LAS VEGAS – The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) and UNLV Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program (INGG) at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas successfully launched its inaugural Executive Certificate in Tribal Sovereignty & Economic Leadership this week, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to advancing Tribal governance and economic development education.
The three-day executive certificate program was developed through a partnership between the Tribal Leadership Council and UNLV’s Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program. The certificate brings together Tribal leaders, professionals, and subject matter experts for an intensive curriculum designed to strengthen leadership, governance, and economic development capacity across Indian Country.
Day One: Foundations in Law and Governance
The program opened with sessions on Federal Indian Law, led by Professor Danielle Finn, followed by a session on Tribal Governance presented by Dr. Crystal Miller and Jesse Downs. Eric S. Trevan, Ph.D., closed out the first day with a session on Economics.
Day Two: Finance, Ethics, and Organizational Leadership
The second day featured Eric S. Trevan, Ph.D., and Michael Kim presenting on Finance, followed by a session on Ethics led by Kostan R. Lathouris. The day concluded with a presentation on Organizational Leadership & Management by Armida Vargas, MA, TGP, SHRM-CP, PHR, and Ernest Vargas, TGP.
Day Three: Marketing and Strategic Communications
The program concluded on day three with a session on Marketing presented by Lycia Ortega, followed by a session on Strategic Communications led by Justin Barrett and Valerie Taliman. INGG Director Danielle Finn and TLC President Justin Barrett presented everyone their certificates.
Organizers extended special thanks to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for the generous grant that made the program possible, as well as to event sponsors ROI Promotions and Community Behavioral Health for their support.
About the Program
The Executive Certificate in Tribal Sovereignty & Economic Leadership is a collaboration between the Tribal Leadership Council and the UNLV Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program at the William S. Boyd School of Law. The program is designed to equip Tribal leaders and professionals with the legal, financial, ethical, and organizational tools needed to advance sovereignty and economic development in their communities.
Organizers thanked the faculty, participants, and partners who contributed to the program’s inaugural success and expressed enthusiasm for the continued conversations, learning, and collaboration the certificate program will foster across Indian Country.
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
About the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV
Established in 1998, the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has over 400 students and offers three juris doctor degree programs: a full-time day program, a part-time day program, and a part-time evening program. The school also offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Gaming Law and Regulation and three dual degree programs: the J.D./MBA, J.D./M.S.W., and J.D./Ph.D. It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information about Boyd Law, please visit law.unlv.edu and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
About the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program
The Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program was established in 2020 thanks to the generosity of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The program provides specialized academic training for law students, public programming for diverse audiences, academic and policy research, and educational forums examining current challenges and successes in Tribal gaming, regulation, and governance. The faculty and leadership of the program possess vast experience in the realms of education, gaming, federal Indian law, Tribal law and Tribal governance. The Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program is committed to helping Indian Nations use gaming to build a stronger future.
Media Contact: communications@triballeadershipcouncil.com