Last week, a second Native American-owned company decided to terminate a multi-million dollar deal with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following community pressure. Oneida ESC Group, a firm owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, canceled a $3.8 million contract with ICE for engineering and inspection services at federal facilities. This action was taken after the Oneida government condemned the contract and replaced the subsidiary’s board of managers.
Chairman Tahassi Hill of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin emphasized the importance of upholding their laws, policies, and values in a statement to CBC Indigenous. Hill stressed the need for nations to have autonomy in defining their visions and principles.
In a similar move, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas recently terminated a $29.9 million contract with ICE for planning and research services related to secure structures. Tribal Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick expressed concerns over participating in activities reminiscent of past traumas inflicted on Indigenous communities.
Becky Webster, a former senior staff attorney for the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, highlighted the independence of tribal corporations in venturing into diverse economic endeavors while shielding nations from certain legal obligations. Corporate boards oversee daily operations, providing autonomy from tribal governance.
Matthew L. M. Fletcher, a law professor and member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, discussed the history and benefits of affirmative action programs for minority-owned businesses, including tribally owned corporations. These programs, like the federal section 8(a) initiative, aim to support socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
While some affirmative action programs have been discontinued, 8(a) remains intact, enabling Indigenous-owned businesses to secure federal contracts. Fletcher noted the attractiveness of such contracting opportunities for tribes due to their unique legal status and exemption from certain regulations.
Notably, pass-through entities like Akima, a subsidiary of NANA Regional Corporation owned by 11 Iñupiaq villages in Alaska, hold substantial contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. These entities operate in compliance with ethical standards and internal policies, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
The involvement of Alaska Native corporations and other tribal entities in federal contracting underscores the complexities of balancing economic opportunities with cultural values. As Indigenous communities navigate business ventures, the importance of aligning operations with traditional values and community interests remains paramount.
