Tribal Opportunities

RISE: A Weekend Immersion into Tribal Enterprise and Economic Development

The Rooted Immersion in Sustainability and Economic Development (RISE) Program was created to provide Tribal Members with a deeper understanding of Tribal economic development through the lens of the Waséyabek model.

What is the Waséyabek Model?

The Waséyabek Model is NHBP’s approach to Tribal economic development. It combines the principles of the Harvard Project (Model) on American Indian Economic Development with strong corporate governance, strategic investment, diversified business ownership, and long-term stewardship to create sustainable prosperity for current and future generations.

What will participants explore?

RISE is designed as an immersive learning experience that helps participants understand:

What Tribal economic development is and why it matters.
The Harvard Model of Tribal economic development
How sovereignty and nation-building support long-term prosperity
The roles of Tribal Council, the Waséyabek Board, and executive management
How investment decisions are made
How financial performance is measured
How Tribal enterprises create economic impact for future generations

Through presentations, discussions, case studies, and direct interaction with executive leadership and subject matter experts, participants will gain practical knowledge of how a modern Tribal holding company operates and advances the economic goals of its Tribal ownership.

Program: Friday, Oct. 2–Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Location: FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Application Deadline: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.

Who can apply?

NHBP Tribal Members
Parents and spouses of NHBP Tribal Members
Members of other federally recognized Tribes

What’s included?

Two nights of lodging at FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Meals throughout the program
Mileage reimbursement for eligible participants in accordance with the RISE Program Overview

Ready to explore Tribal Enterprise?

Access RISE Program Overview

Apply for the RISE Program Now

Leadership Exploration and Development

Waséyabek seeks to provide Tribal Members with meaningful opportunities to obtain practical exposure in operational areas related to Waséyabek’s subsidiary businesses and receive insight from seasoned industry professionals currently working within Indian Country. By exposing Tribal Members to various areas of business and industry, they are afforded the opportunity to explore a functioning business and gain practical knowledge that can help them with their career development aspirations and gain a better understanding of Waséyabek (and its subsidiaries).

The application period for 2026 is now closed.

Professional Development
Goal Advancement
Industry Exposure
Career Enhancement Strategies
Breakout Sessions
In-Person Learning
Site Visits
Networking

Dive Deeper

Explore the Sessions Overview document for a closer look at the LEAD Program experience. Discover the site visits, leadership lessons, business insights, and Tribal enterprise education that help participants deepen their understanding of Waséyabek and explore potential career paths across our family of companies.

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Resources

Turtle Press Articles

Additional Info

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TRIBAL TALENT CONNECT

Tribal Talent Connect (formerly the Tribal Candidate Tracker) offers NHBP Tribal Members, parents and spouses of NHBP Tribal Members, and Members of other federally recognized Tribes who are interested in Waséyabek or the Waséyabek family of companies with an opportunity to share their experience, talents, and skills. Submitting information to Tribal Talent Connect allows us to notify you of future job openings, internships, the LEAD program, and other development opportunities.

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