Agenda

Registration

Breakfast

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

NAFOA Welcome

Host Tribe Welcome, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California

Conference Co-Chairs Welcome

What Treasury's Final Rules Mean for Tribal Nations

Treasury and the IRS recently finalized two landmark tax regulations with real implications for Tribal governments and businesses. Both regulations recognize Tribal sovereignty and are designed to reduce regulatory burdens and support economic growth. This session covers two areas: implementation of the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 and the new tax treatment for wholly-owned Tribal entities. Panelists will walk through both regulations, explain what changed, and provide finance officers with practical guidance they can apply within their Tribe.

Speakers:

Fatima Abbas, Director, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Telly Meier, Partner, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, LLP

Chief Allan, Chairman, Coeur D'Alene Tribe

Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Update from United States Treasurer Beach

United States Treasurer Brandon Beach discusses the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill for Indian Country and priorities of the Department of the Treasury.

CPE Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical 

Speaker:

Brandon Beach, Treasurer of the United States, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Measure & Manage: CICD's Update on the Survey of Native Nations

Created by the Center for Indian Country Development, the Survey of Native Nations is addressing a longstanding gap in Indian Country by giving Tribal governments access to high-quality public finance data that has historically been out of reach. Participating Tribes receive confidential benchmarking reports that compare their revenues and expenditures with peer Tribal governments and with regional, state, and local data. This session features an update on the survey and how Tribes are using it to make stronger financial decisions and communicate more effectively with stakeholders.

Speaker:

Phil Gover, Senior Policy Analyst, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

GASB Update

The Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) serves as a critical bridge between the GASB and the broader governmental accounting community, advising on technical issues, project priorities, and emerging matters shaping public sector financial reporting. In this brief update, GASAC member Hattie Mitchell will share highlights from recent Council activity, including key topics under GASB's consideration and how Tribal perspectives fit within the broader landscape of governmental accounting standards.

Speaker:

Hattie Mitchell, CFO, Forest County Potawatomi, NAFOA GASAC Representative

The Economy Is Having a Year

Tariffs, geopolitical conflict, sweeping tax cuts, and a new Federal Reserve Chair — and it's only spring. The 2026 economy has delivered more shocks in three months than most years produce in twelve, and Tribal Nations are watching closely. NAFOA Economic Advisor Aaron Klein breaks down what's driving the turbulence, where the economy may be headed, and what leaders should be watching. The conversation will also take on the rise of prediction markets — and whether wagering on economic outcomes is investing, gambling, or something else entirely.

Speaker:

Aaron Klein, Economic Advisor, NAFOA

Additional General Session panels are still being finalized

Break

Breakout Sessions

The Kids are (Gonna Be) Alright: Funding Tribal Child Welfare and Education

Native children are the future of Tribal communities. This session equips Tribal professionals and leaders with actionable strategies to design and fund education and child welfare programs that deliver lasting impact. Speakers will walk through practical frameworks for establishing education funds, implementing Trump Accounts, leveraging the Tribal Adoption Tax Credit, and optimizing youth distribution programs to maximize benefits for tribal citizens.

Moderator:

Jennifer Parisien, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Speakers:

Justin Lepscier, Lead Institutional Advisor, KeyBank

Karen Biddle Andres, Director of Lifelong Saving and Investing, The Aspen Institute

Ben Campbell, CFO, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Freezes & Shutdowns & Rescissions, Oh My! Compliance in an Uncertain Federal Landscape

The federal landscape shifted dramatically in 2025, with funding freezes, grant cancellations, delays to the OMB Compliance Supplement, and the longest government shutdown in US history creating significant uncertainty for Tribal governments. This session provides a timely overview of compliance best practices to help your Tribe navigate new federal requirements and avoid audit risk. Panelists will address how to account for grant rescissions, respond to changes in competitive grant application standards, and understand new limitations on indirect cost rates.

Moderator:

Anita Shah, Principal, Baker Tilly

Speakers:

Janees Taylor, Treasurer, Cherokee Nation Financial Resources

Scott Layton, Director of Finance, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians

Nicole Lewis, Chief Financial Officer, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Navigating Digital Assets and Tribal Economies

With President Trump championing a crypto boom and Congress advancing stablecoin legislation, the digital asset landscape is shifting rapidly — with or without a clear regulatory framework. Nearly two decades after Bitcoin's launch, cryptocurrency remains largely speculative, and blockchain's promised revolution has been slower to materialize than anticipated. As broader crypto market structure legislation moves through Congress, Tribal governments face both emerging opportunities and significant risks in this evolving space. Join our panel of experts as they cut through the noise and explore what the digital asset landscape means for Tribal economies and sovereignty

Moderator:

Aaron Klein, Economic Advisor, NAFOA

Speakers:

Robin Cook, Director of U.S. Policy and Head of Federal Affairs, Coinbase

Conrad Voorsanger, Corporate Development and Ventures, Circle Internet Financial

Luncheon

Breakout Sessions

Capitalizing on Capital Assets

Capital assets are some of the largest investments made by Tribal governments. From budgeting and financing to construction and disposal, these assets require oversight throughout their entire lifecycle. Because these generational investments are vital to a community's quality of life, they require strong governance and long-term financial foresight. Speakers will cover planning, community engagement, financing, accounting/depreciating, and disposing - including when the asset was purchased with federal funds.

