Change Labs to Host Navajo Presidential Economic Forum

Candidates to Address Small Business Challenges on Navajo

Change Labs, a Native nonprofit dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurship and business growth on the Navajo and Hopi Nations, will host the 2026 Presidential Forum on the Navajo Economy at Twin Arrows Casino & Resort this July.

The nonpartisan forum is designed to address the economic challenges facing Navajo entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the broader workforce. Candidates for Navajo Nation president will respond to questions focused on small business policy, workforce development, infrastructure, capital access, and private-sector growth across the Nation. The conversation will focus on the economic realities facing Navajo entrepreneurs and rural reservation communities.

“Economic development on the Navajo Nation cannot just mean attracting outside investment,” said Heather Fleming (Diné), executive director of Change Labs. “It has to mean creating the conditions for Navajo people to build wealth, own businesses, create jobs, and participate fully in the economy on our own terms.”

Fleming added that many Navajo entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers despite local demand. “Access to capital, infrastructure gaps, land-use complexity, and limited support continue to slow down businesses that could otherwise thrive,” she said. “This forum is an opportunity for community members to hear directly from presidential candidates about their vision for the Navajo economy and how they plan to turn economic challenges into real opportunities for Navajo communities.”

“The Navajo Nation is at a critical moment in its economic development,” said Brett Isaac (Diné), CEO of Navajo Power and board chair of Change Labs. “Our economy needs a comprehensive strategy to address and overcome these challenges. Our leadership must match our ambition to have a strong and sustainable economy with sound policy and decision making. This is why it is important to hear what our candidates intend to enable and how.”

All declared candidates in the Navajo Nation presidential race have been invited to participate. The event is open to the public, and community members, entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and workforce professionals are encouraged to attend.

To increase accessibility across the Navajo Nation, the forum will feature Geri Hongeva, who is fluent in both Diné Bizaad and English, as master of ceremonies. The event will also be live streamed at three public watch parties hosted by Change Labs. They will take place at both Change Labs’ Entrepreneurship Hubs locations:

Tuba City E-Ship Hub — 64 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ 86045

Shiprock E-Ship Hub — Unit 10, Tse Bit Ai Shopping Center, Shiprock, NM 87420

Watch parties will open at 4:30 p.m. and include light refreshments, networking opportunities, and vending opportunities.

The live program will also include questions submitted by members of the public and real-time audience polling.

The Presidential Forum on the Navajo Economy will take place Friday, July 17, 2026, at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort (22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004). The event will begin with a candidate meet-and-greet at 4:30 p.m., followed by the formal forum from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information about the forum, please visit Presidential Forum
on the Navajo Economy.