1. CONFERENCE:
Registration Open for #NAFOA2026
Registration is officially open for NAFOA’s 44th Annual Conference, to be held on April 27-28, 2026, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
Our conference brings Tribal, state, federal, and industry partners in one collaborative and educational forum to discuss the latest economic issues facing Indian Country.
Register in advance to take advantage of early bird pricing. With attendance continuing to grow, advance registration is highly recommended. We look forward to seeing you in Reno!
Please note that the complete conference agenda will be available approximately 8 weeks prior to the event date.
2. EVENT:
Wiring the Rez Conference
Across Indian Country, American Indian Nations and Native entrepreneurs are using technology to break through geographic and infrastructure barriers, opening doors to new business sectors and expanding digital sovereignty. As communities continue “wiring the rez,” online enterprises are becoming powerful drivers of economic self-determination, but also bringing complex legal, regulatory and operational questions.
For twelve years, Wiring the Rez has united Tribal leaders, Native business owners, scholars, technologists, and industry experts committed to strengthening sovereignty in a rapidly changing digital landscape. A highlight of the conference is the session “Data Centers and Indian Country,” featuring Dawson Her Many Horses, Managing Director at Wells Fargo, alongside leading experts in technology and tribal enterprise. Dawson brings critical insight into capital markets, financial strategy, and how Tribes can evaluate large-scale infrastructure projects to unlock economic value while protecting land, water, and sovereignty.
To help encourage registrations, Wiring the Rez is offering a friends/family/followers discount of 10% off for anyone who registers before January 23 using the code PROMO26.
Dawson Her Many Horses is the founder and chair of NAFOA’s Corporate Advisory Committee.
3. SURVEY:
Native American Nonprofit Organization and Leadership Survey
Closes January, 23, 2026
In 2004, First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) released The Emerging Sector: Nonprofits in Indian Country. The 2025 Native American Nonprofit Organization and Leadership Survey will update the 2004 study to gain insight into the dynamic nature of the Native American nonprofit sector today.
The goal of this survey is to help with understanding aggregate information on the size, structure, services and financing of nonprofits serving Native peoples and communities. Moreover, to understand more about the leaders who are leading Native American nonprofits and the challenges and opportunities Native nonprofits and their leaders face in these challenging times.
Those who complete the survey are eligible to receive:
Each Native nonprofit leader who completes this survey will receive a $300 incentive paid to them individually for completion. You will be asked to include your name, email address and mailing address where you want payment mailed. Checks will be mailed after the survey closes.
Every organization that fully completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to receive a $10,000 general operating grant, which will be awarded to ten (10) organizations.
Source: First Nations Development Institute
4. MUST READ:
The Latest Shutdown Exposed Real Problems in How Washington Funds Indian Country
The federal government’s oldest legal obligations to provide health, education, and economic support for Tribal Nations remain chronically underfunded and uniquely vulnerable to shutdowns. A new Brookings Institution analysis argues Congress should shift more Native American funding to mandatory spending to protect treaty commitments.
Source: Federal News Network/The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton
5. JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Audit Manager, Tribal Industry, Wipfli Advisory LLC
As an Audit Manager serving Wipfli’s Tribal industry clients, you’ll play a vital role in supporting sovereign tribal nations through financial integrity and strategic insight. Wipfli honors the rich heritage and economic impact of tribal enterprises—offering you the chance to lead with cultural respect, build lasting relationships, and make a meaningful difference in communities across the country.
This is a remote role with 50% travel to work onsite at client sites throughout the United States.
