1. FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Applications Open For The 2025 Leadership Summit, Deadline June 22
The NAFOA Leadership Summit is a unique opportunity for Native American young professionals ages 22-28 to enhance their leadership skills, engage with industry experts, and build a network of like-minded peers. This immersive program empowers emerging leaders interested in Tribal governance, economic development, and the business and finance sectors.
Summit participants engage directly with Tribal leaders and business professionals during a comprehensive day of programming. The agenda includes insightful panel discussions covering diverse topics such as graduate school opportunities, career advancement strategies, as well as discussions on business and tribal economic development.
Application Deadline:
Sunday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time
2025 Program Dates and Location:
The Leadership Summit will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Portland, OR.
Following the Summit, attendees will also attend the 2025 NAFOA Fall Finance & Tribal Economies Conference on September 22-23.
2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Indigenous Leadership Academy: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in Indigenous Communities
The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is a groundbreaking program focused on developing leaders within Indigenous communities through a curriculum rooted in traditional leadership values and community-centered approaches. ILA stands apart by nurturing not only current leaders but also emerging professionals across Arizona and the United States who work with Tribal and Indigenous communities and organizations.
Through interactive learning, mentorship, and culturally grounded leadership development, ILA continues to shape the future of Tribal governance, Indigenous education, and Native health leadership.
Source: American Indian Policy Institute
3. FROM THE NAFOA NAGIVATOR: Tribes Protecting Tribes
By Tina Duncan, Director of Business Development, AMERIND
In 1986, the insurance industry was rocked by instability and financial uncertainty. As a result, Indian Country was faced with limited coverage options and exorbitant premiums with no guarantee that the policies wouldn’t be cancelled. Tribal leaders came together with a radical vision and over 400 Tribes pooled their resources to form an insurance company rooted in the fundamental principle of “Tribes Protecting Tribes.” Today, AMERIND remains the only 100 percent Tribally owned insurance carrier committed to keeping Tribal money in Indian Country to strengthen Tribal nations, citizens, and enterprises. a carrier that has earned the A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best credit rating service for the past five years.
As the first Tribal company to seek an AM Best rating, this designation provides policyholders with a measure of overall financial, structural, and operational strength as well as an indication of our ability to meet ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. AMERIND’s AM Best rating eliminates any hurdles associated with the Tribe’s selection of an insurance carrier and provides comfort and confidence in the buyer’s decision making process as some Tribal loan covenants require carriers to have an AM Best rating. Through our fiscally sound and culturally responsive insurance products, Tribes can exercise their sovereignty and self-determination over their economies by protecting their people and keeping Tribal money in Indian Country.
Continue Reading in the NAFOA Navigator (pg. 102-103) >>
4. MEMBER TRIBE NEWS: United Keetoowah Band Signs Model Gaming Compact With Oklahoma
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB) has officially signed the Model Tribal Gaming Compact with the State of Oklahoma. The agreement, signed by UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche on April 29, 2025, positions the UKB to pursue gaming operations on its trust lands, marking a major milestone in the tribe’s strategic economic agenda.
“This agreement reflects years of determination and is a significant turning point for the Keetoowah people,” said Chief Wacoche. “Gaming is not just about business – it’s about restoring self-determination, creating jobs, and building prosperity for our tribal members. We are laying the legal and economic foundation for our future.”
Source: Indian Gaming
5. Job Opportunity: Executive Director Accounting – Tribal Government, Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
This position is responsible for directing and overseeing all General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash Operations, and Purchasing operations activities and initiatives. Responsible for establishing appropriate policies, procedures and controls of the Tribal Government to be consistent with General Accepted Accounting Principles, other regulatory/advisory organizations and the Tribal Minimal Internal Control Standards. In addition, we strive to deliver our Five Star Experience to Guests and fellow Team Members. This includes being committed to our Service Promise: We are the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Team, where your experience is our top priority. Every person and detail matters.
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