Director's Message

Hachinchokmata, 

Fall is a busy time on a university campus and it's no exception at Arizona State University.  The month of November is Native American Heritage Month and there are a plethora of activities happening on our five campuses.

As you may know, AIPI is a think-tank and policy research center. Although we are not a teaching unit, we are nationally known for our Tribal Financial Managers Certification (TFMC) training. I invite you to read more below and to register for the December cohort.

AIPI is also known for working nationally with organizations such as the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)--our partner in implementing the TFMC. We are also very involved with the National Congress of American Indians whose Annual Convention we attended last month. 

With the end of the year approaching, we are winding down our first full year of Inno-NATIONS activities. We've had tremendous support from our partners, the University, and the community. We were able to do a lot for our eight tribal entrepreneurs through our Kauffman Foundation funding and we invite you to read more about this.

Have you registered for the Tribal Financial Management Certificate? 

We our halfway to our limit don't miss your chance!

Register now to ensure your seat for the December 2017 Tribal Financial Management Certificate Training. This professional certificate training for tribal government financial management practitioners--a component of our Tribal Economic Leadership Program--provides an in-depth background in tribal government finance, Indian law, taxation, and economic development. It is the official training course for the new NAFOA publication, Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprisesa.k.a. “Orange Book”. Attendees can earn up to 20 CPE credits. Register now at www.regonline.com/AIPI_NAFOA_TFMC_FALL2017

AIPI at the National Congress of American Indians Annual Convention in Milwaukee, WI

AIPI Director Dr. Traci Morris, and Research & Policy Analyst Brian Howard, attended the 74th Annual Convention of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Milwaukee, WI, October 15th through 20th. Howard participated as a panelist on a breakout session on Tribal Homeland Security and Emergency Management discussing tribal public safety priorities for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as Chair of the FirstNet Tribal Working Group. Session topics included Department of Homeland Security updates and funding and technical assistance training available to tribes, planning for the upcoming FirstNet network deployment, and coordination efforts between tribes and organizations like the American Red Cross. Additionally, Howard addressed the NCAI General Assembly on Wednesday, October 18th to introduce FirstNet Chief Customer Officer, Richard Reed, and announce the adoption and release of the FirstNet Tribal Consultation Policy. Dr. Morris, and Mr. Howard also participated in meetings of NCAI’s Technology & Telecommunications Subcommittee and NCAI’s Technology Task Force.

Last week, AIPI Director and Inno-Nations founder, Dr. Traci Morris, reported on the success of the pilot cohort during the Kauffman Foundation Grantees Showcase at SkySong. Dr. Morris spoke to an audience of fellow grantees, stakeholders, and community members. The report further validated the uniqueness of the Inno-Nations model as an incubator for urban Native businesses and its value in creating a community for entrepreneurs who otherwise would not have the kind of support and connectedness that Inno-Nations provides.

As the Inno-Nations entrepreneurs gear up for the busy holiday season, we invite you to show your support by buying Native. Check out their websites below for specials, get to know their story, and be a part of building tribal economies.

Kristen Dorsey
Kristen Dorsey Designs

Kelsey Haake
Inuit Financial Services

Marian Declay 
Native Organization Entertainment

Delvan Polelonema
Naqwatsveni Skateboarding

Adrian Dotson
ETD Inc

Asia Soleil Yazzie
Lady Yazzie

Candice Mendez
Salt.V.Mo Consulting

Rykelle Kemp
Wooden Nickel Store