NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know This Week (February 2, 2026)

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Congratulations to Leadership Summit Alumni Joshua Emerson (Diné/Navajo Nation), Class of 2018, left, and Maximillian T. Frye (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes), Class of 2025, on being named to NCAIED’s 2026 Native American 40 Under 40. NAFOA commends them for their outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities. Photos courtesy NAFOA[/captifcon]

5 Things You Need to Know This Week

Tune in to NAFOA’s Testimony Tomorrow at 2pm Eastern.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Source: NAFOA

nafoa.org

1. CONFERENCE

Beyond the Conference: Make the Most of Your Time in Reno

Mark your calendar for April 27–28, 2026! Join us at the Grand Sierra in Reno, Nevada, for two impactful days of networking, conversations, and insights. While you’re there, take time to explore Reno’s food scene, local shops, scenic parks, and learn more about the region’s rich Tribal history and vibrant Native communities.

Please be aware that the complete agenda for the conference will go live approximately 8 weeks prior to the event date.

Visit the Conference Site

2. NAFOA NEWS

NAFOA To Testify before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian & Insular Affairs on Tribal Economic Development

Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, NAFOA Board President Chairman Rodney Butler (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation) is scheduled to testify before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian & Insular Affairs, at an oversight hearing to address key issues impacting Tribal economic development and Tribal access to Federal economic development programs. The oversight hearing is titled “Making Federal Economic Development Programs Work in Indian Country.”

This hearing will be held both online and in person in the Longworth House Office Building in Room 1324.

Watch Live on February 3, 2025, at 2PM EST

3. POLICY

Senate Fails to Advance FY 2026 Funding Bill

On Thursday, January 29th, the Senate failed to advance legislation that would have completed the FY 2026 funding cycle and prevented a partial shutdown on January 31st. On Tuesday last week, the House passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, introduced by Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), with a 341-88 vote. However, the legislation lacked the required votes to overcome a Senate cloture vote, propelling the federal government toward a second shutdown for the fiscal year.

Read the Policy Alert

4. WEBINAR

Beyond Land Leases: Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development

Thursday, Feb 12th, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET

In this webinar, attendees will learn the unique advantages Tribes bring to developers; key elements and ingredients required for successful data center development; the role of the right partners to deliver maximum value to the community; and sources of support for Tribes seeking to evaluate whether a data center may be a good fit.

Speakers: Hear from leading Tribal enterprises and the DOE Office of Indian Energy

Ken Ahmann, COO and Co-Founder of Colusa Indian Energy
Ryan Brooks, CTO and General Manager of Data Holdings
Elisah VandenBussche, U.S. DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy & Programs

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Register to Join on February 12, 2025

5. JOB

Tax Director, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

The Tax Director shall be directly responsible to the Tribal Council for the direction, control, and operation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Tax Department. The Tax Director will be responsible for managing and expanding the Tax Department, which includes formulating all department administrative policies, processes, tax programs, along with defining all staffing and scope of work.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs