
Guiding Principals and Values
Guiding Principles & Values
Select one of our values in our Pillar Wheel to learn more about the principles of NWNC
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Foundation for Future Generations -
Collective Responsibility and Ownership -
Sovereignty -
Addressing Community Needs -
Giving Back -
Reciprocity
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Collaboration -
Dignity -
Sustainability -
Honesty -
Leadership -
Accountability

Envision
Envision
Are you starting the visioning process? Do you have an idea and are exploring the options? Do you need assistance getting formalized or started? This is where you will find support business planning, seeking funding/investment, etc. Learn how to incorporate Native values and personal values and goals into your business within your community.
Envision
Are you starting the visioning process? Do you have an idea and are exploring the options? Do you need assistance getting formalized or started? This is where you will find support business planning, seeking funding/investment, etc. Learn how to incorporate Native values and personal values and goals into your business within your community.
Engage
Engage
Engage
Flourish
Flourish
Need help continuing to work out the details of operations? Need support Developing routines and systems in accounting , taxes, and payroll? Here you will find resources to feel more confident in solidly meeting income and cash flow goals and understanding markets and products.
Flourish
Need help continuing to work out the details of operations? Need support Developing routines and systems in accounting , taxes, and payroll? Here you will find resources to feel more confident in solidly meeting income and cash flow goals and understanding markets and products.
Sustain
Sustain
Do you feel solid in all of your operations systems? Is your business running well and you have capacity to work on the business rather than in it? Are you solidly meeting income and cash flow goals? Find resources here to support your business in operating successfully while meeting personal goals and contributing to your community, meeting their needs, and becoming a pilar within in the local economy. Work towards becoming a staple business through contracting (if applicable) and becoming a leader in business and the community.
Sustain
Do you feel solid in all of your operations systems? Is your business running well and you have capacity to work on the business rather than in it? Are you solidly meeting income and cash flow goals? Find resources here to support your business in operating successfully while meeting personal goals and contributing to your community, meeting their needs, and becoming a pilar within in the local economy. Work towards becoming a staple business through contracting (if applicable) and becoming a leader in business and the community.
Thrive
Thrive
Have you been operating successfully for 5 plus years? Are you an expert or feel solid in all of your business operations? Does your business serve in a strong role in community wealth building and reciprocity (partnerships, sponsorships, giving back, donations)? Find resources here for continuing to meet your income and cash flow goals, employment goals, and find opportunities for collaboration with partners and networks.
Thrive
Have you been operating successfully for 5 plus years? Are you an expert or feel solid in all of your business operations? Does your business serve in a strong role in community wealth building and reciprocity (partnerships, sponsorships, giving back, donations)? Find resources here for continuing to meet your income and cash flow goals, employment goals, and find opportunities for collaboration with partners and networks.
Regenerate
Regenerate
Are you ready to move on to another phase of your life or another business venture? Are you intersted in setting goals for exiting the business while supporting your investments? Here you can find resources how to respectfully and sustainably leave (sell, pass on, or dissolve) a business while continuing to meet the needs of the community and honor your values.
Regenerate
Are you ready to move on to another phase of your life or another business venture? Are you intersted in setting goals for exiting the business while supporting your investments? Here you can find resources how to respectfully and sustainably leave (sell, pass on, or dissolve) a business while continuing to meet the needs of the community and honor your values.
Explore Our Program Areas
We are committed to the Native Community, our members, and partners:
Education and Growth
- Student Academic Achievement Award (SA3) Program
- Native Enterprise Program
- StartUp Platform
- Technical Assistance Program
Relationship Building
- Building Relationships and Networking Opportunity Events
- Multi-Chamber Gatherings
- The Annual Gathering
- Networking Luncheons & Annual Spring Mixer
- Communications & Media
Economic Justice and Transformation
- Advocacy, Representation & Community Policy Engagement
- Vibrant Tribal Economies
Latest News & Updates
Building Community Relationships
We are committed to the Native Community and to our Members:
Student Academic Awards

Financial assistance to our American Indian and Alaskan Native students seekingto use their education as a means of service.
American Indian & Alaskan Native students face a unique set of challenges in gaining access to college education and are one of the most underrepresented groups both in college and in the degree-holding population. NWNC is dedicated to improving Native student access to higher education by reducing barriers and providing critical financial support.
All SA2 awards are based on need, community impact, and student success. NWNC affirms the importance of legacy, and is committed to supporting our students through the life of their academic career.
Please Note:
For the 2023-2024 academic year, awards will range from $2,500 – $5,000, and will be determined by NWNC’s Board of Directors. The number of awards vary each year, depending upon available funding. The 2023-2024 Student Academic Award (SA2) will be presented at NWNC’s 18th Annual Gathering this fall. Award recipients must be able to attend NWNC’s Annual Gathering to receive their scholarship award.
Requirements
- Complete the online application.
- Official college or high school (if incoming freshman) transcript.
- Original letter of recommendation from a person other than a family member. A professional associated with your education, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or employment is preferred.
- Proof of college/university enrollment
- Photocopy of current driver’s license, or photo id
- Photocopy of proof of Native American identification (must show tribal enrollment number), if applicable, or proof of ancestral heritage. ONAC scholarships award offers a Native American preference.
Eligibility
- Be residents of the state of Oregon, Washington; and/or, Idaho
- Be currently enrolled and attending an accredited community college, accredited four-year college/university, or post-secondary educational institution in the state of Oregon or Clark County, Washington; or, Be currently enrolled and attending a leadership development program or institution or non-traditional learning program based on a well-developed criterion that matches intended outcomes of the SA2 program, in the state of Oregon, Washington, or Oregon; and,
- Be in good academic standing at their respective institution.
Selection Criteria
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Selections for the 2022-2023 Student Achievement Awards will be made solely at the discretion of the ONAC Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors. Selection criteria is based upon the student’s demonstration that they are in good academic standing and on track to meet their educational goals, their commitment to their Native community and/or culture, and the thorough completion of application materials.
Applications are due in full by August 31, 2023. Notification of scholarship award will be made within 30 days post-deadline.
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Business Highlight: Kanaine
Sydelle strives to create designs that cross the line between wild western lifestyle and the street style. Each piece is sourced, cut, crafted, packaged and shipped from her home studio in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Her pieces are all limited one of a kind, handmade with care.
Sydelle says, "I love creating, collaborating, and every part of making handcrafted goodness. The business has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, experience new and exciting places, and provide for my family while pursuing my doctoral studies; not only does it provide stability, but a vision of what can be accomplished with hard work and persistence, just like my mom and dad gave to me."