A Once-in-a-Generation Tribal Funding Moment—And How Cisco Should Show Up

Co-authored by Alice Sanchez, Co-Lead, Native American Network (NAN); Josh Hammonds, Co-Lead, Native American Network (NAN)

We are living in a pivotal moment for Tribal Nations. The scale of federal investment—driven by landmark legislation and new policy priorities—is the largest seen in modern history. This moment brings extraordinary progress and promise, but also a deeper need: trusted partners who show up with respect, expertise, and a spirit of service.

This is more than a policy shift; it’s a relationship opportunity. At Cisco, we’re called to demonstrate, in our actions and our approach, exactly who we say we are—by leading with respect, strategy, and service.

The Current Landscape

Tribal Nations today are benefitting from historic federal investments, with legislation like the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and targeted expansions across agencies. In FY 2024, Congress approved $32.6B in annual Tribal funding for essential programs like healthcare, education, and clean water. These investments are opening new doors for Tribal economic development.

Even more transformative are the unparalleled funding opportunities now available through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). For the first time, the NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) is investing billions directly into Tribal communities, supporting broadband infrastructure, digital inclusion, and workforce development at a scale never before seen. These funds are not just closing the digital divide; they’re laying the foundation for digital sovereignty and economic empowerment.

In addition, new federal funding streams are prioritizing Tribal cybersecurity. As more Tribal Nations come online and digitize essential services, cybersecurity becomes mission critical. NTIA and other agencies are now offering dedicated grants to help Tribes develop cyber defenses, protect their data, and secure the digital future of their communities.

And yet—funding does not automatically equal access.

What’s Working (FY26 Federal Funding & Policy Update)

• Sustained Federal Investment: Targeted federal funding continues to drive opportunities in infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic recovery, primarily through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA) and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.
• Robust Tribal Program Funding: FY26 budget proposals indicate significant, and in some cases increased, funding for Indian Affairs programs, with a strong focus on Tribal Public Safety and Justice.
• NTIA Tribal Broadband Revamp: A new $500M+ Tribal Broadband Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected in Spring 2026, streamlining processes and maximizing connectivity for Tribes.

What’s Not Working (Yet)

• Capacity Barriers: Many Tribal Nations face limited staff, grant-writing bandwidth, or administrative infrastructure to pursue and manage these federal dollars.
• Funding Gaps: Despite recent increases, most federal programs serving Indian Country remain underfunded relative to needs and treaty obligations.
• Reliance on Discretionary Funding: Nearly 69% of Tribal funding depends on annual appropriations, creating instability and exposure to potential shutdowns and cuts.
• Digital Equity Funding Uncertainty: Proposed FY26 budgets indicate potential cuts and restrictions for NTIA’s digital equity funding, including a freeze on Digital Equity Act programs.
• Policy Streamlining Setback: Executive Order 14112, which previously aimed to streamline funding processes and increase Tribal decision-making power, was rescinded in March 2025, raising concerns about renewed federal interference in Tribal affairs and creating ambiguity for Tribal roles in critical areas such as emergency response and infrastructure funding.

A Note on Workforce Development

Workforce development is one of the largest hurdles for Tribal governments advancing new technology—especially in IT and cybersecurity. This isn’t about a lack of interest or capability; it’s about capacity, shaped by decades of underinvestment.

Successful partnerships in Indian Country always begin with showing up and offering something of value.

Before we talk about solutions or sales, we offer value:

• Educational workshops and learning sessions
• Resource kits and funding navigation guides
• Peer-based communities like Cisco’s Native American Network (NAN), where Tribal professionals connect and learn
• Support with grant identification and training, planning, and strategy—even when it doesn’t generate revenue

Relationships precede partnerships. Partnerships are built on trust which must be earned. This approach is both ethical and strategic. In Indian Country, trust is the foundation, and generosity opens the door.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Cisco & the Pala Band of Mission Indians

Cisco recently partnered with the Pala Band of Mission Indians to launch a pilot project delivering gigabit broadband to 100 homes—using Tarana fixed wireless, Cisco NCS 540 for backhaul, and Meraki WiFi. This effort will soon expand to 800 homes and businesses, paving the way for sustainable, community-managed connectivity.

What made this possible? Trust. Years of underinvestment have made many Tribal communities cautious, but Cisco’s Native American Network and Networking Academy built authentic relationships by centering cultural understanding and community engagement.

Funded by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program and leveraging federal broadband investments, this initiative empowers the Pala Tribe to become its own internet provider—a scalable model other Tribal Nations can follow. It’s proof that leading with partnership and trust can drive enduring, inclusive impact.

Why It Matters

Delivering tribal broadband is both good for the communities we serve and good for Cisco’s shareholders. But more importantly, it’s simply the right thing to do. The booking potential for tribal broadband alone is estimated at $400 million, yet there are still 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the US—each with unique needs, strengths, and aspirations.

We’ve created a blueprint for planning, funding, designing, implementing, and operating broadband networks. But the work is far from done. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when we lead with humility, learn from our partners, and center our efforts on inclusion and long-term impact.

Myth vs. Reality