Please join Treasury during the May 2025 Meeting of the Department of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC) on May 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET in the Cash Room (2121) at the Main Treasury Building.

During this meeting, the TTAC will advise Treasury and IRS officials on Tribal tax issues; report on subcommittee work on the General Welfare Exclusion, Tribal Economies, and Parity and Reform; and hear public comments.

Due to security requirements, only registered attendees will be permitted entry into the Treasury Building. Registration will close on May 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

If you are unable to attend the TTAC meeting in person, you may participate virtually. Choose the VIRTUAL option during the registration process.

Source: United States Department of the Treasury Register for the Public Meeting

Last Friday, the White House announced President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget request, proposing major shifts in federal spending priorities, including requests that could significantly impact Tribes.

While the President’s Budget serves as a blueprint for the Administration’s priorities, it is not a binding document for drafting funding legislation. Currently, appropriations items will take a backseat to the ongoing reconciliation work in Congress. Next week, several House and Senate committees are scheduled to hold reconciliation/budget hearings, a critical step in the budget process.

NAFOA will continue to monitor the federal budget process and provide additional information as it develops. With the work remaining on the legislative calendar, it is unlikely that final appropriations amounts will be available anytime soon. Continue to follow our Policy Alerts for more information about the 2026 Budget and its potential impact on Tribes, including how you can stay involved and provide input on matters impacting Tribes.

Read the Policy Alert

Since 2008, NAFOA, founded as the Native American Finance Officers Association, recognizes the achievements of Tribal leaders, Tribal executives, advocates, and financial transactions driving economic progress within Indian Country. The 18th Annual Leadership Awards were presented at the 43rd Annual Conference in New Orleans today, April 29.

This year’s award recipients were:

• Executive of the Year – Julio Martinez, CEO of Mno-Bmadsen, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
• Education Program of the Year – Gonzaga University, MBA American Indian Entrepreneurship
• Business Impact Deal of the Year – Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Acorn Ridge Casino
• Government Impact Deal of the Year – Colusa Indian Community Council, Healthcare Clinics
• Tribal Leader of the Year – Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Continue Reading

Authored by Mike Fesl and Ben Rechkemmer of KeyBank’s Native American Financial Services business

In recent years, the pursuit of energy independence has become a crucial issue for tribal nations across the United States.

As these communities strive to reclaim control over their resources and economic futures, the development of sustainable and resilient energy systems has emerged as a key strategy. This article delves into the evolving energy economy for tribal nations, exploring the innovative strategies they are implementing to achieve energy autonomy.

From localized microgrids that provide reliable power to macrogrids that connect tribal lands to broader energy networks, tribal nations are at the forefront of a transformative movement. Central to this effort are tribal utility authorities (TUA), which oversee energy projects, ensuring that they align with the community’s goals and values. By harnessing renewable energy sources and leveraging advanced technologies, tribal nations are addressing their energy needs while promoting economic growth, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

Below, we explore the dynamic landscape of tribal energy independence and sovereignty and highlight the successes, challenges, funding options, and future prospects of this critical endeavor.

Continue Reading in the Navigator (pg. 106-108)

NAFOA, representing 183 Member Tribes across the country, seeks a qualified investment advisory service to develop and implement a comprehensive investment strategy for developing a permanent reserve fund to support the organization’s operations. The selected firm will create an Investment Policy Statement, provide ongoing management services, deliver regular performance reporting, and offer educational support to NAFOA’s Board of Directors, serving as the Investment Committee.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate experience with tribal organizations or non-profit endowments, maintain a fiduciary approach to investment management, offer transparent fee structures, and possess socially responsible investment capabilities. NAFOA seeks a partner who understands its mission of supporting tribal economies through sound economic and fiscal policy. Proposals are due by 5:00pm Eastern on Friday, May 30, 2025, with selection scheduled for June 2025.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs