Indianz.Com > News > NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week (February 3, 2025)
NAFOA
Join NAFOA for the 43rd Annual Conference at the New Orleans Marriott with host tribe Jena Band of Choctaw Indians! Register early and book your stay before it’s too late! Pictured, from left: Julie Wilkerson, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Attorney, with NAFOA 1st Vice President VaRene Martin. 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.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Source: NAFOA

1. POLICY:
OMB Rescinds Memorandum Freezing Federal Funds
On Wednesday, the Office of Management and Budget issued Memorandum M-25-14, rescinding Memorandum M-25-13 from Monday, which directed a Temporary Pause of Agency Grants, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs. Following the release of M-25-14, the White House has since stated that sections of M-25-13 touching on programs impacted by the current Administration’s Executive Orders are still in effect. The directive had broad implications for Tribal Nations, resulting in the unavailability of essential grants management systems and a lack of clarity regarding the impact of Tribal funding programs.

We encourage Tribes to continue planning for disruptions to funding and systems.

Share Your Insights

If your Tribe encounters difficulties accessing systems or receives notifications from agencies, we urge you to send comments and forward messages to info@nafoa.org.

The Senate Committee of Indian Affairs would also like to hear from tribes about the impact of the federal funding freeze. Please share your experiences and concerns via email to oversight@indian.senate.gov. Your name/contact information and response will be kept confidential. Please include in your response the name of the agency and the program(s) affected.

Share Your Insights

2. MUST READ:
$3 Trillion in Federal Assistance Put on Hold
On Tuesday, a federal judge issued a temporary stay against the recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive, pausing it until Monday at 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, the media reported the Trump administration had rescinded the directive, but the White House then clarified that the freeze still stands, as they only rescinded the memo, not the order.

What OMB’s temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs means to you

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a significant memorandum Monday night directing federal agencies to temporarily pause activities related to federal financial assistance programs.

This directive affects a broad spectrum of federal funding mechanisms, including grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance that collectively represent more than $3 trillion in federal spending.

The pause impacts organizations receiving federal funds both directly and through pass-through arrangements, affecting a wide range of sectors including healthcare providers, educational institutions, research organizations, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Source: Wipfli Continue Reading

3. CONFERENCE:
Experience the Big Easy at #NAFOA2025
We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans on April 28-29, 2025 for NAFOA’s 43rd Annual Conference!

New Orleans is all about energy, flavor, music, and history. With its lively jazz clubs, beautiful architecture, legendary food scene, warm hospitality, and nonstop festivities, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

French Quarter From the beautiful architecture to art galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars, the French Quarter is a must-visit for anyone in New Orleans. Join a tour and learn more about the area’s history, or stroll the famed Bourbon Street to enjoy culture, entertainment, and live music.

The National WWII Museum Through immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts, the National World War II Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world —why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.

Garden District The Garden District is a neighborhood known for its historic mansions, oak-lined streets, and Southern elegance. With grand homes, boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries on Magazine Street, and the beauty of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, it offers a perfect mix of history and charm.

Jazz Fest NAFOA’s conference is taking place between the two weekends of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a yearly celebration of New Orleans’ culture, art, music, and heritage. It’s one of the city’s most famous annual events with over 5,000 acts on 14 stages.

Register for the Conference

4. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
In-Person Introductory Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate
In-person program dates: May 20-23, 2025 Cost: $1,850 NAFOA members and $2,000 nonmembers

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 become a more effective tribal finance/accounting professional and leader. You will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other tribal finance/accounting professionals throughout the state and across the country.

Learn More and Register

5. JOBS:
Accountant, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
The accountant works with various staff to ensure general ledger, financial reports, and budget are managed and maintained per the Tribe’s established policies, procedures, and deadlines. The position reviews the financial transactions, month end and prepares the monthly financial reports and distributes them to executive team and directors. This position prepares the bank reconciliations for entities. This position performs numerous accounting functions to aid in consistent and timely financial recording and reporting across departments. Responsible for properly accounting for all assets additions, disposals, and transfers. This is a full-time and exempt position. This position reports to the Finance Director.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs