Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Our history

Rooted in the rolling hills of our ancestral homeland—Mikwendaagoziwag akiing, “the land where we remember” — the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians has always drawn strength from community, honesty, and perseverance. As we expand our economic horizons through CHIPPEWA SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS, INC and its present and future affiliates, we affirm that every contract we win, every job we create, and every dollar we earn must ultimately advance the well‑being of Turtle Mountain people.

Our Code of Ethics & Business Conduct is our public declaration that heritage and integrity are inseparable. It translates the Seven Grandfather Teachings—gwayakwaadiziwin (honesty), manaaji’idiwin (respect), debwewin (truth), aakode’ewin (bravery), naadamaadwin (helpfulness), dabasenimowin (humility),and zaagi’idiwin (love)—into modern governance practices that meet or exceed the rigor of:

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) & Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS)
13 C.F.R. Part 124 requirements for tribally owned 8(a) entities
ISO 9001 quality‑management principles
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards

More than a compliance handbook, this Code is a living covenant—binding every director, officer, and employee to act with transparency, courage, and accountability. It establishes clear conduct standards, whistle‑blower protections, and DCAA‑aligned financial controls so that we may safeguard federal trust and Tribal resources alike.

By living this Code, we will:

Generate sustainable prosperity — Reinvest contract earnings in education, housing, and cultural revitalization programs.
Elevate professional excellence — Deliver on‑time, on‑budget, and security‑hardened solutions that strengthen our clients’ missions.
Model ethical leadership — Voluntarily exceed minimum legal requirements and report our progress openly to employees, citizens, and federal partners.

Every employee, from the boardroom to the project site, holds a sacred responsibility to protect our reputation and to honor generations past and yet to come. We thank you for upholding these standards and for walking this path of nation‑building with integrity.

Shared Values – Statement of Commitment

“When we trade, build, or code, we do so first as citizens of Turtle Mountain and caretakers of the

Citizenship & Stewardship

Gwekwaadziwin(Honesty)

We advocate for client missions with the same urgency as our own and reinvest contract profits in Tribal housing, education, and cultural programs. Employees receive annual volunteer leave to support reservation projects and STEM outreach.

Inclusivity & Diversity

Manaaji’idiwin(Respect)

We recruit a workforce that mirrors the richness of Indian Country and our federal customers. Diverse voices sit on project teams and color our solutions, driving innovation and cultural relevance.

Excellence

Mino-bimaadiziwin(Living the Good Life)

We deliver on time, on budget, ISO‑9001‑aligned quality—never compromising on security or workmanship. Performance KPIs are reported quarterly to the Board and the Tribal Council.

Honesty & Transparency

Debwewin(Truth)

We speak plainly with clients and one another, disclose mistakes, and correct course quickly. All employees certify labor and cost data daily; any falsification triggers mandatory disclosure per FAR 52.203‑13.

Integrity

Aakode’ewin(Bravery)

We do what is right even when difficult—refusing conflicts of interest, safeguarding intellectual property, and protecting CUI under DFARS 252.204‑7012.

Respect

Manaaji’idiwin

We listen first, seek to understand different viewpoints, and provide constructive feedback. Every individual—regardless of rank, race, or gender—receives dignity and courtesy.

Teamwork & Humility

Dabasenimowin(Humility)

We operate as One CSS Cross‑functional teams share knowledge freely; success is celebrated collectively, not individually, when the mission demands.

Trust

Zaagi’idiwin(Love)

We keep promises large and small. Clients, auditors, and Tribal citizens can rely on our word, our work, and our intent. Trust metrics are embedded in employee performance plans.

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Our history

Shared Values – Statement of Commitment

“When we trade, build, or code, we do so first as citizens of Turtle Mountain and caretakers of the

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