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11th Annual Native American Leadership Forum - West

December 8-10, 2025

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort - Honolulu, HI

Event Details

This December, Native Nation Events will hold its 11th Annual Native American Leadership Forum – West in sunny Hawaii at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. This is a unique forum specifically designed for elected officials, appointed board members, and department heads that will span three days.

Our hands-on interactive accelerator allows participants to practice leadership thought and action in real time. Attendees will walk away with the ability to leverage new ways of thinking, speaking, and acting and discover how that can enormously impact productivity, profitability, and overall effectiveness.

Who Should Attend:

  • Tribal Leaders
  • Council Members
  • Appointed Board Members
  • Department Heads

To speak with a representative about attending, contact us at sales@nativenationevents.org or give us a call at (201) 857-5333.

At Native Nation Events, we pride ourselves on offering best-in-class networking events in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. No need for suits and ties; business casual is the preferred dress code for our conferences. 

Register Now To Attend

The 11th Annual Native American Leadership Forum – West will be an advanced program designed for elected officials, appointed board members, and department heads. We have limited space for only 100 attendees and all registrations will be reviewed to ensure attendees meet the requirements.

West

$1895

HOTEL INFORMATION

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort - Honolulu, HI

2169 Kālia Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815

In-House Reservation Telephone: (866) 956-4262

Room Block Cut-off Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025

Room Rate: $319 per night

Booking Code: 251206NATI

Make sure to mention the 11th Annual Native American Leadership Forum-West and the dates to receive the discounted group rate.

Book Your Room Here

11th Annual Native American Leadership Forum - West

December 8-10, 2025

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, HI

Monday, December 8th

1:00 - 1:15 PM

Welcoming Remarks

Justin O'Connor

President | native Nation Events

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

1:15 - 2:30 PM

The Leadership Formula

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

If leadership isn’t about position or title, what is it? In this workshop, we’ll break it down into three powerful components that every great leader must master. First, you need a compelling vision—a clear, inspiring direction that others want to follow. Then, it’s about committing to your own growth because stagnant leaders create stagnant teams. And finally, we’ll show you how to empower your team—to shift from micromanaging to multiplying impact. Whether you’re leading a small group or a sovereign nation, this session will give you the framework to lead with purpose, passion, and people in mind.

2:30 - 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 - 4:00

The Three Arrows of 21st Century Leadership: Core, Connection, Contribution

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

In the 21st century, leadership isn’t just about authority. It’s about growth, connection, and impact. At its core, great leadership starts with personal development: self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Leaders who invest in their own growth set the foundation for resilience and integrity. But leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives through connection. The ability to collaborate across cultures, generations, and industries is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork drive success. True leadership is also measured by contribution: the ability to innovate, inspire, and push industries forward. Whether through groundbreaking ideas or community driven solutions, 21st century leaders must not just keep up with change, but actively shape the future. Leadership today isn’t about standing above; it’s about growing within, reaching out, and driving progress for all.

4:00

Day 1 Concludes

Tuesday, December 9th

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30 - 10:00 AM

Bridging Governance and Implementation: Strengthening the Relationship Between Tribal Councils and Executive Staff

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

In tribal governance, the alignment between elected leadership and executive staff is essential to building effective, culturally grounded, and future-focused systems. Tribal councils serve as the voice of the people, setting vision, policy, and priorities. Executive staff translate that vision into action by managing operations, leading departments, and delivering services that impact daily life. When these two entities work in partnership, they create a powerful synergy that fosters transparency, efficiency, and progress. This workshop explores strategies to strengthen collaboration, clarify roles, and build trust between tribal councils and executive teams. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and take away tools to improve communication, align priorities, and lead with unity. The Cow Creek Tribe has built an incredible working relationship between their elected officials and their executive and administrative staff. In this workshop, we will ask questions of their key leaders for transferable practices.

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Strategy in Sync: Applying the McKinsey 7S Framework to Organizational Alignment

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

Great strategy isn’t just about having a good plan, it’s about making sure everything in the organization is rowing in the same direction. The McKinsey 7S Framework is a powerful tool for leaders looking to align vision, structure, and culture for maximum impact. This session introduces participants to the seven interconnected elements (Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff) that drive organizational performance. We’ll explore how to use the 7S model to identify misalignment, lead change, and build a cohesive, high-performing team. Whether you’re refining a new initiative, restructuring a department, or leading cultural transformation, this framework offers a practical lens to bring clarity and unity to your leadership approach.

12:00 - 1:00

Networking Lunch Break

1:00 - 3:00

Uniting a Council: From Individual Roles to Collective Leadership

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

Carla Keene

Chairwoman | Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

It’s one thing to have a group of elected leaders at the table, but it’s it’s another to build a team. Tribal councils are made up of individuals with unique perspectives, experiences, and commitments to their people. But when those individuals begin to operate with shared purpose, trust, and unity, they become more than just a governing body, they become a leadership team. This shift doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional relationship-building, open communication, and a willingness to move from “me” to “we.” A united council isn’t just more efficient. It is more visionary, more resilient, and better equipped to serve the needs of the Nation. Because in tribal leadership, strong teams don’t just pass motions, they shape the future.

3:00 PM

Day 2 Concludes

Wednesday, December 10th

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30 - 10:00 AM

It Starts with You: Why Personal Growth is the Linchpin for Leadership

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

Great leadership begins by focusing on your core. Before you can lead others with clarity, integrity, and influence, you’ve got to lead yourself. This workshop dives into the powerful truth that personal growth is the linchpin of effective leadership. We’ll explore how self-awareness, emotional maturity, and a commitment to lifelong learning create the foundation for trust, credibility, and vision. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned council member, this session will challenge you to reflect, reset, and recommit to your own growth.

10:00 - 11:30 AM

Time is the Greatest Enemy or Ally We Have

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

Time doesn’t wait, doesn’t pause, and definitely doesn’t ask permission. It can either work for us by driving momentum, focus, and impact, or quietly slip through our fingers while we’re “too busy” to notice. This workshop explores the critical relationship leaders have with time, and how our mindset, habits, and priorities determine whether it becomes our greatest enemy or most loyal ally. We’ll unpack the hidden costs of distraction, decision fatigue, and reactive leadership, and equip you with tools to reclaim your time with clarity and purpose. Because when you master time, you lead more in

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Next Steps and Application

Jerrod Murr

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Paradigm Shift

Action steps and application are crucial elements following any conference as they bridge the gap between inspiration and tangible results. While conferences provide a wealth of information and insights, it’s the action steps that transform ideas into reality. By outlining clear steps and strategies post-conference, attendees can effectively implement new practices, innovate within their fields, and contribute to meaningful change. Without action, the knowledge gained remains dormant; it’s the application that propels individuals and organizations forward, driving progress and success.

12:00 PM

Conference Dismissed

Carla Keene

Chairwoman | Cow Creek band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
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Confirmed Forum Partners

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FORUM PARTNER SPOTS ARE LIMITED AND WILL SELL OUT!

This is an outstanding prospecting opportunity for Forum Partners to meet and establish professional connections in a casual environment with Tribal leadership. This is not an exhibit hall-style event. Forum Partner Executives will be with the attendees during scheduled meetings, meals, and all social events.

Please contact Dan O’Connor (dan@nativenationevents.org) to get the process started today.

Hear from Past Attendees

Hear from Past Forum Partners