Washington, DC—The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) has donated an unprecedented $150,000 to NAFOA, supporting its mission of fostering tribal economic growth and leadership development. As the first major donation by a NAFOA Member Tribe, the contribution will provide funding for the NAFOA Institute and general operations, enabling the organization to expand its programming and advocacy across Indian Country.
“This donation reflects the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s commitment to NAFOA’s mission and our shared dedication to building sustainable, economically vibrant tribal communities,” said Treasurer Merrill Reels of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council. “We are proud to support an organization that empowers tribes with essential advocacy and leadership skills.”
Since becoming a Member in 2015, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and NAFOA have built a strong partnership rooted in mutual support and recognition. In 2019, Jean Swift, former MPTN Treasurer, was honored as Executive of the Year at the 37th Annual Conference. In 2022, the Tribe hosted NAFOA’s Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference at their Foxwoods Resort Casino, bringing together tribal leaders, financial experts, and policymakers to discuss the evolving economic landscape in Indian Country. In 2023, Phyllip Thomas, a Mashantucket Pequot youth, was selected to join the Leadership Summit, exemplifying MPTN’s dedication to developing future leaders through NAFOA Institute programs. Most recently, in Spring 2024, Rodney Butler, Chairman of MPTN, was elected as Board President of NAFOA at the 42nd Annual Conference. Chairman Butler, who completed the NAFOA Institute’s “Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities” program at Harvard Business School, was also recognized in 2017 as Tribal Leader of the Year at the 35th Annual Conference.
“We are honored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s generous donation,” said Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Executive Director of NAFOA. “This support from one of our Member Tribes speaks volumes about the importance of investing in our shared future, and we hope it inspires others to consider contributing to our collective goals.”
The Tribe’s significant contribution will enhance NAFOA’s initiatives across Indian Country and demonstrates the communal effort needed to address the diverse needs of tribal communities. NAFOA invites Member Tribes to consider joining MPTN in advancing efforts that promote economic opportunity, financial expertise, and professional development across Indian Country.
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About NAFOA
NAFOA was founded over 40 years ago as the Native American Finance Officers Association to highlight the role of tribal finance in fostering economic opportunities. Over the last four decades, NAFOA has grown along with tribes to be advocates of sound economic and fiscal policy and developers of innovative training programs in financial management to build the skills of the next generation. Semiannually, NAFOA convenes tribal leadership, experienced professionals, and economic partners to meet the challenges of economic growth and change. To learn more about NAFOA, visit the website www.nafoa.org.
