By: McKenna Green, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior
Susan Masten (Yurok Tribe), Interim Executive Director of NAFOA, has been involved in economic development, advocacy and finance across Indian Country for over 35 years. Remembering anti-sovereignty propaganda, “can an Indian, save a salmon,” from her time in fishery management, Masten states, “the Creator gave us the responsibility to protect and preserve for future generations, and so it is my job to continue to fight every day until my last breath, to ensure that there are fish for tomorrow.” When the opportunity arose to lead NAFOA, she accepted, saying “I believe when you have capabilities, you have responsibilities” and “when opportunities arise and you’re asked to step up, then you need to do so.” Masten’s vast experience is bringing strategic direction to NAFOA as she helps the organization navigate Indian Country’s challenges.
One of the biggest challenges to Indian Country, Masten notes, “ is the need to constantly educate, develop relationships and create champions on the Hill.” By the time someone elected understands what sovereignty means and will advocate for tribes, they are gone from that position and someone new needs to be educated. The hope, says Masten, “is that through improved education on tribal sovereignty and trust obligations, someday we would have a Congress that understands Indian Country,” but until then, “NAFOA has a lot of work to do.”
NAFOA offers unique educational opportunities, like tribal finance workshops, grant and financial management opportunities, and executive and young leadership programs. Ultimately, says Masten, NAFOA creates pivotal learning opportunities in the tribal finance realm. Masten has seen many inspiring leaders attend the Leading People And Investing To Build Sustainable Communities Program (LPIBSC) that was developed in collaboration with the Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education, NAFOA, and AFOA Canada programs. Participants of the LPIBSC program go on to make phenomenal impacts in Indian Country. Masten has also seen the participants of NAFOA’s young professionals programs who get exposed to tribal leadership and network within tribal finance, continue on to get exciting jobs in the industry, including working for NAFOA. Networking and mentorship are important opportunities for those working in Indian Country, and NAFOA offers that with the expertise of tribal finance and education.
Masten believes, “ the creator gives us all gifts, and it is our job to fine tune and share them through education.” Masten founded Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations (WEWIN) whose mission is to follow the guidance of the creator and serve as role models for indigenous nations. Masten, “wanted [Native] women to have a support and network system, and to be prepared for leadership.” Masten explains that when we see women in positions of power and leadership that “it creates dreams and hopes for other women” because, “until you see role models somewhere, you don’t think it is attainable to become that person.” NAFOA’s board is currently all women of various ages and Masten notes it is “a great makeup” that will accomplish great things.
