UC Davis Human Services Celebrates 20 Years of the National Tribal TANF Institute
From July 15–17, 2025, UC Davis Human Services celebrated two decades of Tribal tradition with Tribal TANF staff nationwide by hosting the 20th annual National Tribal TANF Institute at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, California. More than 180 learners—including over 50 Tribal leaders, 43 Tribal agencies and representatives from 15 states—gathered in community for this milestone event.
As the nation’s premier convening for Tribal TANF staff, the Institute offers a unique educational experience that honors Tribal values, cultures and traditions while embracing new ideas and innovations to strengthen Native communities for future generations.
“As long as we stay in community,” said Michell Franklin, Program Director for Custom Training and Services at UC Davis, in her opening remarks, “we have the ability to strategize, to pull together our strength, to be an immovable force.”
This year’s theme—Twenty Years of Tradition: Celebrating Today and Tomorrow Together—reflected that spirit of strength and resilience. For two decades, Tribal TANF programs have remained steadfast in their mission to improve outcomes for Native children, families and communities, regardless of the challenges they face.
Attendees described the Institute as inspiring, welcoming and energizing.
“Great energy and information,” shared one learner. “It made me feel safe in every space.”
Another added, “[I] learned different ways to expand on holistic healing and how to create safe places for people to share. I will apply this to my work as soon as possible.”
With more than 40 courses across six learning tracks, the Institute provided valuable opportunities for both new and long-time attendees. Some were just beginning their journey in Tribal TANF, while others—like this year’s Institute Legend Award recipient, Aurelio Mori of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Tribal TANF Program—returned for their 18th Institute. The gathering created an intergenerational space for TANF professionals to share knowledge, experiences and cultural traditions.
“The whole conference was such an amazing experience,” said a first-time attendee. “I learned so much in three days. It was really refreshing, especially if you are battling burnout.”
The three-day event also featured a land acknowledgment and blessing from Pechanga Band of Indians Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro, a town hall reflecting on 20 years of the Institute, and keynote addresses from Karalee Joseph (opening), Carl Rabun (welcome dinner), and Jackie DeLaCruz (closing).
The Cultural Exchange Night honored the richness of Native traditions, beginning with the sharing of traditional songs by the Wayne Nelson Intertribal Bird Singers, invited by the Soboba Tribal TANF Program. These songs carried oral history of the people, offering attendees a powerful cultural and spiritual experience.
The Institute concluded with a heartfelt circle of blessings led by Matt Franklin, an enrolled member of the Miwok Tribe and a member of the Franklin and Blue families of Northern California. Tribal TANF leaders presented gifts to the UC Davis Human Services team as a gesture of appreciation for their years of dedication to the Tribal TANF community.
“This ceremony symbolized the strength of our partnerships with Tribal TANF agencies and reminded us why we do this work each year,” said Otilia Johnson of the Human Services team. “It is a privilege to serve Native American communities, and we remain committed to ensuring the best possible programming for Native families and children.”
UC Davis Human Services extends its deepest gratitude to presenters Glenn Basconcillo, Jackie DeLaCruz, Matt Franklin, Alisia Gonzales, Karalee Joseph, Mark Macarro, Charlene Milton, Carl Rabun and Tiffany Salcido, along with all attendees and support staff who made the 20th annual National Tribal TANF Institute a success. Planning is already underway for next year’s 21st annual Institute—continuing the tradition of learning, sharing and celebrating together.
Learn More
To learn more about Tribal TANF professional development opportunities offered by UC Davis Human Services, please visit our Tribal Programs Website.