1. For Young Professionals: NAFOA Institute Career Basics Program
The NAFOA Institute Career Basics is a free online career readiness and personal finance program for Native American youth and young professionals ages 18-28. The program provides opportunities for participants to improve their career readiness and personal finance skills and advance their understanding of issues impacting tribal economies. Career Basics is also designed to prepare youth and young professionals for the NAFOA Leadership Summit. To apply for the summit, one must be registered and making active progress in Career Basics. Young professionals ages 22-28 who complete Career Basics are invited to apply for the summit.
2. For High School and Beyond: Understanding Tribal Treaties and Reserved Rights
In January 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior launched a series of short videos to ensure a shared understanding of critical tribal relations topics across all federal agencies. Though initially designed for federal employees, these learning materials are accessible for high school learners and anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge of crucial subjects such as sovereignty, treaties, and reserved rights. The videos are available on YouTube and also feature many current tribal leaders.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior
3. For Pre-K to 8TH Grade: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Offers Free Educational Resources
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City provides resources for young learners to support their economic and personal finance development. These resources are individuals of all ages who understand how the economy functions and know what tools are available make better financial decisions.
Source: The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Learn More and Explore Resources >>
4. Must Read: Chairman Rodney Butler Delivers Commencement Address and Receives Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
Congratulations to NAFOA President and Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Rodney Butler for delivering this year’s commencement address to the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and for his awarded honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
In his address, Chairman Butler shared his gratitude for the ongoing community collaboration and accomplishments that have resulted from the Tribe’s partnership with the University of Connecticut.
“What we’ve done in the last 40 years as a Tribal Nation, going from rocky ledge and wooded land, raising pigs and producing maple syrup, to a billion-dollar enterprise with multiple business units and a thriving community…to me that’s the accomplishment,” Butler says. “There’s been so much growth in a very short period of time that you just can’t help but be proud of what this community has accomplished.”
Source: UConn Today
5. Job Opportunity: Sr Financial Accountant, Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
This position is responsible for supervising all accounting employee’s operation activities and initiatives. Coordinate and supervise the monthly closing process and preparation of consolidated and individual property financial statements and the accounts’ payable function, by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.
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.
Have something to share with the NAFOA community? Share an entry in the “5 Things” Newsletter
Get NAFOA’s 5 Things You Need to Know This Week in your inbox at the start of each week: Subscribe.
