Tribal Nations Unite Behind New Economic Alliance, Electing Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Pierite as President

Over 100 Tribal representatives, federal officials, and national partners convened in Washington, D.C., last month for the third Government-to-Government Roundtable titled Protecting, Preserving & Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. The gathering marked a historic moment with the launch of the Native American Coalition for Economic Prosperity (NACEP), a nonpartisan, Tribal-led coalition spearheaded by Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. Pierite was unanimously elected as the coalitions inaugural president.

Other officers elected included Chairman Calvin Johnson of the Tonto Apache Tribe as vice president, Chairperson Elizabeth Hutchins of the Big Sandy Rancheria as secretary, and President Anthony Reider of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe as treasurer. Representatives from more than 40 Tribal Nations attended the two-day event, alongside administration officials and private-sector partners committed to fostering economic sovereignty.

During the November 6 roundtable, Pierite reflected on the coalition's origins, which began with the first meeting on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in June, followed by a second session in Washington in July. We gather today at a crossroadsa moment when America is searching for renewal and strength, Pierite said. Tribal Nations are not a footnote to that story. We are the key to it. He acknowledged the participation of federal officials despite ongoing government challenges, highlighting their dedication to partnership.

We are not here to stand on the sidelines, he added. We are here to help rebuild. We are here to be partners in transformation. A luncheon featured remarks from Alex Meyer, director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs, and Tribal leaders discussed priorities, emphasizing the shared commitment to increasing economic opportunities across Indian Country.

Speakers throughout the event noted the evolving economic environment, driven by regulatory changes, supply chain recovery, expanded energy production, and momentum for Tribal-led development. Pierite stressed that Tribal Nations are prepared to lead. We say we will participate. We say we will lead. We say we will build, he said. We have land. We have sovereignty. We have resilience. And we have vision.

NACEP established four primary goals: strengthening Tribal sovereignty through economic development, enhancing coordinated policy advocacy, improving collaboration between federal, Tribal, and private sectors, and supporting job creation and sustainable economic growth through Tribal-led initiatives.

This coalition is not about red or blue, left or right, Pierite explained. It is about sovereignty, self-determination, and unity of purpose. It is about building something that outlasts any political climate.

The evening reception on November 6 brought together Tribal leaders and federal partners, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, and Representative Nick Begich. Pierite emphasized the momentum created by the gathering: This is our time. This is our season. The opportunity before us is real, the moment is now, and we are ready.

On November 7, Pierite and NACEP leaders attended a White House summit with Vice President J.D. Vance, where they discussed coalition objectives and the importance of collaboration with the administration. Vance assured continued support: You will always have allies in the West Wing. Our vision is to empower Tribal Nations to build in ways America has never built before.

Future plans for NACEP include forming regional working groups, establishing national policy priorities, launching capacity-building programs, facilitating inter-Tribal commerce, and expanding cooperation with federal agencies and industry partners. Pierite concluded that the coalitions mission is to accelerate economic growth, expand opportunities, and reinforce sovereignty for Tribal Nations now and for generations to come.

For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit tunicabiloxi.org. Inquiries about NACEP can be directed to info@tunica.org.

Author: Caleb Jennings