Embedding Native Values into your Business through Sustainability and Sustainable Procurement

COHORT OVERVIEW

Welcome to Embedding Native Values into Your Business through Sustainability and Sustainable Procurement. This program is an EPA-funded partnership between the Northwest Native Chamber, Portland State University, and the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council.

Over the course of this program, you’ll explore how sustainability and procurement practices can reflect and strengthen Native values. Together, we’ll look at practical ways to design, refine, and implement sustainability efforts that fit your business and community context.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

      • Sept. 9 Program Kick-Off (Virtual) – meet the program team, receive a grant and curriculum overview, and step-by-step instructions on how to access the learning modules.
      • 3 self-paced recorded modules that help businesses develop an understanding of how sustainability and sustainable procurement can enhance your business in alignment with Native values.
      • Optional weekly office hours
      • Apply this foundational knowledge to your business – identifying the work to be done and prioritizing next steps to set a course for realizing the benefits to your business, employees, the environment and our communities at the in-person workshop, Oct. 8-9 in Portland, OR.
      • Optional monthly peer learning circles post-workshop
        • Tuesday, 11/4/2025
        • Tuesday, 12/2/2025
        • Friday, 1/9/2026
      • Stipend provided to participants who complete the self-paced modules, attend the in-person workshop and submit all program worksheets to Rica Perez ricperez@pdx.edu.
      • We want to make it possible for all who are interested in this opportunity to attend the in-person workshops; if there are other barriers (financial or otherwise) to your participation, please reach out.
      • For any questions or concerns please contact:
        • Rica Perez (ricperez@pdx.edu) for questions about the grant and program logistics
        • Alyssa Camp (acamp@nwnc.org) for questions about the online platform or VODs

    PROGRAM VISION

    We aim to assist up to 100 small and medium-sized businesses in the states of Oregon and Washington. Our goal is to provide additional “tools in the toolbox” via curriculum, workshops, networking, and additional resources to interested Native and Tribally-owned and/or serving organizations who are starting or currently progressing in their journey of developing, refining, and implementing sustainability and sustainable procurement practices into their businesses.

    Course Content