There is a new non-profit group hoping to champion tribal sovereignty, particularly when it comes to tribal gaming. On Monday, the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) officially launched. The board-led group is, per the press release, “dedicated to enhancing and supporting tribal sovereignty, education, and uplifting tribal communities through comprehensive solutions.”
“Working collaboratively, we have an opportunity to support tribal leaders and executives through continuing education and by providing tools to better their organizations,” TLC Board of Directors Chair Justin Barrett said. “Developing future leaders is something I am personally committed to and look forward to chairing this team and sharing our learnings broadly.”
The group is board-run but open to any member of tribal leadership.
The board of the TLC is as follows:
- Justin Barrett, Chairman and Founder
- Andrew Alejandre, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder
- James Siva, Secretary and Co-Founder
- Kelli Weaver, Treasurer
- Michele Scott, Board Member
- Shannon Holsey, Board Member
Barrett currently serves as the treasurer of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. He also holds the role of COO of Empower Nation.
One of SBC’s own is also part of the new group. SBC VP of Relationships – Americas Kelli Weaver is serving as the board’s first treasurer.
“It is an honor to join the Tribal Leadership Council. Our goal is to empower Tribal leaders to promote economic and physical health and sustainability. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can assist others in understanding the various Tribal government departments, programs, grants, roles, and responsibilities,” Weaver told SBC Americas.
