Congratulations to the awardees of the National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” Honoring Lunch in DC earlier this month: Tracy Stanhoff and Siletz Chair Delores Pigsley. And congratulations to NAFOA 1st Vice President VaRene Martin for receiving a silver box this year! From left: NAFOA Treasurer Amy Minnear; NAFOA Secretary Melanie Benjamin; Chair Pigsley; Tracy Stanhoff; and VaRene Martin. Photo courtesy NAFOA
This Thursday, NAFOA Executive Director Cory Blankenship will testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies as part of the American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness hearings. [PDF: Written Testimony]
The Tribal Public Witness hearing, expanded to three days this year, provides an opportunity for the Subcommittee to hear directly from tribal leaders and organizations. Earlier this month, NAFOA also testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, addressing challenges and opportunities for tribal economies and businesses in the 119th Congress.
Among the key topics in Thursday’s testimony is the Tribal Tax Investment and Reform Act, introduced in the House last year, which aims to correct longstanding inequities and barriers to tax-free financing for tribes.
The NAFOA Institute’s Career Basics is a free, self-paced online course created to help Native American young professionals build essential skills for their career journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your skills, this course is designed to support you at your own pace.
Learn At Your Own Pace — Join Anytime
Program Dates: Now – June 30, 2025
You can join Career Basics at any point during the program dates, making it easy to fit your learning into your schedule. Study at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed, so you can fully absorb each topic at a speed that works best for you.
On February 12, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing, Examining Native Communities’ Priorities for the 119th Congress. Chaired by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), with Vice Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI), the hearing reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to centering Native voices in policymaking.
Chair Murkowski emphasized the responsibility to uphold trust and treaty obligations—the federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation of the U.S. government to safeguard the rights and interests of Native American Tribes, upheld through the Marshall Trilogy. Additionally, treaty obligations refer to legally binding agreements between certain tribal nations and the U.S. government, such as the Navajo Treaty of 1868. Recognizing these commitments, Chair Murkowski highlighted the importance of engaging directly with tribal leaders to ensure federal policy reflects the priorities of Native nations. She acknowledged the evolving political landscape and the committee’s role in advocating for Native interests through direct engagement and legislative action. Vice Chairman Schatz echoed the committee’s responsibility as a bipartisan advocate for Native priorities, stressing that past legislative successes were achieved through collaboration with Native communities.
The hearing featured testimonies from Native leaders across various sectors, reflecting the broad and pressing challenges facing Indian Country.
Source: American Indian Policy Institute
Continue Reading
The Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) is seeking feedback from Tribal financial officers, treasurers, and accounting professionals ahead of its upcoming meeting. Your input is essential in shaping the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) agenda, ensuring Tribal concerns and unique financial needs are considered.
GASAC members can raise practice issues that may require GASB’s attention, helping address accounting and financial reporting challenges in a timely manner. If applicable, please consult with your organization before submitting feedback.
What accounting or financial reporting issues, if any, are emerging in practice that you believe the Board should be made aware of?
Hybrid Work Arrangement – Target Start Date-May 1, 2025
The Accounts Payable Specialist will have specific responsibility for ensuring that all invoices are processed in a timely manner, which will include matching and/or preparing purchase orders, coding in compliance with the tribal chart of accounts, obtaining appropriate signatures, and entering into the accounting database. The Accounts Payable Specialist will also develop and present to Payroll and Accounts Payable Manager the invoices being prepared for payment. The position will also assist in the maintenance of the accounting department files.
