NACA 2021 Conference Digital Program

NACA 2021 Conference Digital Program

Federal Contracting Policy & Advocacy Virtual Conference NACA 2021

Presented by

February 17 – 18, 2021

Proudly Supports

C orn e rston e is on e o f th e n a tion's l ead in g , b ip a rtis a n c onsultin g f irms. We sp ec i a liz e in fede r a l a n d st a t e g ov e rnm e nt r e l a tions a n d lo bb yin g , pu b li c affa irs, str a t eg i c c ommuni ca tions a n d b usin e ss ad visory s e rvi ce s. We a r e prou d o f th e p a rtn e rships w e b uil d with our c li e nts, a n d o f our work in support o f NACA 's import a nt mission.

Annapolis, MD | Atlanta, GA | Augusta, ME

Austin & Houston, TX | Baton Rouge, LA | Chicago &

Springfield, IL | Denver, CO | Des Moines, IA | Dover, DE

Jackson, MS | Oklahoma City, OK | Washington, DC

www.cgagroup.com

@cgagroup

T 202.448.9500

NACA exists for Tribally owned businesses, NHOs and ANCs to collaboratively protect our contracting rights and access to business development through advocacy and education

February 2021 Members and Guests of NACA 2021!

I welcome you to the NACA Federal Contracting Policy and Advocacy Conference, Creating Opportunities. This year, NACA celebrates over eighteen years of advocacy work in DC on behalf of our Native communities. NACA began in 2003 with a small group of Native-owned entities as members. Today, we are a composite of Tribally-owned, NHOs and ANCs enterprises, representing hundreds of small Native-owned businesses. Our growth is a testament to our leading- and cutting-edge advocacy on behalf of our industry. Native Enterprises, whether Alaskan, Tribal, or Hawaiian, are united in the belief that federal contracting is an essential economic development tool. NACA is grateful for the opportunity to serve our Membership. Our Members have entrusted in us the very important responsibility to carry out the mission and lead advocacy on their behalf. We are committed to setting the highest standards and values. The impacts of the ongoing pandemic are dominating the way we all conduct our businesses. Congress is dealing with legislative priorities and the practical implications of COVID-19. The way we interact with each other has been and will continue to be dramatically different. This conference, being held virtually, is an example of the many ways we have all had to adapt to the current realities. NACA stands with our Members as they work to provide vital services to their communities in healthcare, elder care, scholarships, internships, jobs, and housing assistance, which have become more critical due to the pandemic. Our membership represents a unifying voice and an exceptional example of cooperation within Indian Country. NACA believes when we stand together, we are stronger and more successful. NACA 2021 will bring our Membership, small business advocates and nationally recognized experts together to discuss policy and will provide strategic clarities for future business planning. I extend a big thanks to the NACA Board of Directors for their vision and continuing support. I would also like to thank our conference sponsors, corporate sponsors, and partners for their collaboration. Finally, with your thoughts and considerations in mind, we hope you will share your feedback

through our attendee survey which will be sent to you via email. Thank you so much for being part of the NACA community.

Annette Hamilton NACA President

126 C Street, NW, 1 st Floor, Washington, DC 20001 | Phone: 202.758.2676 | www.nativecontractors.org

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Sponsors

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NACA Board

Annette Hamilton NACA President Vice President and COO Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Kimberly Teehee NACA Vice-President Vice President of Special Projects Cherokee Nation Businesses

Malia Villegas NACA Secretary Vice President of Corporate Affairs Afognak NativeCorporation

Sheri Buretta President & CEO Chugach Alaska Corporation

Cynthia Berns Old Harbor Native Corp.

Sean Harte Keshena Group, LLC

Lani Dawson-Arena Chief Advocate, Native Hawaiian Organizations Association .

Wizipan Little Elk Rosebud Economic Development Corporation

Gail Schubert President & CEO Bering Straits Native Corporation

Charles Totemoff President & CEO, Chenega Corporation .

Westly Woodruff President & CEO Muskogee Technology

John Lincoln NANA Corporation

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2021 NACA MEMBERS AFOGNAK NATIVE CORPORATION AHTNA REGIONAL CORPORATION BERING STRAITS NATIVE CORPORATION BROADLEAF, INC.

