Opening Address: Matt Franklin
Leadership, Culture and Community in Action
Opening keynote speaker Matt Franklin will set the tone for an inspiring and energizing three-day event, igniting hearts and inspiring futures through the strength, resilience and wisdom of Tribal values and traditions. Drawing upon stories of leadership, community service and cultural stewardship, Franklin will challenge and motivate attendees to cultivate collaboration and strengthen families and communities. This keynote launches the event as a powerful moment of learning, reflection and renewal, inspiring participants to carry its lessons, energy and vision forward in their work with Native families and communities.
Matt Franklin is of Miwok Nisenan descent and is an enrolled member of the Miwok Tribe, as well as a member of the Franklin and Blue families of Northern California. He brings more than 20 years of experience serving the California Department of Social Services Tribal TANF program and currently serves as unit manager for the Indian Health Center. In this role, Franklin supports both tribal and state governments and has presented at numerous local, state and national Tribal TANF conferences to build and strengthen relationships with Tribes and Tribal governments.
Franklin previously served as chairman and vice chairman of his Tribe and has long been active in Indian education, Native social services and issues impacting the growth and wellbeing of Native communities in Northern California. He continues to support Native communities throughout the greater Sacramento region and beyond, with a focus on strengthening Tribal sovereignty and expanding direct services to Tribes and their populations. A strong advocate for Native families, Franklin promotes tribal self-sufficiency and has been elected to serve on numerous boards and committees dedicated to supporting Tribes and Native families. Raised as a traditional Miwok dancer, he continues to teach culture and songs to his children and relatives.
Dive Deeper With Matt Franklin
Matt Franklin will also be presenting on topics in the Leadership and Cultural workshop tracks. Visit our full program agenda to learn more and explore.
Closing Keynote Address: Karalee Joseph
With special co-presenter Loren O. Joseph
From Inspiration to Impact: Leading the Future of Tribal Communities
Closing keynote speaker Karalee Joseph brings the 2026 National Tribal TANF Institute full circle with a powerful reflection on the experiences, insights and connections that have shaped the week. Building on those shared moments, she will challenge attendees to look ahead and consider how today's leadership decisions will strengthen the well-being of children, families and Tribal nations for generations to come.
This inspiring session will explore advancing Tribal self-determination in practice, strengthening families through culturally grounded systems and safeguarding Tribal values within systems not originally designed to serve Native communities. Participants will be encouraged to move beyond inspiration by fostering meaningful partnerships, mentoring emerging leaders and intentionally integrating Tribal traditions, language and community wisdom into their daily work.
For the final segment of the keynote, Karalee will be joined by her father, Loren O. Joseph, whose lifelong experience educating and mentoring Native youth offers a powerful perspective on the importance of intergenerational leadership. Together, they will reflect on the vital relationship between youth and Elders and how leadership, cultural continuity and community well-being are sustained through these enduring connections.
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to turn reflection into action, helping build stronger, more resilient futures for the families and communities they serve.
Karalee Joseph is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and was raised on the Hopi and Navajo reservations, bringing lived experience and professional expertise to her work with Tribal communities. She serves as an instructor at UC Davis, specializing in equitable, culturally grounded approaches to leadership, advanced case management, mental health and wellness. With more than 15 years of experience, Joseph has worked with Tribal governments, programs and businesses to strengthen services within Tribal TANF and other community-based initiatives. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive case management that honors Native traditions, supports youth development and recognizes elders as cultural knowledge keepers.
Loren O. Joseph, M.A., is a Tribal leader, educator and motivational speaker with more than 44 years of experience in education, leadership development and community empowerment. A direct descendant of Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph and a registered member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of California, he brings cultural knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise to his work.
Joseph has served as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, education specialist, Tribal administrator and Tribal councilman. He has worked extensively with students, families and Tribal communities, including many years on the Navajo Nation. Through trainings and presentations, he promotes youth development, leadership and personal growth. His contributions have been recognized with honors including the Dean’s Award and the Lamanite Award from LDS Social Services.
Dive Deeper With Karalee Joseph
Karalee Joseph will also be presenting on topics within the Advanced Case Management and Cultural workshop tracks. Visit our full program agenda to learn more and explore.