1. NAFOA NEWS:
NAFOA Honors Recipients of 19th Annual Leadership Awards
Each year, the NAFOA Leadership Awards recognize the achievements of Tribal leaders, Tribal executives, advocates, and financial ventures driving economic progress within Indian Country. The 19th Annual Leadership Awards were presented at the 44th Annual Conference in Reno, NV, last week on, April 28.
Tribal Leader of the Year: Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto, Jamul Indian Village of California
Education Program of the Year: Walker River Paiute Economic Development Authority Emerging Business Leaders
Executive of the Year: Jon Panamaroff (Native Village of Afognak), Chief Executive Officer of Command Holdings, a Pequot Company
Business Impact Deal of the Year: Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians 2025 Construction Financing
Government Impact Deal of the Year: Metlakatla Power & Light (MP&L) and Native American Bank (NAB) Metlakatla Intertie Financing
2. MUST READ:
Tribes Harness Industry Experience to Enter New Markets
A new analysis of the Center for Indian Country Development’s (CICD’s) Native Entity Enterprises Dataset (NEED) finds that tribes with gaming operations and federal contracts tend to own more businesses than those without a footprint in those industries. But despite the importance of gaming and federal contracting to tribal revenue streams, tribes operate a majority of their businesses in other industries.
Tribally owned businesses boost tribal economies and contribute to local and regional economies across the United States. They foster economic development in their communities, offer employment opportunities, and provide revenue streams to help tribal governments fund public services. And in past analysis of the NEED, CICD has found that many tribes’ business portfolios are varied.
Source: Center for Indian Country Development / Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
3. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
It’s Not Too Late to Register! In-Person Introductory Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate
May 19-22, 2026 | Stillwater, OK
The Introductory Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate Program is offered by the Center for the Future of Work at Oklahoma State University in partnership with NAFOA.
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 NAFOA members and $2,000 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.
4. FROM THE NAVIGATOR:
Strategic Power: How energy sovereignty strengthens Tribal economies
Thursday, May 14, from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM ET
By KeyBank
As tribal nations continue their journey of economic self-determination, 2026 presents a pivotal moment. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission, tribal gaming revenues reached an unprecedented $43.9 billion in 2024, today tribal leaders are increasingly focused on adding diversified energy strategies that will support their communities for generations. Digital transformation, energy sovereignty efforts, and evolving regulations are changing how tribes plan, manage, and fund new economic opportunities.
“Sovereignty is not just a legal status—it’s an economic strategy” – Ben Rechkemmer, Group Head KeyBank Native American Financial Services.
Download & Read the NAFOA Navigator (pg 69-71) →
If you are experiencing issues with the link, visit nafoa.org/conference for the direct link to the Navigator.
5. JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Vice President of Finance, Sycuan Casino Resort
Sycuan Casino Resort is seeking a dynamic and forward thinking Vice President of Finance, a strategic partner who brings both financial expertise and the ability to influence operational decisions at the highest level. This executive level role will oversee all financial operations, guide senior leaders through data driven insights, and shape the financial strategy that drives long term organizational success.
