The Urban Rez Show

Hosts Marcus and Dr. B sit down with Regent Heather Brown to discuss how Nevada can expand access to higher education and better connect colleges, entrepreneurs, and employers. Heather shares her first-generation journey from CCSD and UNLV, supported by the Millennial Scholarship, to the Board of Regents, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, retention, and completion, and notes that the Native American fee waiver created in 2021 has improved access even as persistence and credential completion remain priorities. She explains how CCSD-to-CSN pathways and employer training programs can be built quickly, even though higher education still moves more slowly than the economy, and why keeping graduates in Nevada will take stronger internships, careers, salaries, and advancement opportunities. The conversation also explores the state’s growing startup ecosystem, including how Startup Vegas has strengthened founder connections, mentorship, pitch practice, and funding pipelines, while Nevada still needs more experienced entrepreneurs and greater company density. Heather argues that institutions should make their services easier for small businesses to find and use, and that both large employers and small businesses should help shape workforce programs. She also shares her view that AI education should treat the technology as a tool while emphasizing critical thinking, judgment, creativity, communication, and responsible use. Finally, she describes her campus visits and student engagement, and her hope to leave the system better than she found it by expanding opportunity, access, completion, and workforce connections.

Chris James discusses tribal economic development, technological integration, and the importance of political engagement for Native communities.

Tribal Development

Chris advocates for reforming federal contracting programs to ensure all tribes have access, regardless of whether they are officially deemed "disadvantaged" or possess gaming revenue. He emphasizes that economic programs should consider the broader impact on descendants and adjacent non-native communities rather than focusing solely on current tribal membership numbers.

Economic Diversification

• Chris suggests moving away from a heavy reliance on gaming and federal government support.
• Potential growth areas include agriculture (citing greenhouse success in North Dakota), cannabis, hemp, and government contracting.
• The National Center aims to provide technical assistance through new programs in agriculture, procurement planning, and the Native CDFI to increase access to capital.

Technology Integration

The participants discussed how emerging technologies can serve as tools for tribal advancement while preserving cultural traditions.

Artificial Intelligence

• Chris views AI as an essential tool for business and language development but warns against being "AI resistant."
• Marcus compares using AI to managing an intern: it requires training and constant oversight to correct mistakes.
• There is a recognized need for more formal training on how to leverage these innovations effectively within tribal enterprises.

Political Engagement

Following his run for Congress, Chris shared reflections on leadership and the necessity of local political involvement. He noted a significant gap in voter participation, observing that only 20% of registered Democrats voted in his primary, which allowed a small group to influence the outcome for over 100,000 people.

Civic Responsibility

• Chris advises individuals to stay informed about both local politics and national policy in Washington.
• He stresses the importance of active voting to prevent extremist candidates from dominating elections due to low turnout.
• The discussion concluded with a call for entrepreneurs and leaders to "do more than just exist" by pushing beyond comfort zones and utilizing the strengths of their elders.

This month on The Urban Rez Radio Show, we sit down with Chris James, President & CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), for a powerful conversation about the future of Native business and economic development.

We’ll discuss the growth and impact of NCAIED, access to capital and corporate procurement opportunities, the changing landscape of federal contracting and the 8(a) program, and the challenges and opportunities facing Native-owned businesses today.

Chris will also share lessons from his career in public service, his recent run for Congress, and his vision for building stronger Native enterprises and tribal economies for the next generation.

On this special Mother’s Day episode of Urban Rez, hosts Marcus White and Dr. B sit down with renowned Musqueam weavers Deborah and Aleen Sparrow for a powerful conversation on Coast Salish weaving, cultural revitalization, healing, and Indigenous identity. Deborah reflects on her 40-year journey reviving the nearly-lost tradition of Salish weaving after the impacts of colonialism, transforming weaving into both a spiritual practice and a foundation for raising her family in a healthy, culturally grounded home. Aleen shares her own path back to culture; from pursuing a legal career to rediscovering weaving, canoe pulling, and community during COVID-19, while navigating sobriety and an ADHD diagnosis. Together, the mother-daughter duo discuss Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, the creation of Salish Blanket Co., and the importance of balancing cultural sharing with protecting sacred teachings. Through fashion, storytelling, and mentorship, Deborah and Aleen reveal how tradition and innovation can work together to inspire healing, pride, and the next generation of Indigenous youth. Follow Aleen on Instagram at @aileensparrow and learn more at Salish Blanket Co..

This week on Urban Rez, Marcus sits down with Jonathan Ullman, President & CEO of The Mob Museum, for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and the hidden systems that shape influence.

From the evolution of one of Las Vegas’s most iconic institutions to lessons in strategy, culture, and reinvention, this episode goes far beyond history.

Chef Georges Demanget from La Cantina in Orange, France, discusses his unique restaurant located beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman theater. The restaurant, built by his father, is nestled in a natural cave with a constant 21°C temperature. Chef Georges serves traditional upscale cuisine, including smoked salmon and rotisserie meats. The restaurant has hosted notable artists like Will Smith and Tim and Dave from Yes. Chef Georges emphasizes the restaurant's role in preserving Orange's history and its reputation as a special dining experience. Future plans include hosting more opera events and maintaining the restaurant's high standards.

On this episode, we sit down with Patrick Lindsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for an inside look at one of Southern Nevada’s most iconic venues. Patrick shares his vision for LVMS as a year-round community and economic driver, how the speedway balances global motorsports with local impact, and what fans can expect heading into the March NASCAR 400 weekend. He also discusses leadership under pressure, the business behind large-scale events, and where Las Vegas Motor Speedway is headed next. This conversation goes beyond the race to explore strategy, community, and the future of live sports entertainment in Las Vegas.

Dr. B hosts a discussion with Adrian Nabors and Derrick Stevens, both community leaders with impressive backgrounds in basketball. Adrian, a Navajo from the Navajo Nation, founded Global Elite and Rez Ball Affiliate, a Native American sport fashion apparel line. Derrick, a former professional basketball player and coach, collaborates with Adrian on various projects, including the Native Top 50 camp, which identifies and supports the top 50 Native American basketball players. They emphasize the importance of off-court development, such as mental health seminars, and stress the need for parents to allow their children to experience failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation highlights the growing visibility and success of Native American athletes in sports.

Marcus White and Dr. B welcome listeners to "The Urban Rez.". They discuss the fast-moving month of September and introduce guest Derek Hinkey, a seventh-generation Paiute Shoshone descendant and actor. Derek shares his journey from the Fort McDermott reservation to becoming an Olympic boxer and actor, emphasizing the importance of representing his heritage authentically. He discusses his role in "American Primitive Evil" and the significance of his ancestral power. Derek also talks about his commitment to community service and the importance of self-defense and situational awareness, particularly in addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous relatives.

Dr. B hosts Lycia Ortega, a Quechan Indian tribe member and communication specialist, on the Urban Rez radio show. Lycia discusses her extensive experience in amplifying the voices of historically underserved communities and her work on significant campaigns like changing the Washington football team's name and supporting Deb Haaland's appointment. They delve into the challenges faced by Native Americans, including the impact of historical policies like the Indian Removal Act, the lack of basic amenities on reservations, and the importance of sovereignty and cultural values. They emphasize the need for unity, community, and systemic opportunities to address these issues.