Indianz.Com > News > NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week (November 24, 2025)
NAFOA
NAFOA’s Board of Directors joined Tribal leaders last week to connect and collaborate at the National Congress of American Indians 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace in Seattle, Washington. From left: 2nd Vice President Celina Phair; Treasurer Amy Minnear; President and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler; Secretary Melanie Benjamin; 1st Vice President VaRene Martin; and Executive Director Cory Blankenship. Photo courtesy NAFOA
5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Don’t Miss: LPIBSC Rolling Admission, Year-End 2025 Tax Webinar & More
Monday, November 24, 2025
Source: NAFOA

1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Rolling Admissions for Leading People & Investing to Build Sustainable Communities
Applications for the Leading People & Investing to Build Sustainable Communities (LPIBSC) program at Harvard Business School are ongoing. While the priority consideration deadline has passed, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until January 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.

LPIBSC is an executive education program developed in partnership with Harvard Business School Executive Education and AFOA Canada. The program brings together Tribal and Indigenous leaders from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia to foster innovation and build high-performing communities and organizations.

Apply Today

2. WEBINAR:
Year-End 2025 Tax Update for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Sunday, December 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT

Join Moss Adams x Baker Tilly for their Year End 2025 Tax Update for Not-for-Profit Organizations, in which they’ll explore important tax updates and developments from the Department of Treasury affecting tax-exempt organizations as well as the following topics.

  • IRS priority guidance plan, exempt organization focus areas, and exams
  • State activity and updates
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

Source: Moss Adams x Baker Tilly Register to Join on December 9

3. MUST READ:
Unfulfilled Obligations: Realizing the Promise of Tribal Sovereignty
Despite formal recognition of Tribal sovereignty, Tribal nations face systemic legal and political barriers that hinder their ability to govern and build self-sustaining economies. Federal funding shortfalls and limited taxation authority disproportionately affect Tribal governments, and inconsistent federal consultation undermines Tribal self-determination.

To fulfill the promise of Tribal sovereignty, there is a need for education of federal officials, enforceable consultation practices, and stronger support for Tribal governance and economic development priorities.

Source: American Bar Association Continue Reading

4. ENERGY:
Tribal Energy Financing Program – Open for Business
The Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP) is available through DOE’s Loan Programs Office. Eligible applicants for the TEFP include federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native village or regional or village corporations, Tribal energy development organizations, and lenders that apply in partnership with Tribes for a loan guarantee. With the considerable energy resources that exist throughout Indian country, developing energy projects can help address the nation’s energy needs and create economic development opportunities for Tribes. The TEFP can provide Tribes with economic development opportunities by supporting a variety of large-scale Tribally led energy projects. There are many advantages of TEFP design, including a focus on Tribal ownership; financing for a variety of projects, which gives Tribes more flexibility; and a direct loan option to eliminate the need for Tribes to find a lender. The Loan Programs Office coordinates often with the Office of Indian Energy to identify potential applicants and share information.

For more information, reach out to TEFP@hq.doe.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Learn More

5. JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Director of Finance-FM Enterprises, WE-KO-PA Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Enterprises Accounting/Finance
The Director of Finance is responsible for the financial leadership of We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort and other Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation enterprises. This role oversees administrative, financial, and risk management operations, including developing financial strategy, establishing performance metrics, and implementing control systems to protect assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. Under the general supervision of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Enterprise General Manager, this position also provides strategic financial support across all tribally owned enterprises.

Learn More & Apply