On March 18th, NAFOA Board Treasurer Amy Minniear (Pechanga Band of Indians) testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for their Fiscal Year 2027 American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Days. NAFOA’s testimony focused on key policy priorities that strengthen Tribal economies and uphold federal treaty and trust obligations.

In her testimony, NAFOA Treasurer Amy Minniear highlighted the importance of investing in Tribal nations:

“The evidence is clear: when Tribal Nations have the policy tools, capital access, and institutional support to develop their economies, their communities thrive — and so does the national economy. Honoring Tribal sovereignty and investing in Tribal economic development is not charity. It is responsible governance.”

Continue Reading the Policy Alert

NAFOA and 17 endorsing Native organization partners co-released a joint brief presenting nine key legislative priorities and 15 FY 2027 appropriations requests to inform and drive the work of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in support of Indian Country economic development during the Second Session of the 119th Congress. The brief is intended to work in tandem with a similar document presented to the Trump Administration last month, outlining steps the Executive Branch can take to support economic development in Tribal communities.

The brief, titled “Tribal Economic Development: Indian Country’s Policy and Funding Priorities for Congress,” uplifts various bills that are being actively deliberated by Congress, enjoy bipartisan support, and could pass by the end of the year. It also calls for increased or level funding for key federal programs and offices that will enhance and grow the U.S. government’s support of Tribal Nations as they build and sustain vibrant economies that benefit not just Native people, but all Americans. The brief serves as an abbreviated update to the policy brief the endorsing Native organizations provided to the incoming 119th Congress in late 2024.

Source: Native CDFI Network Read the Policy Brief

With the rise of AI, Tribal Nations face new decisions regarding the benefits, risks, and infrastructure required for data centers on their land. During the General Session on Tuesday, April 28th, panelists will discuss key considerations for evaluating proposals for market timing and sustainability, helping leaders safeguard long-term stability over a speculative bubble.

View the Agenda

Register for the Conference

Program Dates: May 19-22, 2026 Cost: $1,850 NAFOA Member Tribes and $2,000 nonmembers

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.

Registration includes digital instruction, materials, certificates, and one copy of “Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book)” as published by NAFOA.

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This position supports the Financial Officer and acts as the Deputy Director for the Finance/Business Office in absence of Financial Officer; employee produces rich, in-depth content for analyzing the implications of AST Health Programs financial actions on day’ to day business operations. This role’s primary responsibility will be to research, analyze, gather quantitative data, and build high-level budget and financial analysis to assess the impact of potential outcomes.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs