Shows
Insight in Indian Country“Nothing beats a warm welcome." 👍Innovating the Casino Experience with John JamesJohn James, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), joins Wes Benally this episode to discuss the evolution of tribal gaming. They discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the industry. John shares insights on navigating economic uncertainty, balancing technology with team development, and the significance of non-gaming amenities in enhancing customer experiences. A must-listen for aspiring leaders in the gaming sector!Chapters· 01:18 - Evolution of Tribal Gaming Over the Decade· 04:53 - The Experience of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos· 08:25 - Customer-Centric Operations in Gaming· 11:5...2025-03-2831 minInsight in Indian Country“Show up, work hard, and be honest." 🤝 The Economic Impact of Tribal Gaming with Rebecca GeorgeThis episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader, Wesley Benally, welcomes Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, to the podcast. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding tribal gaming, the economic impact it has on communities in the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of education and advocacy in navigating state-tribal relations in Washington. Rebecca shares insights on the diversification of tribal economies beyond gaming and the future trends in gaming technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and education to support tribal sovereignty and empower future leaders.Chapters· 00:00 - Introduction to Triba...2025-03-2527 minInsight in Indian Country"Ask the question, every time." ✅ The Future of Tribal Gaming in California with James SivaIn this episode, Wesley Benally interviews James Siva, Vice Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, discussing the dual perspectives of tribal leadership and gaming advocacy. They explore the future of gaming in California, the importance of balancing community values with economic decisions, and the need for economic diversification among tribal nations. Siva emphasizes the significance of engaging younger generations in the gaming industry and the power of inter-tribal collaboration. He also shares valuable advice for future tribal leaders, encouraging them to ask questions and embrace their unique perspectives.Chapters· 00:00 - Introduction to Tr...2025-03-2129 minInsight in Indian Country"We're still here, we're thriving." 🌟 Native American Heritage Month with Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP IIWesley Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, to the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. Taryn is a proud member of the Osage Nation and Human Resources Consultant at REDW Advisors & CPAs. With a rich background spanning 13 years in tribal government, she shares her unique perspective on blending traditional values with progressive governance in tribal organizations.In their conversation, Taryn emphasizes how protecting sovereignty extends beyond language preservation into organizational policies. Taryn illustrates how tribal communities can be both progressive and traditional, challenging the "that's how it's always been done" mentality while honoring cultural values. Her message...2024-11-2134 minInsight in Indian Country"We did it for the People." 💫 Native American Heritage Month with Sean McCabe, CPAIn this powerful episode of Insight in Indian Country, host Wesley Benally welcomes Sean McCabe, CPA and Controller of the Navajo Nation, for a candid discussion about building a meaningful legacy in tribal finance. With nearly 30 years of accounting experience, Sean reflects on what it means to leave a lasting impact that "my kids could be proud of, my people could be proud of." As a member of the Salt People Clan and Red Running into the Water Clan, Sean shares how he navigates his role as one of the key financial leaders of the largest tribal nation in...2024-11-1429 minInsight in Indian Country"If not me, then who?" 👐 Native American Heritage Month with Marcus Benally, MBAIt's Native American Heritage Month! The latest episode of Insight in Indian Country features Marcus Benally, a Navajo audit manager at REDW Advisors and CPAs, who skillfully blends his grandfather's teachings with corporate leadership in the finance industry. In this candid conversation, podcast host REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wesley Benally sits down with Marcus to discuss how cultural identity becomes a superpower in professional settings, even when imposter syndrome strikes.Their discussion challenges the notion that tribal communities are merely historical footnotes, highlighting their current economic impact and innovation. Marcus's journey illustrates how traditional...2024-11-0827 minInsight in Indian CountryMo Brings Plenty: Empowering Tribal Nations Through Improved HealthcareActor and spiritual leader Mo Brings Plenty joins the Insight in Indian Country Podcast guest-hosted by REDW’s Cristin Heyns-Bousliman. With a special appearance with Wesley Jones, Mo discusses Tribal Nations Health, a Native-led organization he co-founded with James Jordan. The organization provides customized healthcare solutions for Tribal communities, focusing on preventive care, empowering elders, and creating culturally tailored solutions that respect Tribal sovereignty. Mo emphasizes how their approach can preserve Tribal culture, create jobs for elders, and improve overall community health. