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Building Tribal Economies.
Gaming is just the beginning. Diversified revenue from construction, energy, federal contracting, and other ventures builds lasting economic independence. Legal structure makes the difference.
Revenue Enables Self-Governance
Economic development isn't just about money—it's about resources to fund tribal courts, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. We help tribes build sustainable revenue while protecting the sovereignty that makes it meaningful.
Enterprise Formation
We help tribes create business entities—tribally-chartered corporations, Section 17 entities, LLCs—structured for the specific venture while preserving options for sovereign immunity and tax treatment.
Joint Venture Structuring
When tribes partner with outside investors or developers, deal structure determines who controls decisions and how risks are allocated. We negotiate structures that bring resources in without giving sovereignty away.
Contract Drafting & Review
From construction agreements to management contracts, the language matters. We draft and review agreements with tribal-specific provisions: limited waivers, tribal forum clauses, and tribal law provisions.
Federal Contracting
8(a), Buy Indian, and other federal programs provide opportunities for tribally-owned businesses. We help structure compliant entities and navigate program requirements to maximize access.
Development Projects
Real estate development, energy projects, and infrastructure construction require careful legal structuring. We help tribes navigate the unique regulatory landscape that applies to development on tribal land.
Due Diligence
Before major deals, we investigate partners, review financials, and identify risks. Thorough due diligence before closing prevents problems that are much harder to solve afterward.
Beyond Gaming Revenue
Gaming has transformed tribal economies, but diversification is essential for long-term sustainability. Tribes are now leaders in construction, energy, manufacturing, hospitality, and federal contracting. Each sector brings different opportunities and different legal considerations.
We've worked with tribes on projects ranging from convenience stores to major development ventures. The scale varies, but the principles are consistent: structure deals to generate revenue, protect tribal assets, and preserve the sovereignty that makes tribal business development unique.
Diversified Revenue
Economic
Independence
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 81 of Title 25 U.S.C. requires certain contracts involving tribal lands to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. This includes contracts relating to the sale, lease, or encumbrance of trust or restricted land. Properly structuring agreements to comply with Section 81 (or to avoid its requirements when appropriate) is essential for tribal economic development.
Tribes have multiple options: tribally-chartered corporations, state-chartered LLCs, Section 17 corporations (under the Indian Reorganization Act), and others. Each structure has different implications for liability, taxation, sovereign immunity, and governance. The right choice depends on the business purpose, the tribe's priorities, and how the entity will interact with outside parties.
Tribes themselves generally do not pay federal income tax on income from governmental activities. However, tribal enterprises may be subject to tax depending on their structure and activities. State taxation is generally not permitted on tribal land, though the rules are complex. Tax planning should be part of every economic development strategy.
Yes. The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program and other federal programs provide contracting preferences for tribally-owned businesses. Qualifying for these programs requires specific organizational structures and compliance with program requirements. We help tribes structure entities that maximize access to federal contracting opportunities.
Joint ventures can bring capital, expertise, and market access to tribal projects. However, they also create sovereignty concerns: outside partners may want governance rights, dispute resolution in non-tribal forums, and other provisions that could erode tribal control. Well-structured joint ventures balance partner interests with sovereignty protection.
Before entering major business relationships, tribes should investigate the partner's financial condition, litigation history, experience with tribal entities, and ability to perform. We conduct due diligence reviews that identify red flags before deals close—when the tribe still has leverage to negotiate protections.
Build Your Tribal Economy.
From enterprise formation to major development projects, we help tribes structure ventures that generate sustainable revenue while protecting what matters most.