Our Mission
Our mission is to promote a thriving cultural and sustainable economy on the Fort Belknap reservation.
We invest in and develop innovative programs and models that enhance our resources both on and off the reservation, while supporting economic development in Fort Belknap communities and surrounding areas.
We collaborate extensively with grassroots community volunteers, tribal programs, and nonprofit organizations to improve economic conditions in four key areas:
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Tourism
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Language Revitalization
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Native Food Sovereignty
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Youth Leadership
History
The Fort Belknap Community Economic Development Corporation (DBA "Nakoda Aaniiih Economic Development Corporation" or NAEDC) was founded on July 10, 2014, by the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, the governing body of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Established as a nonprofit business corporation under the laws of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, NAEDC’s purpose is to build a resilient Fort Belknap Indian Community through business, entrepreneurship, and community development.
NAEDC fulfills this mission through various community and economic development activities designed to create profitable, self-sustaining businesses and long-term employment opportunities. These initiatives play a critical role in addressing the high unemployment and poverty rates on the reservation, as well as combating community deterioration in the region.