Colleen Echohawk
Colleen Echohawk, CEO of Native-owned lifestyle brand Eighth Generation, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regulatory Fairness Board.
The Regulatory Fairness Board advises the SBA’s Office of Ombudsman on matters of federal regulatory concern to small businesses. The Office of Ombudsman works with small businesses to help them navigate federal regulatory issues.
“Colleen has been a strong advocate for small businesses, Indigenous people, and the community in general for years,” said Beto Yarce, SBA Regional Administrator for Region 10 serving the Pacific Northwest, in a press statement. “Her life experiences, understanding of people, and commitment to being of service to others will ensure that the voices of Pacific Northwest small businesspeople are heard.”
Eighth Generation, which operates a flagship store in downtown Seattle and an e-commerce site, sells Native-designed home goods.
Echohawk has also served as the executive director of the Chief Seattle Club, helping to create nearly $100 million in new affordable housing in Seattle. She is an enrolled member of the Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation and a member of the Upper Athabascan people of Mentasta Lake. She’s also received several awards, including King County Martin Luther King, Jr., Medal of Distinguished Service.
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