We miss seeing our community come together like this, but safety is first. In case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, NAFOA will be hosting our Fall Conference virtually in October. Visit our conference page for details and updates. Photo courtesy NAFOA

5 Things You Need to Know this Week

NAFOA is here to build and support our community.

1. POLICY:
MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM MADE MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR TRIBAL BUSINESSES

Effective July 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve granted a waiver for tribal government businesses from the dividend prohibition of the Main Street Lending Program. The Main Street Lending program was created to support the economy by ensuring small and medium-sized businesses have the credit they need during the COVID-19 crisis. While tribal businesses were deemed eligible for the program on April 30, 2020, the restrictions on dividends prevented tribes from applying for this program.

2. COMMUNITY:
BANK AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS JOIN THE OCC TO REMEDY STRUCTURAL ISSUES IN BANKING

On Friday, July 10, 2020 the Office of the Comptroller (OCC) announced the launch of the Roundtable for Economic Access and Change (Project REACh). Project REACh will convene banking, civil rights, and technology leaders at the highest level to work with the OCC to tackle structural issues within the banking system that prevent minority communities from fully accessing credit and capital. Dante Desiderio, Executive Director of NAFOA, was asked to join this 19-person roundtable.

NAFOA takes its role seriously as one of the roundtable’s only Indian Country representatives. To aid in this effort, NAFOA will create a working group with partners throughout Indian Country to advise and ensure the proposed solutions are inclusive of Indian Country’s unique structures and challenges. If you are interested in being part of the NAFOA working group, email Ellie Beckett at ellie@nafoa.org.

3. EDUCATION:

CAREER BASICS EXTENDED FOR THE SUMMER

To accommodate more participants this summer, we are extending our Career Basics program until the end of August and registration will be open until August 16th. The program is free and online for Native youth and young professionals ages 18-26.

Know a Native youth or young professional who would benefit from the program? Send us their name and contact information at education@nafoa.org, and we will extend a personal invitation.

4.  FOR PROFESSIONALS:
JOIN THE COLLEGE FUND CONNECT PLATFORM TO CONNECT WITH STUDENTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS

Whether you are a tribal college professor or a corporate recruiter or an industry professional, you understand the value that Native students bring to your workplace and the importance of helping them achieve success. Now, you can work directly with Native college students to answer their questions and introduce them to opportunities through the Connect platform. Students will be able to find you based on your industry, school, and your employer, and you can use Connect to share internships, fellowships, or job opportunities with students. Create your profile and help students achieve their goals.

5. JOBS:
PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE CORPORATE SEEKS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The CFO will provide effective financial leadership for the Pueblo’s corporations to grow in value responsibly, in a profitable and sustainable manner. With the CEO, the CFO sets the “tone” for management to foster ethical and responsible decision-making, appropriate management, and best-in-class corporate governance. Interested parties can send their CV or resume to Judy Ruggles, Director of Corporate Human Resources, at jruggles@buffalothunder.com.

Learn more and apply.