CAYUSE TECHNOLOGIES CHENEGA CORPORATION

CHEROKEE NATION BUSINESSES, LLC CHUGACH ALASKA CORPORATION DAWSON CORPORATION FAR WEST VENTURES, INC. GANA-A'YOO, LIMITED GSI AMERICAS, INC. HO-CHUNK, INC. HUI HULIAU, INC. KAUFFMAN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. KIJIK AVIATION SERVICES, LLC

KINA'OLE FOUNDATION LITTLE RIVER HOLDINGS

MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

MIAMI NATION ENTERPRISES FEDERAL CONTRACTING GROUP MUSKOGEE TECHNOLOGY NAKUPUNA FOUNDATION NANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NIMA CORPORATION OLD HARBOR NATIVE CORPORATION OSAGE, LLC OSNI PONCA, LLC PRAIRIE BAND, LLC PUEO BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC ROSEBUD ELECTRONICS INTEGRATION CORPORATION (REDCO) ST. MARY'S NATIVE CORPORATION THE TATITLEK CORPORATION TIGUA, INC. TRIBAL ONE BROADBAND TECHNOLOGIES

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are valued supporters of the association, receiving immediate tangible benefits of access, exposure, information, and discounts. Frequently asked questions ... Q. What do NACA Associates and NACA Members have in common? a. Member and Associate values i.e. protecting the livelihood of Na­ tive-owned business, and priorities i.e. developing Native-owned business economy, are the same. R. Why would Associates and Members work together with NACA? a. Unity is strength! Larger volumes of stakeholders joined collectively improves NACA's value proposition and the ability to speak with a bigger voice on the Hill. S. Why join NACA over other organizations? a. NACA is the ONLY organization dedicated to this work. NACA represents the spectrum. T. What opportunities for networking does NACA have? a. NACA offers a variety of networking opportunities for Members and Associates, including the NACA Outreach Summit, R egional Outreach Events, Emerging Native Leaders Summit, and the Annual Business-to-Business Conference & Expo.

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Conference Agenda

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 (all times are ET) 3:00 pm

Opening Prayer – Wizipan Little Elk, Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Call to Order Introduction of Board of Directors Welcome Remarks Annette Hamilton, President, NACA

3:05 pm

Welcome Remarks and Membership Update (including EIS update & Review of election process & Bylaws) Joe Valandra, Executive Director, NACA

3:15 pm

NACA History

3:30 pm

Sheri Buretta, NACA Board Member Chris McNeil, Native Strategy Group (former CEO Sealaska) Lance Morgan, CEO, Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Cotia Haia, Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), member of Senate Armed Services and Small Business Committees Eric Bryant, Chief of Staff to Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), member of House Small Business Committee

4:00 pm

4:15 pm

Legislative Update – 8(a) & Native Small Business Allison Binney – Akin Gump

4:25 pm

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) – Chairman, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

4:45 pm 5:00 pm 5:15 pm 5:45 pm

Congressman Don Young (R-AK)

Congressmember Videos – Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) Native Organization Panel- Working Together to Strengthen Native Economies – 117 th Congress & Biden Administration Moderator: Joe Valandra, Executive Director, NACA Panelist: Derrick Watchman, Chairman of the NCAIED Board Dante Desiderio, Executive Director, NAFOA Amber Schulz-Oliver, Executive Director, ATNIEDC Hallie Bissett, Executive Director, ANVCA Philip Kahue, Vice President, NHOA

Announcements – Adjourn for the Day

6:30pm

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Conference Agenda

Thursday, February 18, 2021 (all times are ET) 3:00 pm

Welcome Back – Announcement of Board Election Results Annette Hamilton, President, NACA

Video - Senator Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV) , member Senate Small Business Committee Dylan Laslovich, Chief of Staff Senator John Tester (D-MT) ,Chair of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

3:10 pm

3:15 pm

Communicating with the 117 th Congress – NACA Priorities- Cornerstone Government Affairs Federal Contracting: Policy Issues for FY 2021 Moderator: Joe Valandra, Executive Director, NACA Panelist: Tim “Hoops” Hopper, President , Chugach Government Services

3:25 pm

3:45 pm

Anthony Lazarski, Cornerstone Government Affairs CJ Zane, BlankRome Government Relations, LLC

Speaker – Congressman Jared Golden , Member House Armed Serices and Small Business Committees (invited)

4:30 pm

Speaker – SBA – John Klein & Mark Hagedorn

4:45 pm

Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL) , member House Natural Resources Committee Heather Dawn Thompson, Director, Tribal Relations USDA – Contracting Opportunities Santiago Almaraz, Acting Director Office of Management Services IHS Indian Health Service - Buy Indian Update and Status

5:00 pm

5:15 pm

5:35 pm

Closing Remarks and Announcements - Adjourn

6:30 pm

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Become a NACA Member Members are the heart and pulse of the Native American Contractors Association (NACA).As a NACA member, you join a strong network of Native community- owned businesses unified as a collective voice for advocacy and mutual support.

