Last week, the White House released the President’s proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2023 to start October 1st. The budget outlines a number of the President’s priorities for the coming years and how the White House hopes federal spending is eventually appropriated.

The Budget requests $4.5 billion for DOI tribal programs, more than $1 billion above the 2021 enacted level. These investments would support public safety and justice, social services, climate resilience, and educational needs to uphold Federal trust responsibilities and promote equity for historically underserved communities.

This includes a $156 million increase to support reconstruction work at seven Bureau of Indian Education schools. This funding complements Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments to address climate resilience needs in tribal communities. The Budget proposes to reclassify Contract Support Costs and Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 Section 105(l) leases as mandatory spending, providing certainty in meeting these ongoing needs through dedicated funding sources.

The Budget further proposes to provide mandatory funding to the Bureau of Reclamation for the operation and maintenance of previously enacted Indian Water Rights Settlements, and the Administration is interested in working with Congress on an approach to provide a mandatory funding source for future settlements. The Budget also complements Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments to address climate resilience needs in tribal communities with $673 million in tribal climate funding at DOI.

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Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how tribes can position themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their communities and future generations.

Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs — How Can We Help?
Wed, Apr 13, 2022 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

The Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (Office of Indian Energy) is growing and evolving. This webinar will introduce (or reintroduce) the Office and its leadership and share information on offerings, opportunities, and resources available through the Office, including a demonstration of the wealth of informational resources on their website.

Register to Join

The MIT Solve community is looking for eight technology-based solutions that help Native communities in the US thrive. To that end, Solve seeks solutions that:

• Drive positive outcomes for Native learners of any or all ages while supporting culturally grounded educational opportunities on and/or off reservations.
• Promote holistic and culturally informed mental or physical health programming for Native youth, elders, or families, including but not limited to, foster youth, veterans, and families with members who are disabled.
• Strengthen sustainable energy sovereignty and support climate resilience initiatives by and for Indigenous peoples.
• Support the creation, growth, and success of Native-owned businesses and promote workforce programs in tribal communities.

The program provides selected Fellows $10,000 in funding, a 9 month program of tailored support, and an opportunity join a community of Indigenous innovators creating bright futures for Native peoples across the US. Applicants are also eligible to share in over $1.3 Million in prize funding.

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Since June 2020, with grant support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc. (ONAC) has been offering three types of free financial coaching to tribal citizens across the United States: 1) credit counseling, 2) homebuyer education, and 3) financial management (i.e. budgeting). Confidential sessions are offered one-on-one, by teleconference (Zoom) or phone call, with a certified credit counselor, homebuyer education provider, and financial educator,

Felecia Freeman (Citizen Potawatomi). Typically, these sessions will last for an hour and are scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Thus far, ONAC has offered this free financial coaching to those participating in ONAC’s other programming. Now, ONAC is offering these financial coaching services to a wider group of tribal constituents.

If you are a tribal citizen interested in free financial coaching, you are welcome to complete the registration form.

Once the form has been submitted to ONAC, our financial coach will work with you to schedule a remote session by phone or teleconference. This confidential financial coaching is available to any American Indian or Alaska Native in the United States, regardless of where you reside.

For any questions about these financial coaching services, contact Christy Finsel, ONAC Executive Director, at (405) 720-0770 or cfinsel@oknativeassets.org.

Register for Free Financial Coaching

Assist the Finance Director in administering the organization’s accounting functions. These functions include; review of practices and procedures, approval of accounting transactions, assistance in the preparation and evaluation of budgets and other financial statements. Perform analysis and reconciliation to assure compliance with GAAP, maintain various schedules including fixed assets, depreciation. Assist Finance Director with communication to Directors/Staff regarding financial information.

Learn More and Apply at nafoa.org/jobs