Indianz.Com > News > NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
NAFOA
Native women leading! Last week, the NAFOA Board connected with other tribal leaders and federal officials, including US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Pictured, from left: Susan Masten, VaRene Martin, Secretary Deb Haaland, Amy Minniear, Melanie Benjamin. Photo courtesy NAFOA
5 Things You Need to Know this Week
NAFOA stays on top of the news so you always start your week informed and ready.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Source: NAFOA

1. NAFOA COMMUNITY:
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR NAFOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Be a part of shaping the future of tribal economies. NAFOA is actively seeking nominations from individuals committed to enhancing tribal government finance and economic empowerment to serve on the Board of Directors. Nominations are open now and will continue during our Annual Conference until 2 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022.

To be eligible, nominees must be enrolled members of a U.S. federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Village. Nominees will be required to provide proof of enrollment upon nomination.

POSITIONS UP FOR ELECTION:
President: The Board President must be able and willing to represent the organization at NAFOA’s conferences, allied organization conferences, as well as 3rd party events as needed. They must also be able and willing to give testimony on behalf of the organization and be generally accessible to both fellow board members and the Executive Director.

2nd Vice President: The 2nd Vice President must be able and willing to represent the organization at NAFOA’s con­ferences, allied organization conferences, and 3rd party events as needed. They will lead the organization in succession to the 1st Vice President and President.

Submit a Nomination

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
IN-PERSON INTRODUCTORY TRIBAL FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING CERTIFICATE
Program Dates: May 21-24, 2024

The Introductory Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate Program is offered in partnership by the Center for the Future of Work at Oklahoma State University.

This four-day cohort program provides the opportunity to connect with other tribal peers while gaining knowledge and experience to help them become more effective tribal finance/accounting professionals and leaders. 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 non-members

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 NAFOA.

Learn More and Enroll

3. MUST READ:
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: HOW TRIBAL NATIONS CAN BENEFIT FROM THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
There’s never been a better time for Tribal Nations and Native communities to make vital investments in their energy infrastructure, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Introduced primarily to implement clean energy initiatives throughout the U.S. and mitigate climate impacts, the Act includes more than $720 million in funding for Indian Country—though, as you’ll see, the process to obtain those benefits can be complicated.

Opportunities Featured in the Inflation Reduction Act
Among the numerous IRA programs of particular interest to Tribes, most have received further clarification by the various departments charged with implementing and managing them. For example:

  • The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is managing several programs that encourage Tribal climate resilience and adaptation.
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is being provided $2.6 billion to fund conservation efforts to preserve and restore the nation’s coastal and water facilities—including fish hatcheries and projects to mitigate drought impacts, as well as restore and protect marine resources.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with managing several funding opportunities related to renewable energy implementation and upgrades.

Source: REDW Advisors & CPAs Continue Reading

4. INTERNATIONAL:
TE HUI TAKETAKE A TE PUNA TAHUA TOA CALL FOR ABSTRACTS, DEADLINE EXTENDED
Abstract submissions are currently open for speakers at Te Hui Taketake a Te Puna Tahua Toa, the international indigenous summit to be held in Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand, from July 25th to 27th, 2024. The deadline for submissions is March 1st at 5:00 PM NZST.

Requirements for the submission of abstracts

  • All abstracts must be submitted online
  • All abstracts must be submitted into the correct theme:
    • Rangatiratanga – Leadership, empowerment, and growth
    • Tikanga – Indigenous culture, preservation, and innovation
    • Whakawhanaungatanga – Global collaboration and partnership

Registration
A condition of acceptance is that at least one author or nominated presenter registers for the summit. Presenters are responsible for their own accommodation and registration expenses.

Learn More

5. JOBS:
DINÉ DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS SEEKING STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ANALYST
The Financial Strategic Analyst is a trusted role to lay the foundations for data analytics, forecasting, trending, program finance control, and auditing.

The foundational purpose is to assist the decision-making capabilities of the CEO/CFO. This is a high-visibility position that requires a high level of executive presence at all times. This position will also be involved in gathering corporate cultural context and stakeholder information to build an effective library of reports to be used with all stakeholders. These stakeholders will be internal and external.

The candidate will also use discretion with respect to sensitive information. The intent is that this position participates in Navajo Mentor Protégé initiatives within Dine Development Corporation (DDC).

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs