Tribal Leaders Unite in D.C. for Economic Prosperity

By Alex J.

Tunica-Biloxi Tribal leaders joined senior federal officials and private-sector partners in Washington, D.C., for a government-to-government roundtable hosted by the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP). The gathering focused on strengthening Tribal economic sovereignty, expanding access to capital, and advancing infrastructure investment across Indian Country.

The convening brought together representatives from Tribal Nations, federal agencies, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative strategies for growing Tribal economies and supporting development in Tribal communities.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Billy Kirkland, assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Additional remarks came from federal officials representing the:
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Department of Energy

...along with Tribal leaders and economic development experts.

The agenda also included presentations from private-sector partners and Tribal enterprises focused on housing development, infrastructure financing, and economic opportunities in Tribal communities.

NACEP is a national coalition dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth throughout Indian Country by aligning Tribal governments, federal partners, and private-sector stakeholders around investment-ready projects and policy solutions.

The coalition’s leadership includes Tribal leaders from across the country:
- Chairman Calvin Johnson of the Tonto Apache Tribe as vice president
- Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins of Big Sandy Rancheria as secretary
- President Anthony Reider of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe as treasurer
- Chairman John Lowery of the Lumbee Tribe as council member-at-large

During the opening remarks, NACEP President and Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Chairman Marshall Pierite said the coalition represents a growing movement focused on collaboration and long-term economic opportunity.

“Through NACEP, we are working to connect Tribal Nations with partners in industry, bring affordable capital to the table, and invest in infrastructure so Indian Country can lead in the next economic era,” Pierite said.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, which helped spearhead the formation of NACEP, has made economic development a central part of its strategy to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and opportunity for its citizens.

The Tribe’s initiatives include:
- Hospitality and gaming
- Federal contracting
- Infrastructure development
- Emerging investments in technology and energy

A key component of this strategy is TBI Federal, a Tribal enterprise that provides services to federal agencies and creates workforce opportunities for Tribal citizens.

Throughout the convening, Tribal leaders and federal officials emphasized the importance of moving from policy discussions to real-world projects that generate jobs, strengthen Tribal economies, and expand partnerships across Indian Country.

“When we leave Washington,” Pierite said, “let us leave with partnerships formed, projects started, and a renewed commitment to economic sovereignty.”

Pictured from left are: NACEP President and Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Chairman Marshall Pierite, Chairman Calvin Johnson of the Tonto Apache Tribe serving as vice president, Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins of Big Sandy Rancheria serving as secretary, and President Anthony Reider of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe serving as treasurer during the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity convening in Washington, D.C.