NACEP Launches in Washington, D.C. Following National Government to Government Roundtable

More than 100 Tribal leaders, federal officials, and national partners gathered in Washington, D.C. for the third Government to Government Roundtable: Protecting, Preserving, and Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty, hosted by the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. The convening marked the official launch of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP), a national, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to Tribal economic sovereignty.

Understanding the Challenges

A Defining Moment for Indian Country

During the two-day convening, representatives from over 40 Tribal Nations joined with Administration officials and private sector partners to discuss urgent challenges and shared opportunities in Indian Country. These conversations focused on building long-term economic strategies that support sovereignty, community infrastructure, and job creation.

Electing NACEP’s Founding Leadership

Chairman Marshall Pierite Unanimously Elected President of the New National Coalition Following High-Level Government-to-Government Roundtable in Washington, D.C.

At the gathering, Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana was unanimously elected as the first President of NACEP. Additional officers include Chairman Calvin Johnson of the Tonto Apache Tribe as Vice President, Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins of Big Sandy Rancheria as Secretary, and President Anthony Reider of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe as Treasurer.

A Coalition Focused on Sovereignty and Prosperity

Speakers emphasized that NACEP is not about partisan politics, but about sovereignty, self-determination, and unity of purpose. The coalition will focus on four core objectives: strengthening Tribal sovereignty through economic development, promoting the common welfare of Native Nations, coordinating with federal and private sector partners to expand access to capital and tools, and creating long-term economic growth through tangible projects.

Next Steps for the Coalition

Under Chairman Pierite’s leadership, NACEP will begin establishing regional working groups, crafting national policy priorities, launching capacity-building initiatives, and fostering intertribal commerce and high-impact partnerships. The coalition will also continue working closely with federal agencies and national allies to ensure Tribal Nations remain central to America’s economic planning.