S2E7: Challenging the Status Quo: CDFI's and their Place in Indian Country

Guest: Skya Ducheneaux, Executive Director of Akiptan

Host: Tish Mindemann

Duration: ~32 minutes

Release Date: 8/14/2025

🔍 Episode Summary

In this compelling episode, host Tish Mindemann speaks with Skya Ducheneaux, a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation and Executive Director of Akiptan, a Native-led agricultural CDFI. Skya shares her journey from ranching to finance, and how Akiptan is reshaping access to capital in Indian Country. The conversation dives deep into the systemic barriers tribal citizens face, the unique role of CDFIs, and Akiptan’s innovative approaches to lending, education, and succession planning.

💡 Topics Covered

• What is a CDFI and how it differs from traditional banks
• The cultural and systemic barriers to capital access in Indian Country
• Akiptan’s philosophy: “Built by producers, for producers”
• The importance of sweat equity and character in lending decisions
• Trust land, leasing, and the myth of un-mortgageable Native land
• The Monopoly metaphor: understanding economic disparity
• Akiptan’s impact metrics and redefining success
• The Yuwinyeya Grant: succession planning as a tool for generational wealth

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Akiptan Website
• Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)
• Reimagining Native Food Economies Report
• Four Bands Community Fund
• USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
• Bureau of Indian Affairs – Trust Land Mortgage Info