Members Are Native American community-owned businesses:

Alaska Native Corporations

Native Hawaiian Organizations

Tribal Enterprises

Membership Benefits

Training & Support Services

Communication & Updates

Advocacy

˜ In-house federal contracting experts ˜ Onsite trainings and seminars ˜ Webinars tailored to Native business interests ˜ Access to NACA’s meeting facilities located near Capitol Hill ˜ Business referral system (coming soon)

˜ Lobbying by top-notch policy advocates and advisors ˜ One-on-one meetings with Congressional staff and federal agencies ˜ Judicial advocacy ˜ Promoting 8(a) program for Native contractors to federal agencies ˜ Monthly DC Representative conference call ˜ Advocacy on NACA’s annually established policy priorities

˜ Up-to-the-minute legislation updates ˜ Monthly newsletter and blog ˜ Promoting NACA members

Events

NACA Outreach Summit: A free, annual, 2-day event—exclusively for NACA members—filled with face-to-face meetings with legislators and

agency administrators

Regional Outreach Events: We travel to different member regions each year to visit member corporations and provide seminars and trainings

Emerging Native Leaders Summit: Indian Country’s rising stars receive hands on training on business, technology, policies, and regulations; (NACA members discount, scholarships available) Annual Federal Contracting Policy & Advocacy Conference: Share successes and learn about new rules and regulations, emerging technology, and market trends; (NACA member discount) Membership Dues Annual membership dues are based on the previous year’s federal contracting revenue.

Become a NACA member today!

Email us at [email protected] or call 202-758-2676

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Speaker Biographies

Santiago Almaraz Almaraz is an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, is the acting director for the Office of Management Services for the Indian Health Service. The IHS, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is the principal federal health care advocate and provider

Hallie Bissett Hallie Bissett has been the ANVCA Executive Director for 4 years. She brings over 20 years of business experience to ANVCA. Bissett holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Logistics Management and an MBA from the University of Alaska. She has held many executive roles throughout her

for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As acting director of OMS, Almaraz provides senior leadership and advisory services to the IHS principal deputy director and senior management staff in the areas of grants, acquisitions, management policy, and regulatory affairs. He ensures that Agency policies for OMS functions are consistent with applicable regulations, directives, and guidance from HHS and other federal oversight agencies. He provides leadership for continuous improvement of management accountability and administrative systems for effective and efficient program support services IHS-wide. Allison Binney

career, including: Vice President of Business Development and Old Harbor Native Corporation, Team Leader of Procurement and Supply Chain Management and Supplier Diversity at BP Exploration, and Logistics and International Trade Director at the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Bissett was the youngest person yet to be elected to the Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI) one of Alaska’s 12 Regional Corporations created under ANCSA, a position she has held for over 10 years. Bissett has been honored as one of Alaska’s Top 40 Under Forty, University of Alaska College of Business Alumni of the Year, and NCAIED National Top forty under 40.

Sheri Buretta Sheri was born in Anchorage, Alaska, her family is from the village of Tatitlek, Alaska located in Prince William Sound. Sheri graduated from the University of Alaska with an Accounting degree and Gulf Coast Community College in Floridawith a Business degree. Sheri and her husband Gary have two beautiful children, Anastasia, and Bo. Sharice Davids Davids is a Representative from Kansas; born in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 22, 1980; an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation; graduated from Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth, Kans., 1998; attended Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kans.; attended University of Kansas, Lawrence,

Allison Binney is a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, where she advises clients regarding American Indian law and policy. She returned to Akin Gump in 2011 after serving as staff director and chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee

on Indian Affairs from late 2007 to early 2011. She served as general counsel to the committee from 2005 to late 2007. Before originally joining Akin Gump, Ms. Binney served as an associate at a boutique law firm specializing in American Indian law, as the program coordinator for the Indian Legal Program at Arizona State University College of Law and as a law clerk for the Native American Rights Fund in Washington, DC, where she assisted with trial 1.0 in the Cobell class-action lawsuit. Ms. Binney is a member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians in California. She received her J.D. and Indian Law certificate in 2000 from the Arizona State University College of Law and her B.A. in political science with a minor in Native American studies from the California State University, Chico. She is a past president of the Native American Bar Association of Washington, DC.

