Eagle Nest District achieves SBA 8(a) certification

WANBLEE— Eagle Nest District, a political subdivision of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, officially received certification as a participant in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program, effective August 17, 2026, according to a press release. This achievement represents a historic moment not only for Eagle Nest District, but also for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and all districts of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, creating new opportunities for economic growth, self-determination, and long-term prosperity.

Oglala Sioux Tribal Attorney Mario Gonzalez told Native Sun News Today that SBA South Dakota District Director Bryson Patterson visited the firm to present them with a Freedom 250 Pledge Certificate alongside the representatives from the South Dakota APEX accelerator, Small Business Development Center, and Elevate Rapid City.

The push for SBA 8(a) status began when Oglala Sioux Tribal Attorney Mario Gonzalez, an Eagle Nest District member, sought viable ways to foster long-term economic self-sufficiency for the District and its residents. Seeking to turn that vision into reality, Gonzalez enlisted the assistance of an advisor with deep expertise in federal 8(a) contracting and partnered with his son, Monte Gonzalez, Manager of Eagle Nest Industries LLC, who spearheaded the eight-year effort to secure the certification.

“We’ve seen Tribal Nations across the country use the SBA 8(a) program to grow enterprises, pursue prime opportunities, and strengthen local economies,” said James Red Willow, former Eagle Nest District Tribal Council Representative. “Eagle Nest District now has the framework to build on that success. This opens doors to federal contracting, business expansion, and meaningful economic opportunities for the Oglala Lakota people. It is a critical milestone toward economic resilience, and I encourage members to engage with what this program offers.”

Current Tribal Council Representative Ron Randal emphasized the operational benefits of the program:

“As an SBA 8(a)-certified entity, Eagle Nest District gains valuable access to development resources, technical training, and direct pathways to federal contracts. This significantly enhances our capacity to compete effectively and establish lasting relationships with federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry partners.”

Oglala Sioux Tribal Treasurer Cora White Horse, who supported the District’s application throughout the review process, underscored the broader regional significance:

“This marks a historic first for an Indian tribe’s political subdivision in the Northern Great Plains to achieve 8(a) status. The certification positions Eagle Nest District to compete in federal procurement, forge strategic partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development across the community.”

Monte Gonzalez credited the broad coalition of leaders who helped bring the initiative across the finish line:

“On behalf of Eagle Nest District, I want to recognize the invaluable assistance of U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and his staff throughout the certification review, as well as the steady support of former Representative Wesley Hawkins, current Representatives Blaine Little Thunder and Ron Randal, Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out, and Tribal Treasurer Cora White Horse.”

Red Willow added that the District extends special appreciation to Monte Gonzalez for his dedication and leadership throughout the past eight years, noting that his persistence and commitment were instrumental in making 8(a) certification a reality.

About Eagle Nest District

Eagle Nest District is a political subdivision of the Oglala Sioux Tribe located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Through economic development initiatives, strategic partnerships, and community-focused enterprises, the District seeks to create sustainable opportunities that strengthen self-determination and improve the quality of life for its members.

Media Contact

Monte Gonzalez
Manager, Eagle Nest Industries LLC
Eagle Nest District of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Phone: 605-607-4213
Email: eni-info@eaglenest-industries.com
Website: www.eaglenest-industries.com

The post Eagle Nest District achieves SBA 8(a) certification first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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