Walking Two Worlds: A Native American Woman’s Handbook for Tribal Administration

Tribal administration requires more than managing programs, budgets, personnel, and deadlines. It requires the ability to walk between cultural responsibility and contemporary government systems while protecting sovereignty, serving the community, and preparing the way for future generations.In Walking Two Worlds, Shalene Ortega shares practical guidance grounded in her perspective as a Native American woman and Tribal Administrator. She explores the realities of leading Tribal government operations while navigating federal requirements, community relationships, governing authority, cultural values, workplace challenges, and the often-unseen expectations placed upon Native women in leadership.This handbook addresses: - Tribal sovereignty and governing authority - Tribal Council and administrative responsibilities - Organizational structure and employee accountability - Strategic planning and community engagement - Financial management and federal grant compliance - Government-to-government relationships - Land, natural resources, and cultural responsibility - Personnel challenges and difficult conversations - Indigenous data governance and technology - Leadership boundaries, continuity, and successionThe book also includes 14 practical worksheets that help Tribal administrators and organizational leaders document decisions, organize priorities, prepare Council materials, review purchases, manage risk, protect Tribal information, and strengthen accountability.Every Tribal Nation is distinct. This handbook does not offer a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it encourages readers to apply each lesson according to their Nation's constitution, laws, customs, policies, and community priorities.Walking Two Worlds is written for Tribal administrators, executive directors, Tribal Council support staff, program directors, grant managers, Native women leaders, and professionals preparing to serve Tribal communities.Lead with respect. Act with clarity. Protect sovereignty. Prepare the path for those who will follow.