Annual Tribal TANF Institute Unites Nations for Change

Autonomy, advocacy and sovereignty: The 2026 National Tribal TANF Institute once again brought together a collective community dedicated to uplifting Native families. 

Now in its 21st year, the UC Davis Human Services-hosted Institute celebrates Tribal traditions while embracing resilience-building innovations for current and future generations. This year, we were honored to welcome 40 Tribes plus 200 Tribal TANF representatives from 11 states representing an entire range of roles.

And this particular Institute was doubly significant as attendees recognized the 30th anniversary of this unique federal program, which now provides vital financial and employment resources for more than 280 Tribes and their families while upholding service self-determination, kin-first focus and Native cultural heritage. 

Institute Highlights

Uplifting this year's theme—Igniting Hearts, Inspiring Futures—presenters and attendees drew upon each other's passion and purpose to create change for those they proudly serve:

• Listening—Our renowned keynote speakers and presenters shared their knowledge, experience and wisdom, and attendees heard from partners and peers who understand the unique challenges and successes of serving Tribal communities.
• Learning—Three days of workshops gave attendees actionable insights to share with their Tribes and teams. They discovered practical tools during informative sessions focused on current issues, best practices and emerging opportunities.
• Connecting—This event is more than a gathering—it's an opportunity to connect with others who share a commitment to advancing Tribal communities. Attendees built valuable relationships with Tribal leaders, agency professionals and partner organizations that will resonate far beyond the event. 
• Celebrating—Tribal traditions and celebrations were woven into the event itself through blessings, shared meals, beading, storytelling and interactive activities, culminating with the Institute's popular Cultural Exchange Night featuring the Sacramento Pow Wow Dance Group. 

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Attendees Share Their Experiences

Our attendees included case and program professionals, employment and training counselors, wellness staff, Tribal and youth representatives, state and community partners, and more. We asked several attendees why they came—and return—to this inspiring annual event. 

Christie Branagan and Brenda Salas

Returning participant Christie Branagan said she valued hearing how other Tribes administer TANF.

"It's very interesting to learn how different Tribes do their TANF versus our Tribe, because everybody's completely different," said Branagan, a social and family services representative of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

First-time participant Brenda Salas—who works for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin—said she wants to improve communication with clients and create a "healthier dialogue" that gives them more opportunities to speak.

Both said helping people motivates their work. 

"I treat them with the most respect because they're somebody's child, somebody's son, somebody's family member," Salas said.

Branagan agreed: "I like to help people—I have a huge heart."

Tiffani Zamudio, Tatyana Zamudio and Sarah Nelson

Three Nooksack Indian Tribe social services staff members said the Institute helped them build skills, make connections and strengthen their work with families.

Social services programs manager Tiffani Zamudio attended for the first time after recently moving into her role following more than a decade working in homelessness services.

“I am here to learn as much about the TANF programs as I can,” Zamudio said. “I’m very interested to network and meet a lot of people.”

“I just wanted to come back and learn some more as I grow in my position,” added two-time attendee Tatyana Zamudio, who is the food bank and employment/training coordinator.

Sarah Nelson also attended for the second time. After completing the introductory track last year, she had a different focus for 2026.

“I’ve been a case manager for about a year and a half now, so I’m going to do the case management track this time,” she said.

Glenn Basconcillo

UC Davis instructor and panelist Glenn Basconcillo said Tribal TANF's 30th anniversary offered Tribal programs a reminder and opportunity to strengthen leadership and self-determination.

A decade-long event participant, Basconcillo said Tribal sovereignty is an important focus as programs navigate uncertainty and change.

“Tribes know the best for their families, their communities,” he said. “You need to assert your sovereignty, your self-determination, self-governing abilities at every possible opportunity.”

He said Tribal TANF also provides an essential safety net for families facing difficult circumstances, and he recognized the professionals who help people move toward employment, education and greater stability.

“These groups of professionals are fantastic in showing their dedication,” he said.

For Basconcillo, returning to the Institute is an opportunity to support that community while sharing his experience.

“It’s one of those things that I enjoy coming to every year and being part of,” he said.

Danielle Hill

Tulalip Tribes' Danielle Hill said the Institute gave her new ideas for strengthening her program.

She previously attended the Institute as a case manager. Now returning in a leadership role, she said she is focused on bringing what she learns back to her community.

"I've learned a lot and I'm ready to get to work on improving our program,” Hill said.

One area that caught her attention was strategic planning for Tribal TANF programs: something she said she had not previously explored in depth.

“I really want to implement that and get the ball rolling,” Hill said.

Jessica Silva and Chorine Bonham

Jessica Silva and Chorine Bonham appreciated the Institute's opportunities to learn and network. 

Silva, who works in the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal TANF program’s Modesto office, attended for the third year.

“I honestly just love it so much: the people, the connection,” Silva said. “Every class I’ve taken something home from.”

As a family advocate in the program’s Sonora office, Bonham attended for the first time as she marks one year with the program.

“It’s been great making connections and meeting people from all over and getting to hear their different stories,” Bonham said.

Both said helping others is what motivates them every day.

“It’s always the people,” Silva said. “Just the moments of being there for people in crisis—it’s just rewarding beyond anything I can express.”

Bonham shared how all contributions can make a difference for those they serve.

“Even if I make a small impact, that can ripple out further,” she said.

Cheryl Bey and Monica Luk

Workforce development case managers Cheryl Bey and Monica Luk are looking forward to bringing actionable insights back with them to the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency.

Returning attendee Bey said connecting with other Tribal professionals is what brought her back.

“Tribal TANF to me is community,” she said. “I get to meet other Tribal case managers from all over the nation, and we get to share.”

Two-time attendee Luk said the advanced case management track gave her new ideas for engaging young people.

“I deal a lot with youth and have many youth clients,” Luk said, noting she's now inspired to explore partnerships with organizations like the YMCA to create activities and gatherings designed for different age groups.

Carl Rabun

Event MC and UC Davis instructor Carl Rabun is an institution within the Institute. 

With the 2026 event marking his 18th Institute, he said his connection to Native communities has deepened over the years through learning about his own Chumash ancestry coupled with nearly two decades of working with Tribal professionals.

“This is my favorite week of the year because it’s so meaningful,” he said.

Rabun shared how—for more than 20 years—the Institute has helped fill an important need by providing training and professional development for Tribal TANF case managers and leaders. But what he loves most about the event is seeing participants from across the country exchange ideas, ask questions and consider how new approaches could help their Tribal communities.

“Just seeing all the people—seeing how grateful they are, seeing how happy they are to be here,” Rabun said. “It just reinforces the meaningfulness of what we’re doing.”

Join Us in 2027

Thanks to our wonderful partners, organizers, MCs and presenters, plus our inspiring attendees for making our 2026 Institute so memorable!

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