// CASE STUDy //

PAWNEE NATION BEHAVIORAL HEALTH center

From a stalled vision to a sovereign facility — guided financial structuring, integrated culture, and a model for tribal behavioral health infrastructure.

// THE CHALLENGE //

A VISION STALLED.
A COMMUNITY WAITING.

The Pawnee Nation identified behavioral health as a critical priority years before engaging Sacred Fire Health. But the project faced barriers — complex financing requirements, the need for an operational framework, and a facility design that had not yet centered cultural practices. Meanwhile, tribal members traveled hundreds of miles for treatment in facilities disconnected from Pawnee culture, language, and healing traditions.

// THE INTERVENTION //

SACRED FIRE HEALTH
A PARTNERSHIP FOR EXECUTION.

Sovereign Funding

Navigated complex financing through SAMHSA, NMTC, USDA, and tribal investment, protecting tribal resources.

Sovereign Funding

Navigated complex financing through SAMHSA, NMTC, USDA, and tribal investment, protecting tribal resources.

Sovereign Funding

Navigated complex financing through SAMHSA, NMTC, USDA, and tribal investment, protecting tribal resources.

Clinical Model

Full-spectrum treatment program integrating Pawnee cultural practices with evidence-based clinical protocols.

Clinical Model

Full-spectrum treatment program integrating Pawnee cultural practices with evidence-based clinical protocols.

Clinical Model

Full-spectrum treatment program integrating Pawnee cultural practices with evidence-based clinical protocols.

Facility Design

Redesigned to include a sweat lodge, talking circle, medicine garden, and ceremonial fire integrated into the clinical flow.

Facility Design

Redesigned to include a sweat lodge, talking circle, medicine garden, and ceremonial fire integrated into the clinical flow.

Facility Design

Redesigned to include a sweat lodge, talking circle, medicine garden, and ceremonial fire integrated into the clinical flow.

Workforce Plan

Tribal workforce pipeline ensuring Pawnee members are empowered to fill clinical and administrative roles at every level.

Workforce Plan

Tribal workforce pipeline ensuring Pawnee members are empowered to fill clinical and administrative roles at every level.

Workforce Plan

Tribal workforce pipeline ensuring Pawnee members are empowered to fill clinical and administrative roles at every level.

// PROJECT TIMELINE //

ENGAGEMENT TO
OPERATIONAL FACILITY

Months 1–3

Assessment

Evaluated community needs, financial pathways, and cultural integration requirements.

Months 1–3

Assessment

Evaluated community needs, financial pathways, and cultural integration requirements.

Months 3–9

Financing

Guided the funding strategy, grant applications (SAMHSA, IHS), NMTC allocation, and USDA Community Facilities loan.

Months 3–9

Financing

Guided the funding strategy, grant applications (SAMHSA, IHS), NMTC allocation, and USDA Community Facilities loan.

Months 6–14

Design

Architectural programming, cultural space integration, clinical workflow design, and construction documentation.

Months 6–14

Design

Architectural programming, cultural space integration, clinical workflow design, and construction documentation.

Months 14–26

Construction

Ground-breaking through completion. Tribal workforce engaged in construction to keep resources local.

Months 14–26

Construction

Ground-breaking through completion. Tribal workforce engaged in construction to keep resources local.

Months 24–30

Operations

Staff recruitment, training, licensure, accreditation, and operational launch. Revenue generation within 90 days of opening.

Months 24–30

Operations

Staff recruitment, training, licensure, accreditation, and operational launch. Revenue generation within 90 days of opening.

// PROJECTED IMPACT //

SOVEREIGNTY THROUGH
HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE

$0M

Total Economic Value

$0M

Total Economic Value

Jobs Created

$0M

Annual Revenue

$0M

Annual Revenue

Tribal Owned

// TESTIMONY //

“Sacred Fire Health played an instrumental role in bringing our vision for the Pawnee Nation Behavioral Health Center to life. Their team not only guided us through the complex development process and helped structure an innovative capital stack, but they also truly listened and respected our tribal values, leadership input, and long-term goals.”