Cristina “Kwahlak^ni” Danforth (Oneida Nation) joined the NAFOA Board of Directors in 2009 and was elected president in 2018. Under her leadership, NAFOA continued to grow in membership and strengthen its impact on tribal finance and economic development. At the 2023 Fall Finance & Tribal Economies Conference, President Danforth announced her decision not to seek reelection, marking the end of her tenure. NAFOA asked President Danforth about her impact on NAFOA and her service to Indian Country. 

NAFOA: Describe your career path, how you learned about NAFOA, and what made you want to serve on the Board of Directors.

Danforth: I have served the Oneida Nation for over 20 years in tribal government. I was elected Tribal Chairwoman for six years and Treasurer for nine years. In 2001, Oneida became a founding tribe of the Native American Bank (NAB) and I was assigned to be a shareholder representative. In 2012, I became a Director for NAB and have since continued serving NAB in both capacities.

In 2009, I received the NAFOA Lifetime Achievement award, and that same year I joined the Board of Directors. I was elected as 2nd Vice President and, in 2018, became President. I quickly realized the positive impacts of NAFOA’s mission and their dedication to serving tribal communities. My time on the NAFOA Board has given me an opportunity to give back to Indian Country.

NAFOA: How has NAFOA evolved during your time as president? What are some of your proudest accomplishments with NAFOA?

Danforth: During my tenure with NAFOA, I have seen tremendous growth in both member tribes and participants. Our conference attendance has been increasing to the point of selling out. The board and staff work diligently to keep topics relevant while assuring our corporate sponsors get the most out of the conference. Seeing positive growth and knowing NAFOA is making a difference in Indian country has been exciting.

NAFOA: How has your time on the NAFOA Board of Directors influenced your personal and professional development?

Danforth: As a member of the Board, my experience helped me make lasting relationships personally and professionally. Often I would see people in other work situations. Having familiarity with cohorts has increased my ability to make progress on projects. Tribal Governments are constantly changing, yet the same individuals may be in charge of corporations or organizations that are useful in their new roles. On a personal note, I have grown, and so have the relationships that were formed. A good friend and colleague Tracy Stanhoff has been a business advisor to me over the years. We first met when she presented as a speaker at NAFOA on business development. She is also a former Tribal Chairwoman at Prairie Band Potawatomi. There are so many others, and I am grateful to all of them.

NAFOA: What do you see as the most urgent challenges affecting Indian Country and tribal economies?

Danforth: One challenge facing tribal economies is building sustainable businesses amid rapidly changing environments and climates. A tribal economy relies on its demographics, ability to build businesses, and healthcare projects that are affordable and sustainable for future growth. There needs to be a balance between cultural values and the ability of non-tribal consumers to fit in a respectful way. It is necessary to have the financial capacity to fund a project, maintain it, and make changes as it grows. In other words, tribal economies must be able to succeed in areas best suited for them.

NAFOA: What advice would you give to your successor and any other future board members?

Danforth: I encourage my successor to be prepared to address vast opportunities in the financial world. There are so many–banking, wealth management, business diversification, leveraging assets, policy development, grant reporting, audits, and accounting, to name a few. Indian Country is so vast, and many times a great contrast to Washington D.C.  I would say pursue unknown territory and enjoy the experience.

NAFOA: What advice do you have for Native youth and young leaders who aspire to serve and make a difference in Indian Country?

Danforth: I was taught at an early age to pursue a college degree or a technical degree. There are many opportunities to explore. Make a five-year plan and work towards it. Put in the time and effort, but also have a goal in mind. Pursuing a business is achievable if you have good credit, a solid business plan, and reliable staff. Most importantly, know your passion and pursue it. Another important advisement is to network, get to know people in your industry and learn from them. This will require a work ethic, taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone, and self-discipline.

NAFOA: What legacy do you hope to leave behind as you transition from your role as president?

Danforth: I hope people understand my passion for helping tribal communities and to promote and help wherever I can. The majority of my career has been with my tribe. Not just in government, but also in social work as well. My Oneida name is “Kwahlak^ni,” which means “influential, to respect her, and to be able to respond.” I always resonated with the last part, especially. I want people to know that I’ve never taken my responsibility lightly. 

NAFOA: Any final message you’d like to share with the NAFOA community as president?

Danforth: I would like to let everyone know that the success of the NAFOA community is a collective effort. We have done so much with limited staff, volunteers, and in some years, limited financial resources. We have built great partnerships with federal policymakers, corporate advisors, and industry experts which I am truly grateful for. My best to the board and staff, who always made our conferences and programs look seamless. Our corporate partners and tribal leaders facilitated our growth and mission. I am thankful and appreciate being a part of the NAFOA community.