Moderator:

Emily Brock, CEO/Executive Director, Public Finance Network

Speakers:

Luke Welles, General Manager, Tribal Development Partners

Guadalupe "Lupita" Martinez, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Joseph Finley, Tribal Council Member, Confederated Tribes of Colville

What's New with New Market Tax Credits

The One Big Beautiful Bill made the NMTC program permanent, giving communities and investors long-term certainty on the availability of the incentive. At the end of 2025, Treasury announced $236.4 million in estimated NMTC investment in Native Areas. Panelists will share insights from recent allocation applications, highlight how NMTC investments are impacting Tribal communities, and break down legislation that could affect Tribal access to the credit going forward.

Speakers:

James Colombe, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Adam Rose, Director of Partnerships and Growth, Travois, Inc.

Crista Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Elk Valley Rancheria

Listening Session: Dual Taxation in Indian Country

Join NAFOA for a listening session on dual taxation across Indian Country. This session is for Tribal Leaders, Tax Commissions, Tribal Entities, and Policy Professionals as we explore the implications of dual taxation in Tribal Communities.

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

GWE Rules! Best Practices for Tribal Implementation

The IRS finalized rules on General Welfare Exclusion benefits in 2025, providing Tribal governments with clearer guidance on structuring and administering their programs. This session focuses on implementation, covering best practices for GWE benefit programs, Revenue Allocation Plans, minors' trust funds, and more. Panelists will offer practical recommendations that Tribal administrators can apply right away.

Moderator:

Ken Parsons, Partner, Holland & Knight

Speakers:

Jason Fuller, Senior Vice President, Providence First Trust Company

Telly Meier, Partner, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, LLP

Xavier Barraza, Partner, Peebles Bergin

Underwriting Tribal Energy Projects

Set your energy project up for success! Learn from energy development, finance, and operations practitioners who will guide attendees through the complete lifecycle of a project, covering important insights to acquiring the right financial support and implementation tools. This session covers essential financing strategies, pro forma modeling techniques, and data room preparation to position your projects for successful underwriting.

Moderator:

Todd Halvorsen, Vice President of Energy Finance & Structuring, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Jeremy Kalin, Impact Counsel Attorney, Avisen Legal

Michael Castello, Chairman, Soboba EDC

Kevin Blaser, VP of Business Development, Colusa Indian Energy

President's Reception

Registration

Breakfast

Women's Leadership Breakfast

This breakfast will provide a forum for women tribal leaders and others in key tribal finance positions to exchange ideas, share experiences, and inspire each other to achieve their goals.

Board of Directors Election Voting

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

Board of Director Campaign Speeches

AI Data Centers: Economic Empowerment or the Next Extractive Industry?

With the rise of AI, Tribal Nations face new decisions regarding the benefits, risks, and infrastructure required for data centers on their land. This discussion will highlight key considerations for evaluating proposals for market timing and sustainability, helping leaders safeguard long-term stability over a speculative bubble.

Moderator:

Dawson Her Many Horses, Managing Director, Wells Fargo

Speakers:

Traci Morris, Executive Director & Research Professor, Arizona State University

Michael Running Wolf, Co-Founder and Lead Architect, First Languages AI Reality

Ryan Brooks, GM/CTO, Data Holdings

Lessons from the Field in Tribal Energy Development

A panel of Native finance professionals will share their stories, experiences, and insights. These practitioners are actively deploying funds into energy projects that serve as community economic engines, while developing platforms for exponential growth in Tribal energy sovereignty. They will discuss the challenges they have overcome, the strategies that have driven their success, and their vision for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Moderator:

Remington Schneider, Fund Manager, Indigenous Power & Light Fund Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Noble Crowfoot, CEO & Co-Founder, ALT PV

Ted Piccolo, Sr. Director of Indigenous Futures, Mission Driven Finance

Mark Fox, Chairman, MHA Nation

On The Move: Tribal Legislation in the 119th Congress

This session offers an overview of current federal legislation affecting Indian Country, including bills addressing trust land protections, jurisdictional clarity, Small Business Administration entrepreneurial support, and the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act. Attendees will gain insight into each bill’s status, potential impacts on Tribal governments, and strategic advocacy opportunities as Congress advances these key policy priorities.

Speakers:

Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting LLC

Jennifer Van der Heide, Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting LLC

From the Bench: Litigation Impacting Tribal Economies 

From Supreme Court decisions to circuit court rulings, panelists will discuss how ongoing litigation affects taxation, gaming operations, trust lands, and regulatory powers. This session examines court cases and legal issues currently impacting Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and economic development. Gain essential insight into emerging legal trends and their practical implications for Tribal governments navigating complex jurisdictional and economic challenges.

