The Act

What is the Buy Indian Act?

The Buy Indian Act provides government agencies with the authority to set aside procurement contracts for Indian-owned and controlled businesses.

Circa. 1938, Goodier’s Grandmother, Ida and Father, Norman on Reservation

Debra Goodier, Chief Executive Officer, founded Ware River - Native American Woman Owned Small Business - to provide medical staffing and consulting services to government agencies under the Buy Indian Act.  

An official Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate tribal member, her "vision" is to make a difference for those who might not have the opportunity to do so on their own. Debra, the daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran, believes in setting an example for future generations, one person at a time. “A dedicated servant leader, determined, passionate, and steadfast” is how she describes herself and taught to her by her Indian lineage.

Her professional experience spans across multiple disciplines: federal contracting, healthcare, insurance, IT, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, oil & gas, and security. As a result of her experience, knowledge, and networking skills; Ware River core capabilities offer integrated business solutions in Administrative Management Services and Human Resource Solutions. 

Debra is a graduate of Ohio Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management.

Tribal Facts

· The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation (Dakota: Sisíthuŋwaŋ Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ oyáte[1]), formerly Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe/Dakota Nation, is a federally recognized tribe comprising two bands and two subdivisions of the Isanti or Santee Dakota people. They are on the Lake Traverse Reservation in northeast South Dakota. 

· The Lake Traverse Reservation and its boundaries were established by the Lake Traverse Treaty of 1867. 

· Total population or tribal enrollment is approximately 12,300 members who speak English and Dakota.  Religions include traditional tribal region, Christianity, Sun Dance, Native America Church.

· Many tribal members have served in the US military throughout the years, most notably Woodrow Wilson Keeble (1917 – 1982) who was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars and 4 Purple Hearts. Keeble served as U.S. Army combat veteran of both World War II and the Korean War and is regarded as one of America’s greatest war heroes.

Ware River’s three service offerings - Healthcare Staffing, Human Resource Solutions and Administrative Management Services - affords our clients a wide spectrum of solutions.