About

For years, Native American communities have struggled with the challenges of developing sustainable Tribal economies. Overall, many of these efforts have failed, but it has not been for lack of advice. Unfortunately, most of the guidance offered has come from outside sources such as federal programs, agency representatives, and academics. This advice focused on what should change rather than what is vital to the community.

We operate from a view that Tribal communities will exercise sovereignty more effectively when they have taken control of their own destiny. Our experience has shown that a strong economy, coupled with a Tribal community’s commitment to maintaining its unique culture, greatly enhances the sustainability of any Tribal community.

One Fire offers a collaborative, creative approach to transformation. At the core of our practice is the ability to listen and respond appropriately. We draw on the strengths and values of Native communities to implement necessary changes and achieve results.

We offer practical tools to assist in Nation Building, Economic Development, Tribal and Entrepreneurial development.

We are a team of professionals with extensive experience in community, economic, and enterprise development. Spanning over twenty years, we have developed the technical expertise to understand what works in Indian Country and what can go wrong.

The seeds of One Fire were planted in a developmental venture for one of the largest Indian Nations in Oklahoma. Kyle Smith and former Cherokee Principal Chief, Wilma Mankiller, created the non-profit to provide technical assistance in advancing community and economic development within Indian Country.

One Fire’s first project, funded by the Ford Foundation and First Nations Development Institute, helped transform a large Tribal service organization. The two-year project focused on rebuilding the system of governance, service delivery, and administration by integrating leading management practices with Native culture and values.