Speakers:

Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Joe Webster, Partner, Hobbs Strauss Dean & Walker

Geri Winser, Attorney General, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Additional General Session panels are still being finalized

Break

Breakout Sessions

SSBCI Milestones and Momentum in Indian Country

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federal program that provides funding to states, territories, and Tribal governments to help small businesses access capital through loan guarantees, venture capital investments, and collateral support. With more than $523 million allocated to 235 Tribal governments and the program set to sunset in March 2028, now is the time to ensure effective deployment. Learn about key deadlines, deployment requirements, and proven strategies to maximize this powerful investment in Tribal economic development.

Moderator:

James Colombe, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Speakers:
Casey Pearlman, Executive Director, ATNI Economic Development Corporation

Zechariah Harjo, Secretary of the Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Reducing the Burden on Bandwidth: NTIA's Broadband Grant Reforms

NTIA funding opportunities exist to expand high-speed internet, telehealth, digital skills, and distance learning in Native communities. Tribal recipients, however, have faced administrative burdens and delays. In response, NTIA announced reforms in late 2025 to streamline Tribal broadband funding, including aligning the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program with the Digital Equity Act and issuing a consolidated NOFO in Spring 2026 that will make at least $500 million available. This panel will discuss grant reforms and implementation lessons, highlighting strategies for early engagement, data-driven planning, partnerships, and ready-to-deploy projects.

Moderator:

Corrine Wilson, CFO, Red Mountain Communications

Speakers:

Albert Smith, Mayor/City Manager, Metlakatla Indian Community

Kristian Poncho, Secretary-Treasurer, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

Steven Orihuela, Board Member, Tribal Leadership Council

Built to Last: Sovereign Wealth Fund Strategies for Tribal Governments

Tribes are establishing sovereign wealth funds to expand member benefits—like education, elder care, and cultural programs—without depleting annual budgets. This session explores effective fund structures, investment strategies, and spending policies that generate steady income over time. Panelists will share insights on portfolio diversification, with a focus on private equity opportunities, and discuss how strategic wealth fund management creates long-term financial stability while meeting community needs today.

Moderator:
Jay Calhoun, Managing Partner, Apis

Speakers:

Lacey Calac Dunne, Partner, Acknowledge Capital

Patrick Bender, Senior Investment Consultant, KeyBank

Leadership Awards Luncheon

Please join us as we honor tribal leaders and finance professionals for their outstanding contributions to improving economic conditions in Indian Country.

Breakout Sessions

5 Ways to Streamline Your Monthly Financial Close

This session will cover the top 5 areas that you can implement immediately to improve your Tribal government’s monthly closing process. These areas are collected from best practices around the Country from Tribal accounting professionals, auditors, and finance team members. Covered topics will include shifting the mindset from an annual close to monthly, standardizing the closing process with useful checklists and monitoring, strengthening communication between departments, and leveraging automation.

Moderator:

Ryan Luetkemeyer, Principal, Baker Tilly

Speakers:

Jamison Scarpelli, Senior Manager, Wipfli LLP

Ruth Fernandez, Tribal Controller, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Wendy Collazo, Vice President Finance-Tribal Government, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians

Listening Session: IRS Training & Partially Owned Entities

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Released Final Rules on Tribally Chartered Corporations and General Welfare Exclusion benefits. This listening session is an opportunity for Tribal Leaders and practitioners to provide input on the Training of IRS Agents on Tribal matters and on considerations for the tax treatment of partially owned Tribal entities. Your input will help bridge the gap between policy and practice, informing future guidance that reflects the realities of Tribal governance.

Community Screening: Remaining Native

This session explores the full lifecycle of a documentary, from its initial idea to a finished film. The Q&A portion will offer an inside perspective into the development and production process, along with the importance of ensuring the story remains accessible to those who inspired it. Following the discussion, stay for a full screening of Remaining Native.

Speakers:

Paige Bethmann, Filmmaker

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments

As emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, continue to accelerate both cyber threats and defensive capabilities, preparation and clear decision-making are more important than ever. Panelists will discuss how data breaches occur, the vulnerability and value of data, strategic cybersecurity planning, risk management, and the latest on cyber insurance to protect your Tribal data.

Moderator:

Chris Janke, Senior Manager, Wipfli Advisory LLC

Speakers:

Felix McGowan, Director of Critical Infrastructure, AMERIND

John Graham, Principal, REDW Advisors & CPAs

Matt Borkowski, Director of Business Applications Sales, Arctic IT

Energy Project Finance Fundamentals

This session gives attendees a practical foundation in energy project finance, led by experienced energy finance practitioners. Topics include pro forma modeling, capital stack formation, contracted versus merchant revenue, recourse and non-recourse financing, asset management strategies, and efficient capital pooling approaches. Participants will leave with practical knowledge to evaluate energy development opportunities and build sustainable financing structures for Tribal energy initiatives.

Moderator:

Todd Halvorsen, Vice President of Energy Finance & Structuring, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Noble Crowfoot, CEO & Co-Founder, ALT PV

Joel Laubenstein, Partner, Baker Tilly US, LLP

Sharol McDade, President, MACWORX

Community Screening: Remaining Native (continued)

Closing Reception

Don’t miss your shot at the closing reception at Birdeez! Enjoy an evening of networking, fun bites, and indoor mini-golf. Challenge your colleagues to a round of darts, or battle it out in a gameshow-style quiz room!