Kans.; A.A., Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kans., 2003; B.A., University of Missouri, Kansas City, Mo., 2007; J.D., Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., 2010; lawyer; business owner; non-profit executive; professional athlete; White House Fellow, 2016-2017; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth and to the succeeding Congress (January 3, 2019-present).

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Dante Desiderio Dante Desiderio, is the executive director of NAFOA. Under his leadership, the organization has increased its focus on growing tribal economies by developing a robust advocacy presence in Washington, DC, advancing successful education programs, and building partnerships to support sustained growth. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia Garcia is a Representative from Illinois; born in Durango, Mexico, April 12, 1956; graduated from St. Rita High School, Chicago, Ill., 1974; B.A., University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill., 1999; M.A., University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill., 2002; member of the Cook County, Ill., Democratic party, 1984-2000;

Annette Hamilton Annette Hamilton is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ho-Chunk, Inc. Ms. Hamilton joined Ho-Chunk, Inc. in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Operations Officer in 2004. She oversees the daily operations of more

than 30 Ho-Chunk, Inc. subsidiary companies and is involved in all facets of their management. She is responsible for operations and marketing, strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and corporate business plans. She also appraises and makes decisions on prospective corporate acquisitions and expansion. She advocates and makes numerous political contacts regionally and nationally on behalf of corporate and subsidiary interests. Her previous experience includes a position as Manager of Financial Reporting for Gateway, Inc., an international computer manufacturer and finance positions in both private industry and certified public accounting. Ms. Hamilton serves on the Board of Directors for the following: Chairperson of the Native American Contractors Association (NACA); Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City; Mercy Medical Center Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Sioux City Downtown Partners Association; and Treasurer of

member of the Chicago, Ill., city council, 1986-1993; member of the Illinois state senate, 1993-1998; member of the Cook County, Ill., board of commissioners, 2011-2019; unsuccessful candidate for election as Chicago, Ill., Mayor in 2015; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth and to the succeeding Congress (January 3, 2019-present). Debra Haaland

ONSI Ponca Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Hamilton holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business

Administration from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. She is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas. Tim “Hoops” Hopper Hoops has more than 40 years’ experience

Debra Haaland is a Representative from New Mexico; born in Winslow, Navajo County, Ariz., December 2, 1960; a registered member of the Laguna Pueblo; graduated from Highland High School, Albuquerque, N. Mex., 1978; B.A., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.Mex., 1994; attended University of

working for the government as an Air Force Officer and as a government services contractor. He has extensive experience in aviation, facility maintenance and management, technical services, construction, and education and training. He

California, Los Angeles, Calif., 2000; J.D., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N. Mex., 2006; business executive; Delegate, Democratic National Convention, 2008; tribal administrator, San Felipe Pueblo, 2013-2015; chair, New Mexico Democratic Party, 2015-2017; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress (January 3, 2019-present).

began his Chugach career as President of Chugach Industries, Inc., which he grew from its infancy as an 8(a) company, to a large business entity. He advanced to Senior Vice President of Business Development in 2009, a role in which he was responsible for all aspects of government relations, strategy development, marketing, bid and proposal compliance, as well as contract startups and transitions.Hoops’ holds a bachelor’s

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degree from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. Philip Kahue

training legislative issues. His honors include the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious services as a senior leader, Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for distinguished service as a national security leader, the Wright Brothers Officership Award for top professional in leadership, officership and educational achievement, the 12th Air Force Flight Commander of the Year award, and more. (P) Anthony is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and has earned Master’s degrees from both the Naval War College and the Air War College. Anthony resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Stephanie, son, Andrew, and their Golden Retriever, Norman. Wizipan Little Elk

Phillip currently serves as Executive Director of the Alaka`ina Foundation. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawai`i, it is a non-profit Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) chartered to develop and support leadership and educational programs for the children of Hawai`i. John Klein John Klein, Acting Associate Administrator for Business Development, Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law, SBA. ... He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1980, and With Distinction from Hofstra University School of Law in 1983. Anthony Lazarski Anthony joined Cornerstone in the firm’s D.C. office after a distinguished career on both Capitol Hill and with the United States Air Force. Most recently, Anthony served as the senior advisor to Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) on national security, international affairs, intelligence, and

