2025 Symposium
Shaping Tomorrow: Unified Vision, Strategic Action
Enhancing Economic Collaboration Between Alaska Tribes and Village Corporations
THE EVENT
With a reduction in future resource revenue expected, and uncertainty in Tribal program funding and grant availability, it is essential for Alaska Tribes and village corporations to develop strategic partnerships that ensure long-term sustainability.
Join us for this informative three day event in Anchorage, Alaska.
EXPERT INSIGHTS
Our 2025 symposium will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Join Indigenous leaders and subject matter experts as they share updates and insights on critical issues impacting rural Alaska communities, Tribes, and Village Corporations.
Attendees will also gain valuable perspectives on best practices and successful collaborative efforts between Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and Tribes, showcasing innovative approaches to addressing challenges and driving progress in rural Alaska.
A PLATFORM FOR COLLABORATION AND GROWTH
The 2025 symposium offers a dynamic platform for participants to network, share knowledge, and explore the latest trends in governance, Alaska resources, funding opportunities, operations, partnerships, business development, and administration.
This event is designed to foster connections and empower attendees with practical tools and insights to support the growth and success of rural Alaska communities, Tribes, and Village Corporations.
A T A A
SPEAKERS
Our 2025 symposium will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Join Indigenous leaders and subject matter experts as they share updates and insights on critical issues impacting rural Alaska communities, Tribes, and Village Corporations.
Attendees will also gain valuable perspectives on best practices and successful collaborative efforts between Alaska Native Corporations and Tribes, showcasing innovative approaches to addressing challenges and driving progress in rural Alaska.
We're in the process of expanding our roster of speakers for the Symposium. Keep an eye out for updates!
The 2024 and 2025 events are the result of a collaborative effort between the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association (ATAA) and the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association (ANVCA). These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to uniting Tribes and Alaska Native Village Corporations, recognizing that both serve the same People and achieve greater success by working together.
Our Symposium is designed to bring together individuals and organizations that celebrate the beauty, resources, challenges, and opportunities of Rural Alaska.
Through effective collaboration, we aim to strengthen Tribes, Alaska Native Village Corporations, and the communities they support—fostering resilience, unity, and vibrant futures for Rural Alaska and its People.
AGENDA
Our combined conference will include morning presentations and panels for both Village Corporations and Tribes with breakout sessions specific to both organizations. We're updating and adding regularly as we confirm presentations and panelists. Agenda subject to change.
MORNING PRESENTATIONS AND PANELS:
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Senator Lisa Murkowski
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CODEL Chiefs of Staff: The New Administration
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State of Alaska Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom
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SBA 8(a) Program and Updates: Erica C. Rivera, Deputy Director, Alaska District Office; Apollo Fuhriman, Regional Administrator, Pacific NW Regional Office (video)
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Erec Isaacson, President - ConocoPhillips Alaska
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Frank Richards, President - Alaska Gasline Dev. Corp.
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Jason Brune, Chair | Deven Mitchell, CEO - Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.
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Tribal Administrator of the Year
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Ben Mallott, Alaska Federation of Natives
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Sedaadze’ Renee Linton, Policy Center Director, First Alaskans Institute
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The Constitutional Basis for ANC and Tribal Participation in Government Contracting
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Status and Future of the SBA 8(a) Program & Gov’t Contracting: Insights from ANVCA, NACA, ANCSA Regional Association and Schwabe Law
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EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon - Invited
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Tribal Justice and Reaffirmation of Tribal Authority in VAWA ’22
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Tribal Broadband Panel
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The Future of Revenue Sharing: 7(j), 7(i), with Insights from NANA, TKC, Calista, Donlin Gold, & BBNC
TRIBAL BREAK OUT SESSIONS
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Empowering Tribal Administrators and Staff: HR Strategies for Recruitment, Support, and Retention
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Fostering Commitment: Strengthening Council Engagement, Communication & Fiduciary Knowledge
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AI in Rural Alaska: Opportunities and Challenges in Emerging Technology - Carlos Machuca, AKSBDC
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Building Strong Financial Partnerships: Banking, Funding, and Credit for Tribes - FNBA
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Preparing for Audits and Reporting: Best Practices for Tribes and Updates from the New Administration - Sonosky, Chambers, et al
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Double Session: QuickBooks for Alaska Tribes: Know the Basics and Q&A
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State of AK Ballot Measure 1: Min. Wage/Sick Leave - State of Alaska Wage and Hour, Schwabe
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Program Updates and Q&A from BIA, EPA and the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities
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Tribal Accounting: Fund vs. Non-Profit & Safeguarding Assets from Misuse and Conflicts of Interest
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Tribal Data: IT Best Practices for Email, Access, and Cybersecurity
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Tribal Administrator Sabbatical Support - Rasmuson Foundation
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Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska Business Enterprise Stories of Success
VILLAGE CORPORATION BREAK OUT SESSIONS:
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Descendant Enrollment - Gana-A'Yoo; Schwabe
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Partnering for Broadband Equity in Rural Alaska - GCI, Bethel Native Corporatiom
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ANCSA Contaminated Lands Working Group - ANVCA, EPA, DEC, ANTHC
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Best Practice to Unlock Brownfields, Environmental & Climate Justice Success
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Insurance and Employee Benefits & Capital Optimization Resources for ANCs - AMI and APCM
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Total Rewards: "Unplugged" Wired for Today's Workforce - Alera Group
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From Emerging to Established: Turning Setbacks into Success - Our Corporation Journey - St. Mary's Native Corporation, Leisnoi, Inc.
