Spring TFMC Draws In Another Diverse Cohort

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Fifty-four participants from thirty-five tribes and twenty-two states attended the latest Tribal Financial Management Certificate training co-hosted by the American Indian Policy Institute at  ASU and the Native American Financial Officers Association on June 12 -14 at the ASU Tempe Campus. The cohort represented personnel serving in various capacities within the financial management arm of their respective organizations and/or tribes. The participants were also diverse in years of experience and specialty areas which made for a dynamic networking opportunity.

Together, the participants learned a wide range of financial management topics - from an overview level of federal Indian law and taxation to the nuances of procurement and internal controls and everything in between - all presented by industry experts. The modules were based on the NAFOA publication, Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises, the premier resource for all things related to financial reporting framework in a tribal setting.

To ensure active participation, reinforce knowledge retention and engage different learning styles, the presentations included lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, team exercises, pop quizzes, and reflection.

The topics covered, speakers featured, and materials used were all rated 4+ out of 5 stars and everyone walked away having improved their knowledge of tribal financial management. For some who were new to the field, they found great value in the inclusive scope of topics. Said one participant, “It was good to hear about the history of how tribal finance emerged in Indian country and the laws enacted to get us here.” For some, it reinforced their existing knowledge: “[the experience] allowed me to get a "whole picture" and have confidence in my ability to do what's right for the tribe.” As well, many participants felt well informed to implement best practices and were hopeful see improvements happen within their operations.

As a bonus during this class, a storytelling expert led a workshop entitled “Telling a Story With Numbers: Persuasive Narratives”, an interactive session designed to help many of the self-proclaimed “numbers people” in the room to convey the message behind their data effectively. They learned to strategically break down valued points and thoughtfully analyze their audience in order to construct a compelling narrative, demonstrating the critical role of numbers and the experts who manage them.

 

Cultivating a Fascination for a Future in STEM: Encouraging Women & Diversity Program at AZ Science Center

 

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AIPI Director Morris participated in a community STEM event in June. This invite-only event hosted by Google Cloud sought to promote sharing, discussing, learning, and networking. Further, it was a call to action to increase interest, academic adherence, and ultimately career opportunity for Women and Diversity in the field of Science & Technology. The goal of the day was to come together as a group, and create an intention toward action to transform Science and Technology. 

Speakers came from K-12 Education, Science Center Leadership, local IT Leadership luminaries, and Technology standouts. The half-day also included  networking and ice-breaking activities as it was hosted in the Science Center's "Create Maker's Space." 

#YouCanSitWithUs is ahashtag used for diversity and inclusion.

CALENDAR

July

National UNITY Conference | Orlando, FL | July 4-8, 2018

NABI Basketball | Maricopa, AZ | July 8-14, 2017

Positive Youth Development in Indian Country Workshop | University of MN - Twin Cities | July 14, 2018

21st Annual Prescott Indian Art Market | Sharlot Hall Museum | Prescott, AZ | July 14 - 15, 2018

Positive Youth Development: The intersection Between Theory and Practice Workshop | University of MN - Twin Cities | July 15, 2018

Tribal Self-Governance Third Quarterly Meeting | Embassy Suites Washington, DC | July 17-19, 2018

Native American Journalists Association 2018 National Native Media Conference | Miami, FL | July 18-22, 2018

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics | Fairbanks, Alaska | July 18-22, 2018

Native POP: People of the Plains | Main Street Square Rapid City, South Dakota | July 21, 2018

Julyamsh Powwow | Coeuer D’Alene, ID | July 20-22, 2018

NIHB - 2018 American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference | Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC | Jul 25, 2018 - Jul 27, 2018

47th Annual Meeting & Health Conference Interweaving Strands of Our Past, Present & Future in Medicine | We Ko Pa Resort & Conference Center, Phoenix, AZ | July 26, 2018 - July 29, 2018

2018 National TERO Conference | Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Resort Cherokee, NC | July 29, 2018 - Aug 2, 2018

WEWIN 2018 National Conference | Potawatomi Hotel & Casino - Milwaukee, WI | July 29, 2018 - Aug 1, 2018

Women & Water Symposium | Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, Hayward, WI | July 29 - August 2, 2018

National Caucus of Native American Legislators Legislative Summit | Los Angeles, CA | July 30, 2018 - Aug 2, 2018

August

Rocky Boy’s 54th Annual Celebration | Chippewa Cree Tribe Rocky Boy, Montana | August 3-5, 2018

Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture | Flagstaff, AZ | August 4-5, 2018

10th Annual Colorado Springs Native American Intertribal Powwow | Norris-Penrose Event Center Colorado Springs, CO | August 11, 2018

Santa Fe Indian Market | Historic Downtown Plaza Santa Fe, NM | August 18-19, 2018

National Intertribal Tax Alliance 20th Anniversary | Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Airway Heights, WA | August 27-30, 2018

2018 Native American Languages Summit | Sheraton Midwest Hotel Oklahoma City, OK | August 28-29, 2018

September

Totah Festival Indian Market | Farmington, NM | September 1, 2018

Tribal Self-Governance Strategy Session | Mohegan Sun Resort Uncasville, CT | September 5-6, 2018

Circle of Art Indian Summer Festival | West Allis, WI | September 7-9, 2018

2018 National Tribal Preservation Conference | Suquamish, WA | September 10, 2018

NCAI Impact Days | Washington, DC | September 11-12, 2018

National Transportation in Indian Country Conference | Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN | September 17-20, 2018

20th Anniversary American Indian Tourism Conference | Isleta Resort Casino, Isleta, NM | September 17-20, 2018

NICWA Training Institute | Oklahoma City, OK | September 18-20, 2018

Northern Plains Indian Art Market | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | September 29-30, 2018