Wizipan has over a decade of business, nonprofit, economic development, policy, and political experience. Working in the private and federal and tribal government sectors, Wizipan’s accomplishments include generating over $30 million of business revenue, over $5 millions in grant

revenues, and managing several billion dollars in federal funding. Throughout the career, Wizipan has held numerous executive leadership positions, is a nationally recognized economic development and Native education expert. Chris McNeil

McNeil (Tlingit, Haida, Nisga’a) is the owner of Native Strategy Group, which provides advisory services to Native organizations. He served at Sealaska Corporation in varying capacities from 1978 through 2014, including executive vice president, general counsel, thirteen years as president and

veterans’ affairs matters, as well as all Department of Defense authorizations and appropriations. Prior to taking this position, Anthony was a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. In this role, he oversaw defense issues, including Air Force readiness, development and procurement programs; Air Force and Navy tactical air programs; maintenance depots; military construction, infrastructure and land transfers; U.S. Transportation Command program; U.S. Africa Command programs; Science and Technology programs; Defense Working Capital Fund; and Unmanned Aircraft Systems policies and programs. Anthony is a retired Air Force Colonel. He was a command pilot with more than 2,300 flying hours primarily in the F-111, F-117 and F-15E aircraft. His last Air Force duty assignment was Chief of the Air Force Senate Liaison Office where he advised the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, as well as senior Air Force civilian and military officials, on Air Force budget, personnel, procurement, readiness and

CEO, and two years as a member board of directors. McNeil has also served as special counsel to the Alaska Federation of Natives chairman of the Native American Rights Fund, the first director of American Indian Program at Stanford University, second vice president of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, director of Goldbelt, Incorporated, director of the American Indian National Bank, president of the Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council, chairman of Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority, Washington representative and counsel to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, and chairman of the Native American Contractors Association.McNeil is a past Alaska Federation of Natives Citizen of the Year, an inductee into the Stanford University Multicultural Alumni Hall of Fame and a

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Brian Schatz Schatz is a Senator from Hawaii; born in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Mich., October 20, 1972; attended Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii; B.A. Pomona College 1994; teacher; member of the Hawaii state house of representatives, 1998-2006; CEO, Helping Hands Hawaii, 2002-2010; chairman,

recipient of the Yale University Native American Program’s Henry Roe Cloud medal. In addition to his Stanford degrees, McNeil holds a master’s in political science from Yale University. Lance Morgan Lance Morgan is President and Chief

Executive Officer of Ho-Chunk, Inc. Morgan launched Ho-Chunk, Inc. in 1994 as the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Under Morgan’s leadership, Ho-Chunk, Inc. has been recognized by a variety of national organizations including: Innovations in

Democratic Party of Hawaii, 2008-2011; Hawaii lieutenant governor, 2010-2012; appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate on December 26, 2012, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Daniel Inouye, and took the oath of office on December 27, 2012; subsequently elected in 2014 in a special election; reelected in 2016 for the term ending January 3, 2023; chair, Committee on Indian Affairs (One Hundred Seventeenth Congress). Amber Schultz-Oliver

Government Award, sponsored by Harvard University and the Ford Foundation; Honoring Nations Award, also sponsored by Harvard; Minority Business Magazine, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; Distinguished Alumni Speaker, Harvard Law School; Small Business Administration; U.S. Department of State; U.S. Department of Commerce; and the White House. Morgan was selected as a “Champion of Change” by the White House in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded the Nebraska Builder Award by the University of Nebraska and the keynote speaker for commencement ceremonies. Morgan was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian in 2013/2014, he was honored with the Advocate of the Year Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. Morgan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska (B. S. 1990) and graduated from Harvard Law School (J.D. 1993). He is a member of the Minnesota Bar Association. Morgan is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Jacklyn Rosen Rosen is a Senator and a Representative from Nevada; born in Chicago, Cook

Schulz-Oliver is a Native Oregonian with firm roots established in Portland. She graduated from Oberlin College and afterwards joined the Peace Corps. Upon returning, she became an intern with a Native American owned engineering firm, Cooper Zietz Engineers (now Akana), and worked in various capacities,

including as a project manager, for nine years. While at Akana, she managed projects in and for the benefit of Indian Country. In September 2013, she earned an MBA from Willamette University, and graduated with honors. In 2015, she transitioned to Ecotrust where she coordinated a project to develop a fellowship model to meet the economic development needs, goals, and priorities of ATNI member tribes.As the Executive Director of Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation, she is dedicated to assisting ATNI Member tribes and tribal members reach their economic development goals and priorities. Heather Dawn Thompson

County, Ill., August 2, 1957; B.A., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn., 1979; computer software developer; business owner; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress (January 3,

Thompson serves as the Director of the Office of Tribal Relations for the United States Department of Agriculture in the Joe Biden administration.