Live Performance by
ATAA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
Notice is provided for the annual ATAA Business Meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown. The purpose of the meeting will be to transact any and all business of ATAA, including, but not limited to the election of the Board of Directors. Additional information available by contacting hello@aktaa.org.
ANVCA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
Notice is provided for the annual ANVCA Business Meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown. The purpose of the meeting will be to transact any and all business of ANCSA, including, but not limited to the election of the Board of Directors. Additional information on Board terms and eligibility available on the ANVCA Website.
Vendor Application
A T A A
Sold Out
OUR SPEAKERS
Our speakers bring deep knowledge, lived experience, and forward-thinking ideas to the conversation. From rural leaders and business innovators to policy experts and advocates, each speaker helps shape the path forward. Their voices reflect the heart of Alaska—resilient, collaborative, and committed to building a stronger tomorrow.
ANCSA Lands Coordinator EPA
External Affairs Associate Manager Donlin Gold
Senior Program Manager ANTHC
Chief of Staff Senator Lisa Murkowski
Exec. HR Services Partner Alera Group
VP | Treasury Management Mgr. FNBA
Chair Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
Chief of Staff Senator Dan Sullivan
CEO and General Counsel Ounalashka Corporation
Sr. Director of Business Affairs ACS
Executive Director Native American Contractors Association
Co-Owner | Laboratory Director Alaska Water Laboratories
Managing Director and Practice Leader BDO
Chief Operating Officer Alaska Native Justice Center
Chief Operating Officer Alaska Native Chapter
Lieutenant Governor State of Alaska
Chief Administrative Officer Tyonek Native Corporation
Principal Sorensen & Edwards, P.S.
Investigator 3 Wage and Hour Division State of Alaska
General Counsel Calista Corporation
Founder and CEO OptimERA xG
Director of the Alaska Operations Office EPA
Revitalization Practice Leader Montrose Environmental Services, Inc,
Account Executive IMA
Program Director Contaminated Lands ANTHC
Associate Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
Chief Executive Officer The Kuskokwim Corporation
Executive Director Association of Alaska Housing Authorities
Chief Financial Officer JW Industries Group
Chief of Staff Representative Nick Begich
Sr. Business Enterprise Director CCTHITA
President ConocoPhillips
Founder/Chair | ATAA CEO | JW Industries Group
BIA Alaska Regional Director
Policy Center Director First Alaskans Institute
Director, Alaska Office of Broadband State of Alaka
VP | Lending Unit Team Leader FNBA
Account Executive IMA
AI Resource Program Director AK Small Business Dev. Center
President Alaska Federation of Natives
Biodiversity & Nature Restoration CTEH
Partner Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
Tribal Affairs Director Kawerak, inc.
Chair ANVCA | CEO St. George Tanaq
Executive Director ANVCA
Vice President of Natural Resources NANA
Chief Executive Officer Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
Of Counsel Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
United States Senator Alaska Delegation
Senior Vice-President FNBA
Chief Investment Officer Alaska Permanent Capital Management
Senior Director Rural Affairs GCI
Senior Manager BDO
Executive Director Alaska Telecom Association
ANCSA Program Lead DEC
EPA Region 10 Administrator
VP of Government Affairs ANCSA Regional Association
President Alaska Pipeline Development Corp.
Deputy District Director SBA Alaska District
OUR SPONSORS
This symposium would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to empowering rural Alaska and fostering strong partnerships makes gatherings like this a reality. Each logo below represents a vital part of our shared vision: shaping tomorrow through unified vision and strategic action.
We are proud to welcome this year’s exhibitors who bring valuable resources, services, and opportunities directly to our communities. Their presence helps foster economic growth, innovation, and critical connections across rural Alaska. Please take time to visit each booth and learn how their work supports Tribes and village corporations.
Visit our Exhibitor websites below:
Exhibits
"When we work together, we strengthen our communities."