LAS VEGAS, NV – The William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) have announced a partnership to offer a comprehensive executive education certification designed to develop leaders who understand the intersection of tribal governance, business strategy, and organizational leadership.
The Executive Certificate in Tribal Sovereignty and Economic Leadership Program is a collaborative effort designed to meet the increasing demand for executives and professionals with the skills to operate within complex legal and regulatory environments, advance business initiatives, and lead effectively with an understanding of cultural context across diverse settings.
Offered through UNLV’s Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program (INGG), the certification provides comprehensive training across key focus areas including legal, business, leadership, and finance. The integrated curriculum equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
“This partnership reflects UNLV’s commitment to providing cutting-edge executive education that meets the evolving needs of today’s leaders,” said Professor Danielle Finn, Director of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program and citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. “By combining academic excellence with practical expertise, we’re creating a transformative learning experience that prepares professionals for the challenges of modern leadership.
This certification program is made possible through the generous support of San Manuel Cares, the charitable arm of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, which provided a grant to TLC to develop and launch this initiative. The program is designed for business professionals and tribal leaders seeking to enhance their expertise in tribal business operations, tribal economies, government relations, and strategic leadership.
“We’re excited about being able to bring non-faculty instructors to teach and develop material to ensure that we are bringing a tribal perspective to the program,” said Justin Barrett, President of the TLC. “This program brings together exceptional Indigenous leaders and scholars who bring real-world experience and cultural expertise to the classroom.”
The certification features a distinguished roster of instructors including Eric S. Trevan, a citizen of the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi. Trevan is also the President & CEO of aLocal.ai and serves on several enterprise boards for various tribal nations. Trevan will teach the economics and finance modules. Crystal Miller of the Walker River Paiute Tribe will join Jesse Downs, of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe in covering the governance module. Danielle Finn will teach the Federal Indian law module, bringing her expertise as both an academic and a tribal judge.
The certification will be held at the UNLV campus July 28-30, 2026. A welcome reception will occur on July 27. The Palms, owned by the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority, a business arm of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, will serve as the host hotel property.
