ASU prepares to host newly elected tribal leaders


The Arizona State University Office of Public Affairs is preparing to host elected tribal leaders in a two-day orientation program to discuss the wide-ranging roles and responsibilities that come with governing a tribal government in the current times and circumstances.

This year’s American Indian Newly Elected Officials Orientation Program is entitled, “Stewards in Leadership: Timeless Traditions in a Digital World.” It will be held on April 15-16, at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.

“The ASU program was created to fully explore the broad range of responsibilities and duties that are placed on our elected leaders,” says Jacob Moore, ASU Office of Public Affairs tribal relations coordinator. “Over the past five years, many of today’s most influential tribal leaders in Arizona have participated in the AINEO program.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Cristina Danforth, who is currently the Chair of the Native American Bancorporation and serves on the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Tourism.  She is the Tribal Treasurer for the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin. Danforth will discuss what economic sustainability means for Indian Country. 

The forum provides experience-based lessons designed for all elected and appointed tribal leaders and key tribal government staff and is open to tribal leadership from throughout the country.  The American Indian Newly Elected Officials (AINEO) was established in 2005.

The AINEO program was developed by Ivan Makil, former President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who recognized the need for a program tailored specifically to the unique leadership challenges of tribal governments.

The AINEO program brings together outstanding respected leaders who share their experience, stories and wisdom with new generations of leaders. Participants will discuss strategies that can enrich their own lives and the lives of their people and communities. The program includes sessions on the history of federal Indian policy, ethics, intergovernmental relations, legislation, and economic stability in challenging times.

Registration information for this year’s program can be found at www.asu.edu/aineo.

Contact:
Jacob Moore, aineo@asu.edu
ASU Office of Public Affairs
(480) 965-5373