Release Date:

09.10.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“The Florida Indian Youth Program”

Special Guest:

Thelma McDermott

(Muskogee Nation of Oklahoma)

Employment & Training Intake Coordinator

Florida Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs, Inc.

Episode Description:

On this episode of the Hoporenkv Native American Podcast, we're joined by Thelma McDermott to discuss the vital role of the Florida Indian Youth Program. We'll delve into the program's mission to provide a free, two-week college preparatory experience for Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian students in Florida and Georgia.

Thelma will highlight how the program, operated by the Florida Governor's Council on Indian Affairs, helps students explore educational and employment opportunities after high school. We'll talk about the benefits of career-focused academic enrichment, the exposure to new skills students might not otherwise encounter, and the positive impact on preparing young Native People for a bright future in their communities and beyond.

Episode Resource Links:

https://fgcia.org/florida-indian-youth-program

Release Date:

08.27.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“Strengthening Housing Programs Through Diverse Funding”

Special Guests:

Moriah McGill

Deputy Director

Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority

Joseph B. Diehl, JD, CPA, FMCHC

Managing Director

Diehl & Co. LLC

Episode Description:

Navigating the complex world of Tribal Housing and Tribal Economic Development is a challenge, but our guests today on the Hoporenkv Native American Podcast have a wealth of knowledge to share. In this episode, we sit down with two experts who have dedicated their careers to finding innovative solutions for Tribal Nations.

Joining us are Moriah McGill, Deputy Director of the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority, and Joseph B. Diehl, JD, CPA, FMCHC, Managing Director of Diehl & Co. LLC. They are here to discuss their collaborative work and the key principles of their presentation on raising funds for housing programs.

We’ll explore what it truly means to "think outside the box" in the context of Tribal Economic Development and why relying on just one or two funding sources is a dangerous gamble. Moriah and Joseph will reveal underutilized funding opportunities and share strategies for tapping into private capital and attracting entrepreneurial-minded business operators.

Our conversation will also dive deep into the art of grant and proposal writing, focusing on their three essential concepts: "focus on your why," "seek and you shall find," and "build relationships." They'll provide practical tips on everything from crafting an effective "elevator speech" to the power of storytelling in grant proposals.

Finally, we'll discuss the philosophical and practical challenges of "mastering the art of housing" and leveraging social media for funding. Moriah and Joseph will leave us with their most important fundraising tips and key takeaways for anyone looking to secure a more prosperous future for their Tribal Nation.

Episode Resource Links:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Their presentation: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:c0ee9442-93ef-42e8-9fc7-2e3b8a3d20cf

Release Date:

08.13.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“Breaking Ground for Urban Indian Housing”

Special Guest:

Shelly J. Tucciarelli, MBA

(Oneida Nation of Wisconsin)

Executive Director of Visionary Ventures NFP Corporation

CEO & Founder of Turtle Clan Development Services

Episode Description:

Join us on the Hoporenkv Native American Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Shelly J. Tucciarelli, MBA, Executive Director of Visionary Ventures NFP Corporation and CEO & Founder of Turtle Clan Development Services. Shelly, a proud member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, shares the incredible story behind Jigzibik—Potawatomi for "At the River's Edge"—Chicago's first-ever affordable housing development specifically for the Native American community.

We’ll dive into the project's journey, from its humble beginnings to the monumental groundbreaking event. Shelly shares the challenges she overcame and the deep cultural significance behind the name and the land blessing ceremony.

We also explore how this development will impact the lives of Native American families in Chicago, the crucial support from city leaders, and the vital role of community partners. Plus, Shelly gives us a glimpse into the future, sharing her hopes and dreams for Jigzibik and how this model could inspire similar projects across the country.

Tune in for a powerful discussion about community, housing, and a vision that's finally becoming a reality.

