Northwest Native Chamber

09/04/2026

Coming up soon! Mark your calendars for September 19th!

BizFair 2026 is returning to Puyallup, offering a free and valuable opportunity for both current and aspiring small business owners.

This event brings together representatives from SBA, SBDC, state agencies, and local organizations who are there to engage directly with you. Attendees can explore workshops, connect with exhibitors, ask questions, and access resources that support starting and growing a business.

➡️ Saturday, September 19, 2026
➡️ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
➡️ Pierce College, Puyallup Campus
➡️ Free to attend

If you or someone in your network is building a business, this is a strong opportunity to connect and learn.

Learn more and register: www.bizfair.wa.gov

09/04/2026

Oregon child care providers — applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Oregon Business Leadership Cohort!

Eligible providers can apply for the opportunity to participate in FCF-led training, consultation, and business advising focused on strengthening child care business operations and sustainability.

Participants who complete all Oregon BLC requirements may earn a $2,400 incentive.

Applications are due September 11, 2026.

Apply today by scanning the QR code or visiting our website:
https://www.fcforegon.org/

09/02/2026

Calling all Native relatives! 📢

Join Seattle City officials for Indigenous Civic Engagement Day September 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Seattle City Hall. This fun and informative event will help participants learn how to engage with local government, access City programs, and make their voices heard in the community.

Activities, prizes, and lunch will be provided, and everyone who lives, works, or plays in Seattle is invited. Bring your family and friends and be part of this important day of connection and civic empowerment!

📅When: September 18, 2026
⏰Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
📍Where: Seattle City Hall

08/21/2026

Less than a month left to apply ✨

If you are a Native student—this is your invitation to apply.

The NWNC Student Achievement Award recognizes Native students who are showing up in their education, leading in their communities, and building toward what comes next. This is an opportunity to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

We are actively encouraging applications from Native students who are currently enrolled in college, university, or a training program and committed to their academic and community journey.

Selected recipients will be honored at The Gathering on October 1, where we will gather in community to celebrate their accomplishments and future.

Deadline to apply: September 15

Apply here:

https://nwnc.org/saaward/

08/20/2026

August is the final month to apply!🌡️

Through the City of Portland, Ore USA's Cooling Portland program, the Northwest Native Chamber is partnering to distribute no-cost portable AC units to eligible households. The program prioritizes community members most impacted by extreme heat, helping reduce health risks and improve overall safety during the summer months.

If your household could benefit from cooling support, we encourage you to apply or share with someone who might need it.

Apply here: nwnc.org/cecdp

08/19/2026

Thank you to the Wildhorse Foundation for investing grant support in the Northwest Native Chamber and our Technical Assistance Program!

With this support, we provided 240 hours of one-on-one business advising to 9 Native entrepreneurs across the Foundation’s service region, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding communities. Participants also gained access to specialized professional services in legal, financial, and HR support. Through all of this support, participants strengthened core business practices and built the tools and confidence needed for long-term success.

We are grateful for the partnership and the role Wildhorse Foundation continues to play in expanding opportunity across our region!

08/18/2026

Join us for the Cowlitz Community Garden's 2026 Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Toledo, Washington! Hosted along with the Tribe's Elders Program, come celebrate the changing of seasons, honor the gifts of the land, and the strength of our community. There will be Indigenous artisans and crafts, community blessings, cultural drumming, games, and food. Everyone from Cowlitz Tribal members to clients, staff, and their families are welcome. Register by scanning the QR code or at https://bit.ly/3Tmt8WM.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

08/12/2026

Calling on Youth Councils, Tribal partners, and community!

Metro is inviting young people to share their voice and help shape the future of our region through Future Fest this Saturday at Portland State University.

They’re offering up to 2 spots per Youth Council to participate – we encourage your youth to register and represent your community!

08/07/2026

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind performance – Mato Wayuhi will take the stage at The Gathering 2026, delivering a powerful live set and closing out the evening with a sound and presence you won’t want to miss. We’re excited to highlight his music as part of this year’s celebration, bringing an unforgettable energy to the night.

Mato Wayuhi is an Oglala Lakota artist originally from South Dakota. He works in film/TV as an actor, producer and musical composer, as well as writing his own music. Upon graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in film studies, Mato became the composer for the award-winning TV series Reservation Dogs and the feature-length documentary Free Leonard Peltier (2025) – the latter of which was nominated for Best Original Score by the 2025 IDA Awards. Mato stars as an actor in the new series The Lowdown, premiering on FX/Hulu. He is also featured on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Hollywood & Entertainment.

From start to finish, The Gathering 2026 is about moments you can’t replicate – and Mato’s closing performance will be one that stays with you. Join us on October 1 at The Castaway Portland to experience it live and be part of an evening rooted in music, movement, and connection.

Sponsor or buy a ticket today! https://nwnc.ejoinme.org/Gathering2026

Photo by Zachary Gannon Photography