Symposium 2026
April 21-23
Marriott Anchorage Downtown
Symposium 2026 April 21-23
Strategic Alignment. Disciplined Action: Moving Ahead with Purpose
Strengthening Governance and Economic Stability for Alaska Tribes and Village Corporations
THE EVENT
Alaska Tribes and Village Corporations are operating in an environment that demands precision, alignment, and disciplined follow-through.
The 2026 ATAA/ANVCA Symposium is structured as a focused working forum grounded in current realities facing Rural Alaska.
Join us in Anchorage for three days centered on applied strategy, intergovernmental coordination, and implementation under changing federal and resource conditions. Participants will leave with clearer direction, strengthened partnerships, and actionable next steps.
EXPERT INSIGHT. PRACTICAL COORDINATION.
The 2026 Symposium brings together Indigenous leaders, board and council members, administrators, federal agency representatives, financial institutions, and industry experts who are actively working within Alaska’s current policy and economic landscape.
SPEAKERS
Our speakers represent Indigenous leaders, board and council members, administrators, and industry experts who are actively serving Rural Alaska communities, Tribes, and Village Corporations.
Attendees will gain practical insight into best practices, governance strategies, and coordinated approaches between Alaska Native Corporations and Tribes. Sessions will highlight real-world examples of collaboration, risk management, economic planning, and administrative strengthening in action.
Additional speakers are being confirmed as we finalize a roster focused on operational experience and strategic leadership. Updates will be shared as they are announced.
A T A A
The 2026 Symposium continues the joint leadership effort of the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association and the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association. This partnership reflects an intentional commitment to strong governance, development, management, collabration, and stronger institutional alignment across Rural Alaska.
This convening is designed for those entrusted with stewardship of programs, enterprises, assets, leadership, and community well-being. It recognizes that long-term stability depends on clear roles, sound management, and constructive collaboration between Alaska Tribes and Village Corporations.
By strengthening communication and reinforcing accountability across leadership structures, the Symposium supports durable systems that serve communities today while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.
AGENDA
Every session is designed to support informed decision-making at the Council, Board, administrative, and management levels. The goal is clarity, coordination, and disciplined execution across Tribal and ANCSA institutions serving Rural Alaska.. We're updating and adding regularly as we confirm presentations and panelists. Agenda subject to change.
MORNING PRESENTATIONS AND PANELS:
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Updates on Accomplishments and Challenges for Alaska Native Village Corporations | ANVCA
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Tribal Administrator of the Year | ATAA
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Alaska Resource & Tribal Infrastructure Coordination (ARTIC) Project | Sarah Lukin, Alaska Federation of Natives
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Fraud: Impact, Trust, and Response Across Tribal and Village Corporation Operations
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8(a) Program: Today's Headwinds
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14 (c) (3) ANCSA Lands Legislation Passes, Next Steps
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Tribes and Tribal Corporations- Partnerships and Pitfalls | Schwabe
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Donlin Gold Panel: Progress Updates and Planning for the Future
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7i7j Revenue Sharing Panel: What's in our Future Pipeline?
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Alaska Delegation Chief of Staff Panel: Updates from the Current Administration in D.C.
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EPA Leadership Region 10 and Alaska
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Alaska Gasoline Panel: Progress Made and Next Steps | Enstar Natural Gas and Glenfarne Alaska LNG
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Philanthropy in Alaska | Rasmuson Foundation, Denali Commission, Alaska Community Foundation, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
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Navigating Fee-to-Trust Regulations: Understanding the Process and Implications
TRIBAL BREAK OUT SESSIONS
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Tribal Justice and Jurisdiction | Landye Bennett, Blumstein
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Indirect Cost Strategy
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IRS Final Rule on Tribal General Welfare Benefits: What Tribal Administrators Need to Know to Maximize Tax-Free Benefits for Their Communities | Schwabe
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Formalizing Tribal Advocacy as a Program
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Tribal Council Fiduciary Trust Responsibility
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Tribal Accounting: Processes and Procedures to Ensure Internal Controls
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Program Updates and Q&A from BIA, EPA and HUD
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Program Cost Controls: Ensuring Allowability and Preventing Fund Misallocation
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Tribal Administrator Sabbatical Program - Rasmuson Foundation
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SSBCI Program - Viola Smith, Lending Program Assistant Director, Alaska Small Business Dev. Center
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Strategic 638 Contracting: Economic Tools for Alaska Native Tribes | Schwabe
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From Oversight to Partnership: Strengthening Council – Administrator Relationships | ATAA
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Building Trauma-Informed Systems: An Overview of the Alaska Comprehensive Forensic Training Academy
VILLAGE CORPORATION BREAK OUT SESSIONS:
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ANCSA Contaminated Lands Working Group
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Alaska Permanent Capital Management: Aligning Strategy and Capital
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Funding for Environmental Restoration Brownfields Program
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IMA Corporation: Innovative Insurance Solutions
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Going Above and Beyond: Recognition of GCI and Northrim Bank
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Total Rewards "Unplugged" Wires for Todays Workforce | Alera Group
ATAA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
Notice is provided for the annual ATAA Business Meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026 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:
TBD.
Vendor Application
A T A A
OUR SPEAKERS
Our 2026 speakers bring practical expertise, on-the-ground experience, and disciplined leadership to the conversation. From Tribal and ANCSA leadership to financial, policy, and enterprise experts, each presenter is focused on implementation, execution, and measurable progress. Their perspectives reflect the strength and resolve of Rural Alaska, clear in direction, grounded in responsibility, and committed to moving forward with purpose.
Surety Broker IMA Corporation
Chief of Staff Senator Lisa Murkowski
Exec. HR Services Partner Alera Group
Chief of Staff Senator Dan Sullivan
Partner Landye Bennett Blumstein
General Manager Donlin Gold
Director, Planning and Program Development Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
General Council Calista
Director of Programs Denali Commission
Director of the Alaska Operations Office EPA
President Salt
Account Executive IMA
Program Director Contaminated Lands ANTHC
CEO Rasmuson Foundation
Associate Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
Chief Financial Officer JW Industries Group
Chief of Staff Representative Nick Begich
Founder/Chair | ATAA CEO | JW Industries Group
External Affairs Manager Donlin Gold
VP | Lending Unit Team Leader FNBA
Account Executive IMA
President Alaska Federation of Natives
Partner Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
Chair ANVCA | CEO St. George Tanaq
Executive Director ANVCA
Vice President of Natural Resources NANA
Of Counsel Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
Chief Investment Officer Alaska Permanent Capital Management
EPA Region 10 Administrator
SVP Government Relations Chenega
Deputy District Director SBA Alaska District
Senior Consultant, Employee Benefits Alera Group
President Enstar Natural Gas
Partner Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C.
OUR SPONSORS
This Symposium would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Their investment in Rural Alaska reflects a commitment to disciplined leadership, sound governance, and long-term economic strength. Each organization represented below supports the practical work happening inside Tribal and Alaska Native Village Corporation offices across the state, where decisions are made and strategies are executed.
We are proud to welcome this year’s exhibitors who bring practical tools, services, and expertise directly to Tribal and Alaska Native Village Corporation leadership. Their presence supports informed decision-making, operational strength, and long-term sustainability in Rural Alaska. We encourage you to visit each booth and learn how their work can support your programs, enterprises, and governance priorities.
Vendor Application
Exhibits
"When we work together, we strengthen our communities."