Episode Resource Links:

https://youtu.be/zT7m8XVXuRk?si=ykCdn3i-IgAmVkdM

https://canopy-chicago.com/work/projects/jigsibik/

https://www.fccommunities.org/jigzibik/

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/july/jigzibik-affordable-housing.html

Release Date:

07.30.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“Low Income Tax Credits in the Budget Reconciliation Act”

Special Guests:

Phil Glynn

President

Travois

Adam Rose

Director of Partnerships and Growth

Travois

Episode Description:

Join us for a vital discussion on how recent legislative changes to Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) can transform housing and economic development in Native American Communities. In this episode of the Hoporenkv Native American Podcast, we sit down with Phil Glynn and Adam Rose from Travois, a leading expert in tribal housing and economic development.

Discover how Tribes can leverage LIHTC, exploring its synergy with existing programs like NAHASDA, Competitive IHBG grants, and even Title VI secured loans. They'll also highlight the key distinctions between LIHTC and NAHASDA in terms of populations served, and why the broader national affordable housing crisis underscores the critical importance of these tax credits for all communities, including Tribes.

Our guests will shed light on the long-standing advocacy for LIHTC expansion and detail the significant provisions in the recently passed Budget Reconciliation Act. What does this bill mean for housing tax credits, and is the increased allocation permanent? Learn how this will directly and indirectly benefit Tribes and the potential short-term challenges, emphasizing how strategic planning can overcome them.

Travois will share insights into the types of projects Tribes have successfully funded with NMTC, whether it's a repayable source, and the typical capital it can provide. They'll address past challenges Tribes have faced in utilizing this resource and delve into the bill's substantial implications for future NMTC availability for Tribes.

If your Tribe has a project needing additional capital, this episode is a must-listen for connecting with the experts at Travois.

Episode Resource Links:

https://travois.com/

Release Date:

05.14.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“An Important Announcement for Indian Country from HUD Secretary Scott Turner”

Special Guest:

Scott Turner

United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Episode Description:

Today's episode brings you exciting news directly from our very special guest, Scott Turner, the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)! We're diving into the announcement of a significant $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding, set to empower Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) with vital resources for affordable housing initiatives in Indian Country.

We'll highlight the importance of this crucial investment - HUD's largest annually for Indian Country – and how this funding will support crucial housing activities nationwide, as well as HUD's unwavering dedication to serving Tribal Communities and their vision for a brighter, more sustainable future. “From day one, HUD has been engaged on alleviating affordable housing challenges facing urban, rural, and Tribal Communities. Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to serve Tribal Communities while working towards meeting Indian Country’s housing needs,” said Secretary Scott Turner. “HUD has a strong partnership with Tribal Nations, and I look forward to collaborating directly with Tribal Leaders to expand housing opportunities and remove burdensome regulatory barriers that impede progress.”

Join us as we look toward the road ahead and Secretary Turner reaffirms HUD's ongoing commitment to addressing housing challenges in Tribal Communities nationwide.

Episode Resource Links:

• https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-25-065

• https://www.hud.gov/sites/default/files/PIH/documents/FY-2025IHBG-Formula-Allocation-Press-Release-Awards-List.pdf

• https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/public-indian-housing-ihbgformula

• https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-25-054

• https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-25-061

Release Date:

04.16.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“In Honor of Stress Awareness Month- Thriving Under Pressure: Holistic Health Tips for Tribal Professionals"

Special Guest:

Dr. Joseph Buckley, D.C., B.S.

Doctor of Chiropractic

Certified back safety and stress-free sitting specialist

Pines West Chiropractic

Episode Description:

Feeling the pressure? This Stress Awareness Month, empower yourself with actionable strategies in our latest episode: "Thriving Under Pressure: Holistic Health Tips for Tribal Professionals." This week, we're honored to host Dr. Joseph Buckley, a respected chiropractor, who brings a wealth of knowledge on holistic health and well-being. We'll explore practical strategies for healthy stress reduction, effective techniques for achieving that elusive work-life balance, and powerful ways to improve self-esteem. This crucial discussion will also cover managing stress and burnout specifically for professionals, the importance of promoting mental health awareness, the benefits of implementing wellness programs for Tribal Housing employees, and vital self-care practices that every Tribal employee can integrate into their lives. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools for a healthier and more balanced life!

