1. NAFOA News: Introducing the 2025 NAFOA Leadership Summit Class
Ten outstanding Native American professionals are joining the seventh Leadership Summit cohort at the 2025 NAFOA Finance and Tribal Economies Conference.
The 2025 class brings emerging young leaders recognized for their proven leadership, professional achievements, and dedication to finance, accounting, business, and Tribal economic development policy. Each participant shares a commitment to strengthening economic prosperity in Indian Country.
As part of the program, participants will connect with Tribal leaders, engage with industry executives and policymakers, and sharpen their understanding of finance and economic development. The Summit will take place on September 21, preceding the 2025 NAFOA Finance and Tribal Economies Conference on September 22–23.
The Leadership Summit is part of NAFOA’s ongoing work to strengthen Tribal economies by fostering leadership in financial and business sectors across Indian Country.
2. Webinar: Understanding the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025
Thurday, August 28, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
In June, Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), in partnership with Senator Murkowski (R-AK), introduced the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025. This legislation seeks to correct longstanding tax inequities by establishing clarity and parity in the federal tax code, while promoting economic growth in Indian country by enhancing access to key financial tools, such as the New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
NAFOA invites Tribal leaders for an in-depth discussion with policy experts on the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025, exploring how key provisions create new opportunities for economic growth and fiscal parity in Indian Country.
This webinar is not open to members of the press.
If you are experiencing trouble with the link, copy and paste the URL into your web browser: https://nafoa.zoom.us/webinar/register/6817544196809/WN_pUY6L-soQEyopoYI7nVJpg
Register to Join on Aug 28th >>
3. Conference: NAFOAFall25 Session Spotlight Prepare for Arrival: PDX Indigenous Influence
Join us during the General Session on Tuesday, September 23rd, to learn about one of the largest public infrastructure projects in the United States to be built primarily with Tribally sourced materials.
This dynamic panel brings together leaders from tribal nations who turned the PDX redevelopment into a multi-million dollar economic opportunity that strengthened Tribal sovereignty, created jobs, and transformed how major infrastructure projects source materials.
Speakers:
- Carla Keene, Chairman, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua
- Brenda Meade, Chair, Coquille Indian Tribe
- Tom Strong, Chief Executive Officer, Skokomish Indian Tribe
- Vince Granato, PDXNext Chief Projects Officer, Port of Portland
Register for the Conference >>
4. Professional Development: Financial Assistance Available for “Intermediate Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate” Program
NAFOA is offering financial assistance for the Intermediate Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate program, a virtual course running October 14–November 6, 2025, through Oklahoma State University’s Center for the Future of Work at the Spears School of Business.
This four-week program is presented virtually via live Zoom sessions. Participants can expect to dedicate two, three-hour days per week to completing the program. Interact with and learn from other tribal finance and accounting professionals throughout the state and beyond. Participants can receive up to 25 hours of CPE credit.
The original program cost is $1,500. To receive 50% off the program cost, complete and submit NAFOA’s short survey to qualify for a discount code.
5. Job Opportunity: Chief Financial Officer, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians
The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for directing all financial and accounting functions of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Tribal Government and its subordinate, non-gaming entities (as may be temporarily assigned at times). The CFO will work with the CEO and Tribal Council to develop and implement an overall financial strategy to maintain and enhance the financial health of the Tribe. Creates and ensures compliance with the Tribal Fiscal Policies and Ordinances. The CFO will manage the Finance Department to ensure that all audits, budgets, monthly and annual financial reports, financial administration of grants, and other accounting functions are timely and accurately completed. The CFO must be highly knowledgeable about generally accepted accounting principles GAAP/GASB.
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