systems.

• States with the highest Native populations include California, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, and Alaska.

Despite this vibrant presence, Native communities continue to face challenges that differ significantly from those of non-Native populations.

⚠️ Challenges Facing Native Communities

These disparities are rooted in historical trauma, systemic exclusion, and underinvestment. But they are not the whole story.

🌱 Native Strength: Building Together Through Business

Native-owned businesses and tribally owned enterprises are driving economic growth and cultural revitalization:

• Native enterprises support over 300,000 jobs and generate \$36.7 billion annually in economic output.

• Tribally owned corporations help tribes support education, housing, community development and numerous other programs.

• Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are bridging capital gaps and empowering entrepreneurs.

🤝 Native American Heritage Month Call to Action: Support Native Businesses

This Heritage Month, we encourage tribal governments, Native organizations, and allies to:

·       Prioritize Native vendors in procurement and contracting.

·       Partner with tribally owned enterprises for services, technology, and infrastructure.

·       Invest in Native entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, and visibility.

·       Celebrate Indigenous excellence not just in November, but year-round.

💬 Our Commitment

At Cayuse Native Solutions, we are proud to be part of a growing movement of Native-led innovation. We remain committed to:

• Empowering tribal clients through technology and services tailored to Indigenous needs.

• Creating opportunities for Native professionals and entrepreneurs.

• Uplifting Native voices in every aspect of our work.

This month, and every month, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and the promise of our future. Together, we rise.