1. COMMUNITY:
Nominations Due January 16, Annual NAFOA Leadership Awards
Nomination Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AKST
NAFOA presented its first Leadership Awards in 2008 and honored a number of innovative Tribal leaders, Tribal Nations, and financial education directors for positively impacting Tribal economies. The tradition continues, and NAFOA will honor a select number of individuals with NAFOA Leadership Awards during our upcoming Annual Conference. The NAFOA Leadership Award categories include:
- Tribal Leader of the Year
- Executive of the Year
- Education Program of the Year
- Deal of the Year
2. WEBINAR:
Overview of Treasury Final Rules: General Welfare Exclusion & Wholly Owned Tribal Entities
Thursday, January 15, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Join NAFOA for a webinar examining the finalization of Treasury rules on the General Welfare Exclusion Act and Tribal Wholly-Owned Corporate Entities—groundbreaking regulations that promise to transform Tribal economic development and provide long-awaited tax certainty for Indian Country.
Speakers will break down the key provisions of each regulation and explore their practical implications for Tribal finance operations and economic development strategies. We will address implementation considerations, including IRS training requirements and audit suspensions. Explanation of this final guidance will assist Tribes with leveraging this tax clarity to strengthen their economies while maintaining sovereign authority when designing welfare programs or structuring business entities.
Speakers:
Fatima Abbas, Director, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs at U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Designated Federal Officer for the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee
Krishna Vallabhaneni, Tax Legislative Counsel, U.S. Department of the Treasury
3. MUST READ:
A Glimpse Into What 2026 Could Bring to Indian Country
As 2025 came to a close, economic uncertainty and the potential for another government shutdown carried into the new year. On a brighter note, the new year will bring historic Indigenous representation to the FIFA 2026 World Cup and a potential for Indigenous athletes to shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 150th anniversary of a historic Indigenous victory at the Battle of Little Big Horn.
Economic uncertainty, unemployment rates double for Natives in rural areas
Above all else, the United States is headed toward continued economic uncertainty in 2026. Over half of all states have declared a recession following stagnant economic growth in 2025.
There’s a lot of conflicting information at the moment, said Matthew Gregg, a senior economist at the Center for Indian Country Development.
Source: ICT
4. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
In-Person Introductory Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate Program
May 19-22, 2026
Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK
The Introductory Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate Program is offered in partnership with the Center for the Future of Work at Oklahoma State University.
This four-day cohort program provides the opportunity to connect with other tribal peers while gaining knowledge and experience to help become a more effective tribal finance/accounting professional and leader. You will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other Tribal finance/accounting professionals throughout the state and across the country.
Cost: $1,850 for NAFOA members and $2,000 for nonmembers
Registration includes: instruction, materials, gifts, breakfasts, lunches, receptions, refreshments, certificates/certificate holders, group photo, credit fee, and one copy of “Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book)” as published by NAFOA.
5. JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Tribal Administrator, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
Under the direction of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians Tribal Council, the Tribal Administrator shall be responsible for the general and active management of the Tribe’s administrative affairs. This role includes leading the development and execution of both short- and long-term goals outlined in the Tribe’s strategic plan. The Tribal Administrator is also tasked with implementing policies, orders, and resolutions approved by the Tribal Council. Additional duties assigned by the Tribal Council shall be carried out as appropriate and in a timely manner.
