Womens Talking Circle with WESST in Farmington
NWL teamed up with the WESST Farming Office to gather with Indigenous women entrepreneurs on July 31 for a Women’s Talking Circle centered on business, community and wellness.
The community event brought together established business owners and women in the startup phase to share experiences, challenges and ideas for building stronger Indigenous economies. Conversations touched on access to funding, marketing, business planning, legal and intellectual property resources, culturally relevant support and the importance of protecting Native entrepreneurs from exploitation. The gathering also created space to talk about wellness, ceremony, healthy boundaries and staying grounded while navigating entrepreneurship.
A big thank you to WESST for its support in this event.
Shiprock Flea Market Outreach
Staff members connected directly with entrepreneurs, vendors and community members where they live, work and do business at the Shiprock Flea Market on August 1.
Conversations focused on the resources Native entrepreneurs need most—from funding and technical assistance to mentorship, marketing and business planning.
The visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about local businesses, hear directly from entrepreneurs about their goals and challenges, and build relationships that can help guide future outreach. Through an on-sight survey, NWL learned that vendors had questions about copyright and legal representation.
NWL at 2026 Canoe Journey
NWL Executive Director Vernelle Frank was honored to spend time as a volunteer during the 2026 Canoe Journey hosted by the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
Guided by the theme “Healing Through Our Waters by Honoring Our Ancestors,” the Canoe Journey brought together Indigenous nations from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond in a powerful celebration of culture, resilience, connection and ancestral traditions.
Vernelle volunteered to cook for the hundreds who join in this celebration and handed out NWL wellness stickers. NWL’s presence was part of its continued commitment to building authentic relationships with Native communities, listening and learning, and expanding connections that can support Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-led economic development across communities.