💬 Siyo! We'd love to hear from you! Send us a text! (Make sure you include your name and contact information.)

What does it take to create a thriving Cherokee-owned business? This month, we sit down with Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan and Cherokee entrepreneur Dillin Springwater, who went from push-mowing yards as a teenager to now running multiple businesses filled with Native employees.

Together, they talk about the many ways Cherokee Nation lifts up small-business owners: from TERO vendor preference to $84 million in SSBCI funding, workforce pipeline programs, and our Opportunity Zones program for small-business owners on the reservation and at-large.

Whether you're on the reservation or an at-large citizen with a dream, this episode's for you.

This is Cherokee Nation's official podcast.

This episode was hosted by KenLea Keys and Colton Branstetter.

Producer: Bryan Dugan

Executive Producers: Julie Hubbard and Jason McCarty

Editor: Samantha Robinson

Graphic Designer: Justyne Eden

Visual Effects: Ray Carey

Soundtrack by Chuj Mackey

This episode was filmed at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah on the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

💬 Siyo! We'd love to hear from you! Send us a text! (Make sure you include your name and contact information.)

Siyo from the Rez is back for Season 2! In our premiere episode, we sit down with Oscar Hokeah, who drew from his Cherokee and Kiowa upbringing and Mexican heritage to write his celebrated debut novel, “Calling for a Blanket Dance.”

Oscar reflects on moments from his life and family history that influenced his novel and why writing what you know can lead to work that feels both personal and universal.

This is Cherokee Nation's official podcast.

This episode was hosted by KenLea Keys and Colton Branstetter.

Producer: Bryan Dugan

Executive Producers: Julie Hubbard and Jason McCarty

Editor: Samantha Robinson

Graphic Designer: Justyne Eden

Visual Effects: Ray Carey

Soundtrack by Chuj Mackey

This episode was filmed at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah on the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!

💬 Siyo! We'd love to hear from you! Send us a text! (Make sure you include your name and contact information.)

We’re closing out the first season of Siyo from the Rez with an extra special guest: Cherokee National Treasure and host of “Cherokee Voices, Cherokee Sounds” Dennis Sixkiller! 📻❤️

Dennis joins us to talk about hosting his #CherokeeLanguage radio show for 20+ years, his traditional upbringing in Jay, his passion for Cherokee marbles, and why he’s dedicated to keeping our language alive for future generations. Tune in for a laugh, a language lesson, and help us celebrate our season finale of Siyo From the Rez! 🎙

💌 Email us at podcast@cherokee.org!