2017-January 3, 2019); was not a candidate for reelection to the House of Representatives but was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 2018 for the term ending January 3, 2025..

She focuses her practice on American Indian law, federal Indian policy and advocacy, tribal sovereignty, and tribal economic development including e-commerce, international trade, energy, finance, and

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Don Young Young is a Representative from Alaska; born in Meridian, Sutter County, Calif., June 9, 1933; A.A., Yuba Junior College, Marysville, Calif., 1952; B.A., California State University, Chico, Calif., 1958; United States Army, 1955-1957; teacher; Mayor of Fort Yukon, Alaska, 1960-1968; riverboat captain, 1968- 1972; member of the Fort Yukon, Alaska,

telecom. In addition, she concentrates on local tribal community economic development, tribal nation building (including constitutions, codes, and courts), criminal law, and homeland security. She works with corporations doing business in Indian Country, individual tribes, tribal and Indian-owned businesses, and intertribal associations. Prior to joining the firm, Thompson was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota’s Indian Country Section. There, she was an Indian Country Federal Prosecutor that covered violent sex crimes and violence against women. Heather is widely recognized for her work while serving as the Director of Government Affairs for the National Congress of American Indians(NCAI), the nation’s oldest and largest intertribal organization. Heather also served as a Policy Advisor for Judiciary and Indian Affairs to Senators. Heather also had extensive international experience, having lived on four different continents and traveled and worked in over 40 countries. Heather is frequently sought internationally to speak on indigenous law and issues. Heather is the former president of the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) and the DC Native American Bar Association (NABA-DC), and is the current president the South Dakota Indian Country Bar Association (SDICBA). Thompson lives in the Black Hills in South Dakota and in Washington, D.C. She is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, speaks Spanish and Lakota. Derrick Watchman

city council, 1960-1968; member of the Alaska state house of representatives, 1966-1970; member of the Alaska state senate, 1970-1973; delegate, Alaska state Republican conventions, 1964, 1966, 1968, and 1972; elected as a Republican to the Ninety-third Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Nick Begich, and reelected to the twenty-four succeeding Congresses (March 6, 1973-present); chair, Committee on Resources (One Hundred Fourth through One Hundred Sixth Congresses); chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (One Hundred Seventh through One Hundred Ninth Congresses). CJ Zane

C.J. Zane is a lobbyist and political consultant providing strategic analysis, planning, and execution of coordinated lobbying and public affairs strategies. During the last 25 years, C.J. has been a congressional staff member, campaign manager for several successful congressional races, campaign consultant for successful U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, and lobbyist in Juneau,

Watchman is President and owner of Sagebrush Hill Group LLC, a gaming, banking, finance, economic development advisory and development company. Derrick is a member of the Navajo Nation and was raised on the Navajo reservation. He is the former Chief Executive Officer for the Navajo

AK, and Washington, D.C. C.J.’s areas of focus include appropriations and authorizations, policy legislation in Congress, and executive branch policies and regulations pertaining to Native American issues, natural resources, fisheries, and environment, transportation (i.e. rail, air, highway, maritime – Coast Guard), defense, energy, municipal and local government issues and tourism During his eight years as Chief of Staff to Representative Don Young (R-AK), C.J. directed the planning and implementation of Mr. Young’s legislative agenda. C.J. worked closely with key committees and subcommittees, including Ways and Means, Appropriations, Agriculture, Armed Services, and Rules, as well as Transportation and Infrastructure. His responsibilities in the House led him to forge strong contacts in the Senate and executive branch as well.C.J. is well known to the community of organizations interested in the development of responsible natural resource and public land policies. He helped craft a number of working coalitions to help these organizations effectively advance their interests in Washington, D.C., and the Pacific Northwest region. He successfully represented several private and public sector organizations in the most recently enacted national highway legislation, MAP-21. He has also helped achieve important success for Native American businesses in the areas of federal contracting, lands, and tax policy. ;

Nation Gaming Enterprise and also served as their Chief Financial Officer. Previously, he was Vice President in JP Morgan Chase Bank’s Native American Banking Group, where he provided tribal financial and banking services. He is formerly the Chief of Staff for the Navajo Nation and also served as Director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. Mr. Watchman holds a MBA from the University of California and a Bachelors degree from the University of Arizona.

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