From the first conference we attended, to joining the organization as a corporate partner, through this past week at the 34th Annual Conference, we continue to be impressed with NAFOA. We are proud to be associated with such a strong, dedicated organization. Every member of the NAFOA team works hard to ensure all conference attendees are welcomed. Between conferences, NAFOA’s work on policy, education and stakeholder engagement is second to none. Travois is also proud that so many of our clients are now NAFOA member tribes: nafoa.org/tribes.
Travois also wants to extend special congratulations and thanks to outgoing President Bill Lomax. Bill has served the organization for nine years and provided great leadership through a time of explosive growth. We know that Chairwoman Tina Danforth — the new president — is going to take the organization to even greater heights.
The conference panels were fascinating. The session on infrastructure was especially intriguing. From our investments with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, the Pueblo of Laguna and others, we have seen the catalytic impact infrastructure investments have in Indian Country.
As usual, we ran out of our giveaway stock of Bedré Fine Chocolate pretty quickly. We also handed out a lot of information about our team and the services we provide to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities. We extend our gratitude to the Gila River Indian Community for hosting NAFOA and sharing their culture and traditions with us in such a beautiful setting.