PHOENIX – The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is proud to announce the recipients of the Leadership Award Series that honors four exceptional leaders whose work has made a transformative impact across Indian Country. The awards will be presented at the Tribal Leadership Conference, June 1-4, 2026, at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. The awards reception will be held on June 3rd in the Showroom from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Each of this year’s honorees embodies the spirit of what the Leadership Award Series was created to celebrate, people and organizations who are doing the hard, meaningful work of advancing Tribal communities every single day,” said Justin Barrett, TLC President. “It is one of my greatest honors as TLC President to shine a light on their contributions and ensure that Indian Country knows their names.”
Lifetime Leadership Award: Peter Yucupico – Vice Chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribe
The Lifetime Leadership Award is presented to Vice Chairman Peter Yucupico in recognition of more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Across numerous roles throughout his tenure, Vice Chairman Yucupico has strengthened Tribal sovereignty, expanded critical intergovernmental partnerships, and worked tirelessly to preserve Yaqui culture for future generations. His career is a testament to what steadfast, principled leadership can achieve for a community over time.
“Vice Chairman Yucupico’s career is the kind of legacy that inspires all of us,” said James Siva, TLC Vice President. “Twenty-plus years of service to his people, protecting sovereignty, building partnerships, preserving culture, that is what lifetime leadership truly looks like.”
Leader of Today Award: Frances Alvarez – President, National Native American Hall of Fame | Chairwoman, Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN)
Frances Alvarez is honored with the Leader of Today Award for her steadfast leadership, determination, and the breadth of impact she brings to Indian Country every day. Through her leadership of the National Native American Hall of Fame, the Tribal Gaming Protection Network, and Tribal Bond, she has championed causes that uplift and protect Native communities on a national scale. Her commitment extends beyond her organizational roles; Frances has dedicated years to mentoring Native women and helping to cultivate the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
“Frances Alvarez leads with both strength and generosity,” said Marcenella LaFerr, TLC Secretary/Treasurer. “The way she shows up for Native communities, through her organizations, her advocacy, and her mentorship, is exactly the kind of leadership Indian Country needs right now.”
Leader of Tomorrow Award: Amber Maner – Senior Advisor, The Cherokee Nation
Amber Maner receives the Leader of Tomorrow Award for her outstanding dedication to improving educational outcomes for Native students within the Cherokee Nation. As a Senior Advisor, she has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that Cherokee youth have access to opportunities and support they need to thrive. Her work reflects a deep sense of purpose and vision for what Native communities can achieve when education is prioritized.
“Amber Maner represents the future of Native leadership, and that future is bright,” said Ernest Varges Jr., Awards Selection Committee Member. “Her focus on educational outcomes for Native students is an investment in our communities that will pay dividends for generations to come.”
Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award: Dr. Eric S. Trevan – President & CEO, aLocal.ai
aLocal.ai is recognized with the Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award for its innovative work advancing economic self-determination for Tribal communities. Under the leadership of Dr. Eric S. Trevan, aLocal.ai has positioned itself as a forward-thinking partner in helping Tribal nations harness technology and AI-driven solutions to build sustainable economic futures on their own terms.
“Economic sovereignty is foundational to Tribal self-determination, and aLocal.ai is helping Tribes get there in new and powerful ways,” said Justin Barrett, TLC President. “Dr. Trevan and his team are building tools that put decision-making power back where it belongs – with Tribal nations themselves.”
A Note of Gratitude from the TLC Board of Directors
The TLC Board of Directors wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the Awards Selection Committee for their dedicated service in selecting this year’s Leadership Award Series recipients. This year marked an important evolution in the awards process, as the Board made the deliberate decision to transition selection responsibilities to an independent committee, ensuring that honorees are chosen by neutral individuals who can evaluate candidates objectively and equitability.
The Inaugural Awards Selection Committee consisted of:
- The Honorable William Lowe – National Council Representative for The Muscogee Nation | Director, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)
- Jason Carrizosa – Chief Administrative Officer, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
- Ernest Vargas Jr. – Founding Director, KOSO Strategies
- Armida Vargas – Founding Director, KOSO Strategies
- Missy Stanisz – Senior Director of Product, IGT
About the Tribal Leadership Council
The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership, and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States. Founded with a mission to build capacity and strengthen Tribal governance, TLC provides dynamic programs, professional development opportunities, and practical tools that empower Tribal leaders, administrators, and policymakers to create lasting, positive change within their communities.
TLC serves as a hub for leadership training, strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration, offering a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout the year – including its signature Annual Tribal Leadership Conference and a series of hands-on regional trainings and workshops. These gatherings provide Tribal officials and staff with access to industry experts, peer-to-peer networking, and proven strategies for addressing today’s most pressing challenges in areas such as economic development, governance, public health, infrastructure, and community engagement.
To learn more about TLC’s programs, resources, and upcoming events, visit: www.TribalLeadershipCouncil.com
Media Contact: communications@triballeadershipcouncil.com