1. NAFOA NEWS:
NAFOA HONORS 2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS DURING FALL CONFERENCE
The NAFOA Lifetime Achievement Awards honor Native American leaders who have dedicated their careers to strengthening their communities and advancing Indian Country. At this year’s 2024 Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference, the NAFOA Board of Directors recognizes the exceptional leadership of John Echohawk (Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma) and Chairwoman Glenda Nelson of the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria.
2. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY:
TRIBAL CLEAN ENERGY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical lack of digital equity in the United States, particularly in Indian Country.
As previous Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) research has shown, before the pandemic households on federally recognized reservations were less likely to have home Internet and faced substantially higher prices for the most basic home Internet plans compared to households living outside of reservations.
COVID-19 exacerbated that digital divide.
In response, in December 2021 the U.S. government launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Before sunsetting in June 2024, the ACP subsidized the monthly cost of high-speed Internet for low-income families. The program offered a $30 monthly subsidy for eligible households located outside of tribal lands and a $75 monthly subsidy for eligible households located on tribal lands.
Our analysis finds higher ACP enrollment among eligible households on tribal lands than on non-tribal lands. Analyses like this are part of CICD’s ongoing efforts to help policymakers better understand the conditions necessary for economic prosperity in Indian Country, such as access to broadband.
Source:Â U.S. Department of Energy
3. FROM THE NAFOA NAVIGATOR:
INVESTING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MARKETS DURING ECONOMIC AND MARKET UNCERTAINTIES
By Chad J. Oviatt – Director of Investment Management in collaboration with Mike Lettig, Group Head – Native American Financial Services, Huntington Commercial Bank and Dr. Alex Wesaw, Director and Relationship Manager, Huntington Commercial Bank
What should Tribal Investment Boards and Committees be thinking about during uncertain economic and market conditions?
That is a complicated question given that 2024 has seen multiple cross currents. Stock markets have seen new highs while at the same time interest rates have been at levels not seen since 2006 but are gradually coming down, inflation has been stubbornly high but is trending lower, employment has been stable, but with signs the unemployment rate is starting to rise and it is a Presidential election year in which regardless of the of the outcome, there will be a new administration in Washington. Based on our investment experience, the most effective approach to invest through uncertainty and volatility is to employee a disciplined, repeatable process that is fact based and eliminates as much emotion as possible. Having an investment approach like this does not need to be overly complicated. In fact, we suggest sticking to a basic four step investment process leads to more proactive and less reactive decision making.
4. WEBINAR:
TAX UPDATES: PLANNING FOR THE ELECTION & THE YEAR TO COME
Tuesday, October 8 at 12:00-1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Between the election and the 2025 legislative sunsets, there is much to consider in the tax world. Join Forvis Mazars for a complimentary webinar providing an overview and planning considerations with these upcoming events in mind. Head into the year-end with information you and your business need to know.
Learning Objectives
Recognize how the 2024 tax environment may affect your future plans.
Discuss tax considerations relating to the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.
Identify potential 2025 legislative changes and the impact they may have.1 CPE credit (pending approval) in the Taxes field of study may be awarded upon verification of participant attendance, during live broadcast.
Source: Forvis Mazars
5. JOBS:
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT- TRIBAL GOVERNMENT, TWENTY NINE PALMS BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
The Financial Accountant for the Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and providing detailed financial reporting. Key tasks include compiling and analyzing financial data, preparing journal entries, and ensuring accuracy in the general ledger. The role also involves managing fixed assets, conducting audits, preparing tax returns, and ensuring compliance with Tribal and federal regulations. Additionally, the position requires conducting inventory audits and presenting a positive image of the Tribal organization. Compliance with safety policies and attendance at required training sessions are also mandatory.
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