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and NNAHRA Conference01:27 - The Vision Beh...2024-09-2609 minInsight in Indian CountryBOI Reporting Timelines for Small Business OwnersUPDATE (12/30/24): At REDW, we understand the evolving landscape of compliance and the uncertainties that can come with it. While BOI filing is not required at this moment, we believe it's wise for businesses to be prepared, should the legal landscape shift and compliance become necessary. We will help you navigate these uncertainties with confidence and readiness. Start BOI preparation today! Get help with filing BOI. Or contact us with a question.The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to combat m...2024-09-1222 minInsight in Indian CountryWhat the Supreme Court Ruling in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Means for Tribal NationsBecerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe is a landmark Supreme Court case centered around the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), which enables Tribes to enter into contracts with the Federal Government to operate their own health programs. The court's recent decision in favor of the San Carlos Apache Tribe affirmed the government's obligation to fully fund these contracts, including paying contract support costs. To dive deeper into the case and its impact for Indian Country, host and REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wesley Benally welcomes Kevin Cronk, CPA, and Lloyd B. Miller of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Miller...2024-06-2035 minInsight in Indian CountryIntroducing the Tribal Leadership Council with Chairman Justin BarrettThe Tribal Leadership Council is a board-governed not-for-profit business that proudly supports tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and provides tools to better their organizations. Intent on building capacity in Indian Country, the council's primary focus is empowering leadership and promoting economic growth and prosperity for tribal communities. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with the organization's Chairman and Co-Founder Justin Barrett (Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma) to talk about the council's vision, accelerating growth, and upcoming conference. Tribal leaders won't want to miss the conference taking place July 15-18! WONDR NATION and...2024-06-1120 minInsight in Indian CountryImplementing GASB 96 (for a Friend) with Chris Bitakis, CPA, CGFM, CGMAThe need for consistency, collaboration, and good internal controls cannot be overstated for implementing GASB 96, which establishes uniform accounting and financial reporting for subscription-based information technology agreements (SBITAs). With upcoming fiscal years ends on the horizon, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally and Audit Principal Chris Bitakis take some time to discuss GASB 96 implementation thus far and provide insights for tribal organizations to consider. They cover some of the challenges some Tribes have experienced during implementation and the similarities and differences between GASB 87 and GASB 96. They also discuss the importance of centralizing contracts and agreements, calculating...2024-05-2324 minInsight in Indian CountryHow Outdated Policies & Procedures Impact Tribal Organizations with Cait Gutierrez, CPA, CIDAIt's time to dust off those P&Ps! REDW's Internal Audit team is here to help you find the finish line with your organization's policies and procedures.For all types of organizations, turnover and evolving roles are common issues that both contribute to outdated policies and procedures and require their updates. For Internal Audit Awareness Month, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally and Internal Audit Audit Senior Manager Cait Gutierrez discuss the importance of an internal audit and the role it plays in tribal organizations. They highlight the need for effective financial policies and procedures and...2024-05-0933 minInsight in Indian CountryPaving the Way for Growth: NMSCPA 2nd Annual Tribal ConferenceOn May 16, the New Mexico Society of CPAs (NMSCPA) is hosting their Second Annual Tribal Conference focused on tribal enterprises, cohosted by REDW Advisors and CPAs. Wes Benally is joined by fellow REDW Principals Victor Flores and Chris Henderson to touch on conference topics including tribal economics, entrepreneurship, and impact investing with