More than 100 Tribal leaders, federal officials, and national partners converged in Washington, D.C. last month for a landmark event that could reshape the future of economic development in Indian Country. The third Government-to-Government Roundtable, aptly titled Protecting, Preserving & Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty, marked not only a significant gathering of minds but also the official launch of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP). This new, nonpartisan, Tribal-led coalition is the brainchild of Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite, who was unanimously elected as its first president—a testament to his leadership and the trust he’s earned among his peers.
Over two days in November 2025, the roundtable brought together representatives from more than 40 Tribal Nations, alongside key administration officials and private-sector partners. According to Native News Online, the event was the culmination of a journey that began with an initial meeting on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in June, followed by a second session in Washington in July. What started as a conversation has now blossomed into a coordinated national movement, with a clear mission: to advance Tribal sovereignty and economic growth through unity and action.
Chairman Pierite opened the roundtable with a powerful message, recognizing the pivotal moment facing Indian Country and the nation at large. "We gather today at a crossroads—a moment when America is searching for renewal and strength," Pierite declared, as reported by Native News Online. "Tribal Nations are not a footnote to that story. We are the key to it." His words resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the determination of Tribal Nations to play a central role in shaping America’s future.
The roundtable wasn’t just about speeches and symbolism. It was a working forum where Tribal leaders highlighted urgent needs, shared priorities, and mapped out a path forward. The forum’s luncheon featured remarks from Alex Meyer, Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs, who attended despite a federal shutdown that had limited staff availability. The presence of federal officials sent a clear signal: the administration is committed to partnership, even in challenging times.
Throughout the event, speakers pointed to sweeping changes in the national economic landscape—regulatory reforms, supply chain rebuilding, energy expansion, and a growing momentum for Tribal-led development. As WNTZ noted, these trends have positioned Tribal Nations to take on a leading role in economic initiatives, not just for their own communities but for the broader American economy. The message was clear: the time for Tribal leadership is now.
The formation of NACEP was the roundtable’s crowning achievement. Alongside Chairman Pierite, the coalition’s leadership team includes Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson as vice president, Big Sandy Rancheria Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins as secretary, and Flandreau Santee Sioux President Anthony Reider as treasurer. Their election reflects a broad consensus and a spirit of collaboration across Indian Country.
Pierite left no doubt about NACEP’s purpose or its values. "We are not here to stand on the sidelines to criticize and hope for the best," he said, as quoted by Native News Online. "We are here to help rebuild. We are here to be partners in transformation." He emphasized the coalition’s nonpartisan nature: "This coalition is not about red or blue, left or right. It is about sovereignty, self-determination, and unity of purpose. It is about building something that outlasts any political climate."
NACEP’s agenda is ambitious and precise. The coalition has outlined four core objectives: strengthening Tribal sovereignty through economic development, enhancing coordinated policy advocacy, improving cooperation between Tribal governments, federal agencies, and private sector partners, and supporting job creation and long-term economic growth through Tribal-led projects. These goals are designed to promote not only economic prosperity but also the enduring sovereignty and self-determination of Native Nations.
The roundtable concluded with a spirited evening reception attended by prominent national partners and federal officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, and Congressman Nick Begich. The gathering was more than a celebration; it was a demonstration of unity and shared momentum. "This is our time. This is our season," Pierite told attendees. "The opportunity before us is real, the moment is now, and we are ready."
The following day, Pierite and other NACEP leaders were invited to the White House for a summit with Vice President J.D. Vance. According to both Native News Online and WNTZ, the Vice President affirmed the administration’s commitment to Tribal Nations and pledged ongoing collaboration. "You will always have allies in the West Wing," Vance assured the coalition. "From the President to the Vice President, our vision is to empower Tribal Nations to build in ways America has never built before." Vance went a step further, meeting individually with every Tribal leader in attendance—a gesture that did not go unnoticed by participants.
With the official launch of NACEP, Tribal leaders are now focused on turning vision into action. Next steps include forming regional working groups, developing national policy priorities, launching capacity-building initiatives, facilitating inter-Tribal commerce, and expanding coordination with both federal agencies and industry partners. The coalition’s mission, as Pierite put it, is to "accelerate economic growth, expand opportunity and strengthen sovereignty for Tribal Nations now and for generations to come."
Underlying all the planning and policy is a sense of unity and resilience. As Pierite reminded the roundtable, "We say we will participate. We say we will lead. We say we will build. We have land. We have sovereignty. We have resilience. And we have vision." The coalition’s nonpartisan approach—focused on practical solutions rather than political divisions—has garnered broad support across Indian Country and among federal partners.
The establishment of NACEP comes at a critical time. As the U.S. grapples with economic uncertainty and shifting priorities, Tribal Nations are asserting their right not just to participate, but to lead. The coalition’s focus on economic development, job creation, and intergovernmental cooperation reflects a growing recognition that Tribal prosperity is integral to the nation’s prosperity as a whole.
For more information about the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, readers can visit tunicabiloxi.org. Details about NACEP are available by emailing [email protected].
With the launch of NACEP, Tribal Nations are stepping boldly into a new chapter—one defined by leadership, partnership, and a shared commitment to economic and cultural sovereignty. The road ahead may not be easy, but the resolve on display in Washington suggests that Indian Country is more than ready for the challenge.
