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NAFOA
Thank you for another incredibly impactful and well-attended NAFOA Conference! Save the Date for the 43rd Annual Conference in New Orleans on April 28-29, 2025. Pictured here: NAFOA staff with Board Members at the #NAFOAFall24 Closing Reception at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in San Diego, California. Photo courtesy NAFOA
5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Falling into New Opportunities 🍂
Monday, September 30, 2024
Source: NAFOA

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.

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2. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY:
TRIBAL CLEAN ENERGY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, which include Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations to:

  1. Conduct clean energy planning (Topic Area 1);
  2. Comprehensively assess the feasibility and viability of deploying clean energy technology (Topic Area 2); or,
  3. Conduct clean energy design and development activities (Topic Area 3).

DOE expects to make approximately $25 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on Congressional appropriations. DOE anticipates making approximately 20 to 40 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue awards in one, multiple, or none of the Topic Areas.

Informational Webinar
The DOE Office of Indian Energy will conduct an informational webinar on October 24, 2024 at 3:00 Eastern Time. The webinar will provide information on the FOA to potential applicants. In addition to describing the FOA, information will be provided on who is eligible to apply, what an application needs to include, cost share and other requirements, how to ask questions, and how applications will be selected for funding. If you are unable to attend the webinar, it will be recorded and posted for later viewing.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Learn More and Apply

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.

Read in the NAFOA Navigator Magazine (pg 140-142)

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 Register

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.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs