LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2025) – The Tribal Leadership Council today welcomed more than 300 new leaders in government and business to its annual conference scheduled from June 23-26 at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Noted speakers included Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Crystalyne Curley, Las Vegas Paiute Chairman Benny Tso, and many elected Tribal officials.
The conference, held at The Palms Casino Resort owned by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, offers four full days of training in governance covering administration, strategic planning, business management, utility authorities, investments, education, health care, venture capital, branding, risk management, business structures, construction projects, economic diversification, women in leadership, and key issues affecting more than 574 Tribes nationwide. Since its inception, TLC has trained nearly 500 Tribal leaders.
“In response to requests from Tribes, this year we added a few new sessions surrounding financial and fiscal management to include auditing accounting and grants management,” said Mauricia Chavarria, TLC Treasurer. “We have also added sessions to focus on the importance language preservation and revitalization as well as Tribal water rights and management. “
Tribal leaders govern reservations and resources under a complex structure of Tribal sovereignty and laws, coordinating with state and federal governments on issues affecting citizenship, land, natural resources, Treaty obligations, federal funding, jurisdiction, and taxation.
TLC President Justin Barrett said the events schedule includes honoring leaders for their outstanding leadership in Indian Country. They will be honored at the Tribal Leadership Awards ceremony Tuesday evening.
The Lifetime Leadership Award was awarded to Rodney Youckton who serves as the Chief Community Relations Officer for the Chehalis Tribe. The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes a Tribal leader who has served their membership through many phases over the years, adapting their leadership to the ever-changing environment of their nation. Fostering relationships with other governments and advocating for their inherent rights, they are leaders that left remarkable imprints for the future generations.
Lorilee Morsette received the Leader of Today Award. Lorilee is a Tribal Council Member for the Suquamish Tribe and a Board Member for the National Native American Human Resources Association. The Leader of Today exemplifies passion, organization, and action. They are thought leaders taking action to maintain sovereignty while creating change for the preservation of their culture and sustainability of their membership.
The Leader of Tomorrow Award was awarded to Dr. Crystal Miller. She is a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. Dr. Miller is the CEO of Sovereignty First Native Consulting Firm and Head of Policy and Government Relations at the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. The Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes the up-and-coming leaders. This leader has made an entrance to remember, and they have only begun their trail of servitude to create a better tomorrow.
TLC also has three new awards this year, the Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award, the President’s Community Impact Award, and the Chairman’s Circle of Impact Award. Recipients for these awards are:
- Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award – Tonto Apache Tribe for the Apache Corners Project
- President’s Community Impact Award – ROI Promotions
- Chairman’s Circle of Impact Award – AT&T, Julio Figueroa
“We want to recognize the Apache Corners Project being developed by the Tonto Apache Tribe. This development underscores the importance that economic development has for rural tribes and communities,” said President Barrett. “We also thank ROI Promotions for their work with TLC as well as acknowledge their contributions to other organizations including NNAHRA and the Washington Indian Gaming Association who received laptops from ROI for their scholarship recipients.”
Julio Figueroa serves is Director of External and Legislative Affairs for Riverside, San Bernardino, and Inyo Counties and the California/Nevada Tribal Liaison for AT&T who supports our communities and organizations. Through the work of AT&T, 250 laptops were donated for distribution to TLC, Tribal Colleges, and UNLV students to help bridge the digital and technical divide that Tribal communities face. In addition to that, they assist with labs on Tribal reservations.
“The TLC Foundation wants to thank AT&T for their support in our local communities and the broader Tribal community through their work with Native-led nonprofits. We truly appreciate their partnership,” said TLC Foundation Chairman Andrew “Dru” Alejandre.
About the Tribal Leadership Council
Formed in 2023, the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a board-governed not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that proudly supports Tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and provides tools to better their organizations. The primary focus of the TLC is empowering leadership and promoting economic growth and prosperity for Tribal communities. Learn more here: www.TribalLeadershipCouncil.com
Media Contact: communications@triballeadershipcouncil.com