Episode Resource Links:

https://www.pineswestchiropractic.com/

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:52792c8e-ee9c-473d-b5ac-1390436dda6c

Pines West

18501 Pines Blvd., Suite 104

Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

(954) 432-3343

Eastside Chiropractic

8228 Biscayne Blvd.

Miami, FL 33138

(305) 403-2595

Martinez Chiropractic

12595 S.W. 137th Ave., Suite 108

Miami FL, 33186

(305) 388-7577

Release Date:

04.16.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“Reel Reflections”

Special Guest:

Everett Osceola

(Seminole Tribe of Florida)

Film Liaison

Cultural Ambassador

Florida Seminole Tourism

Seminole Tribe of Florida

Episode Description:

Tune in as Everett Osceola, Seminole Tribe of Florida Member who is Film Liaison and Cultural Ambassador for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tourism Department, joins us once again to share his reflections on the success from the 10th anniversary of the Native Reel Cinema Fest, hosted at Seminole Tribal Fair and Powwow earlier this year. He regales us with tales of the triumphant event, identifies the lessons learned for future Native Reels, and shares valuable advice for fellow Native cinephiles who hope to make their own mark on the world of Indigenous film and media.

Episode Resource Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ReelNativeFest/

https://www.instagram.com/nativereel/

https://filmfreeway.com/NativeReelCinemafestival-1

Release Date:

01.22.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

Building a Greener Future: A Conversation with Suffolk Construction on Sustainability

Special Guests:

Steven Burke, LEED and WELL Faculty, CPHC

Senior Director of Sustainability

Suffolk Design

Suffolk Construction

Mike Swenson, CCP, CEM, LEED AP BD+C

Director of Sustainability

Suffolk Design

Suffolk Construction

Episode Description:

We sit down with Steven Burke and Mike Swenson, Senior Director and Director respectively of Sustainability at Suffolk Construction. We are very excited to welcome Suffolk in January, as they will be giving the first lunch hour “Spark Chat” presentation at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s 7th Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference, happening January 27th-29th, 2025. Steven and Mike share what exciting developments are going on with sustainable materials and builds in the world of construction as well as offering some helpful tips for Tribal Housing Professionals. Come hear more about their exciting work and what they offer the worlds of sustainable construction and Tribal Housing!

Episode Resource Links:

https://www.suffolk.com/

https://www.suffolk.com/approach/sustainability/

https://www.suffolk.com/approach/design-management/

Release Date:

01.08.2025

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast:

“Getting Excited for Native Reel Cinema Fest at Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow”

Special Guest:

Everett Osceola

(Seminole Tribe of Florida)

Cultural Ambassador

Film Liaison

Florida Seminole Tourism

Seminole Tribe of Florida

Episode Description:

This week, join us as we sit down with Everett Osceola, Seminole Tribe of Florida Member who is the Tribe’s Cultural Ambassador and Film Liaison. As discussed in a previous episode (ep. 161 “A Celebration of Native American Voices in Film”), Everett is also the founder of the Native Reel Cinema Fest! Native Reel, established in 2014, will be celebrating a decade in existence this year at the upcoming Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow, happening January 31st to February2nd, 2025, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. We get the inside scoop on what we can look forward to from Native Reel this year along with hearing about its history up until this point and Everett’s vision for the future.

Episode Resource Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ReelNativeFest/

https://www.instagram.com/nativereel/

https://filmfreeway.com/NativeReelCinemafestival-1

Hoporenkv Native American Podcast Release:

“In Observance of International Day of Banks- Banking on the Future: A Conversation with Native American Bank”

Special Guest:

Veronica Lane

(Navajo)

Vice President, Interim Chief Lending Officer

Native American Bank

Release Date: December 04, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm EST

Episode Description:

This week, in observance of the International Day of Banks, we sit down with Veronica Lane, who is a member of the Navajo Nation and Vice President and Interim Chief Lending Officer of Native American Bank. This financial institution was the first national, American Indian-owned community development bank in the country, and Veronica teaches us all about the bank’s current mission along with the unique role of Indigenous-owned financial institutions in fostering economic empowerment and community development within Native American communities. Tune in to learn more about the vital work of Native American Bank and how you can support their efforts to build a brighter financial future for Indian Country.

Episode Links:

https://nativeamericanbank.com/