{"id":401299,"date":"2026-02-02T10:28:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/?p=401299"},"modified":"2026-02-03T08:33:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T14:33:48","slug":"nafoa-5-things-you-need-to-know-this-week-february-2-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2026\/02\/02\/nafoa-5-things-you-need-to-know-this-week-february-2-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know This Week (February 2, 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":" \"NAFOA\"<\/a>
<\/figcaption> Congratulations to Leadership Summit Alumni Joshua Emerson (Din\u00e9\/Navajo Nation), Class of 2018, left, and Maximillian T. Frye (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes), Class of 2025, on being named to NCAIED\u2019s 2026 Native American 40 Under 40. NAFOA commends them for their outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities. Photos courtesy NAFOA<\/a>[\/captifcon]\r\n
5 Things You Need to Know This Week <\/div>\r\n
Tune in to NAFOA’s Testimony Tomorrow at 2pm Eastern.<\/div>\r\n
Monday, February 2, 2026<\/div>\r\n
Source: NAFOA<\/div>\r\n
nafoa.org<\/a><\/div>\r\n

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1. CONFERENCE<\/em><\/div>\r\n
Beyond the Conference: Make the Most of Your Time in Reno<\/div>\r\nMark your calendar for April 27\u201328, 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\u2019s food scene, local shops, scenic parks, and learn more about the region\u2019s rich Tribal history and vibrant Native communities.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nPlease be aware that the complete agenda for the conference will go live approximately 8 weeks prior to the event date.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nContinue Reading<\/a>\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\nVisit the Conference Site<\/a>\r\n\r\n

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2. NAFOA NEWS<\/em><\/div>\r\n
NAFOA To Testify before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian & Insular Affairs on Tribal Economic Development<\/div>\r\nTomorrow, 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 \u201cMaking Federal Economic Development Programs Work in Indian Country.\u201d\r\n

<\/p>\r\nThis hearing will be held both online and in person in the Longworth House Office Building in Room 1324.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nWatch Live on February 3, 2025, at 2PM EST<\/a>\r\n\r\n

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3. POLICY<\/em><\/div>\r\n
Senate Fails to Advance FY 2026 Funding Bill<\/div>\r\nOn 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.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nRead the Policy Alert<\/a>\r\n\r\n

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4. WEBINAR<\/em><\/div>\r\n
Beyond Land Leases: Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development<\/div>\r\nThursday, Feb 12th, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET\r\n

<\/p>\r\nIn 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.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nSpeakers: Hear from leading Tribal enterprises and the DOE Office of Indian Energy\r\n

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