native-owned businesses. Victor and Cait Gutierrez, REDW Internal Audit Senior Manager, will join a lineup of respected speakers at the event. Their sessions will provide valuable perspectives and actionable knowledge on economic development and entrepreneurship within Native communities. The conference aims to foster l...2024-04-2529 minInsight in Indian CountryReducing Risks in Retirement Plan Management with Paul Madrid, CPA®, CFP®, AIFA®Tribal fiduciaries have a responsibility to follow sound fiscal practices and fulfill their duty of care. This episode, Wes Benally and Paul Madrid discuss the Tribal fiduciary role and reducing risk in the management of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Paul explains the unique challenges tribal fiduciaries face, the importance of following fiduciary responsibilities, and introduces REDW's retirement plan sponsor scorecard—a tool specially designed to help Tribes assess their retirement plan management. The scorecard consists of 14 questions that cover areas such as investment policies, goals and objectives, and the effectiveness of education programs. Paul em...2024-04-1125 minInsight in Indian CountryA Leader's Journey in Tribal Finance with Hattie Mitchell, CPA, CFE, Prairie Band Potawatomi NationOur celebration of Women's History Month continues with Hattie Mitchell, a senior manager in client advisory and accounting services. Hattie shares her journey as a professional and member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation with REDW National Tribal Practice Leader and show host, Wes Benally. She discusses the inspiration she drew from her family's involvement in tribal finance, and talks about her involvement in the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) and the unique reporting needs of tribal governments. Chapters00:00 Introduction00:28 Hattie's Background and Inspiration07:06 Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council12:26 Finance...2024-03-2823 minInsight in Indian CountryRewards of an Accounting Career with Colaine Curtis (Diné), MBAHappy Women's History Month! In this episode, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally interviews Colaine Curtis, a senior manager and client advisor. Colaine shares her journey as a Diné woman in the accounting profession, discussing her early career working for tribal organizations, transition to public accounting, and the rewards and challenges of her work. She offers advice for those considering a career in accounting and emphasizes the importance of indigenous representation in the field.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Background04:03 - Early Career and Experience06:23...2024-03-1429 minInsight in Indian CountrySafeguarding Data: Navigating Cybersecurity FundingCybersecurity expert Brian Grayek is back to discuss security risks and solutions for Tribal Nations with REDW National Tribal Practice leader and podcast host, Wes Benally. Recent nationwide efforts for Tribes to access FEMA cybersecurity grant funding were met with challenges during the application process, preventing some Tribes from receiving critical funding. In their discussion, Brian and Wes are highlighting the importance of having a comprehensive cyber plan and detailed project plans when applying for grants. They also discuss the risks of not receiving funding and the need for internal funding to improve security infrastructure. What's the b...2024-02-2922 minInsight in Indian CountryHow Tribes Can Benefit from the Inflation Reduction ActThis episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally is discussing the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on Tribal Nations with Senior State and Local Tax Manager Thomas Miller. They explore the provisions in the act that provide opportunities for investment in energy, infrastructure, and climate resilience programs for Tribes. Their conversation highlights the allocation of funds to tribal communities and the specific programs available for funding, and it emphasizes the importance of staying proactive and informed about the funding opportunities and the process of getting registered. Tribes shouldn't miss exploring the eligibility of their projects...2024-02-1522 minInsight in Indian CountryElection Year Economics: 2024 Financial Planning for TribesWhat exactly is a "soft landing" in the economy? This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally and Wealth Management Principal Paul Madrid are discussing economic outlook for Tribal Nations in 2024, covering potential economic slowdowns, inflation outlooks, fixed income investments, and more. 🎧 Tune in for expert insights on financial planning. 💸🫰 TakeawaysA soft landing in the economy is a slowdown without a recession, and it is the current expectation for 2024.When considering financing for projects, it may be beneficial to wait for interest rates to potentially decrease or explore floating rate loans.Having excess ca...2024-02-0128 min