Inside the Arrowhead Tribal Program’s approach to risk
Some insurance programs are born from industry trends. Others from regulatory shifts. The Arrowhead Tribal Program came from something deeper: a mission to protect Native American tribes with solutions that respect sovereignty, support progress and reflect the complexities woven into every tribal community. Since its start in 1987, that focus has guided the program’s evolution — helping it grow alongside the communities it serves. Its goal has never been to offer standard insurance coverage but rather listen, learn and create customized solutions that reflect the strength and values of each tribe.
Over nearly four decades, the program has continued to refine its approach and deepen its relationships. The transition from On Point Underwriting to Arrowhead Tribal in 2016 further crystallized the program’s commitment to aligning with tribal priorities. And most recently, with Tiffany Poletti stepping into leadership as Tribal Program Leader, the program continues to evolve with intention and a fresh perspective.
“I am excited to lead this program with such an amazing team and broker relationships,” says Poletti. “By leveraging the Arrowhead Tribal team’s extensive experience, we look forward to building out our capabilities to deliver an improved client experience.”
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Among the team’s goals is expanding its support for Native American tribes as they navigate increasingly complex risks. Because risk doesn’t stand still. It shifts and changes, just like the communities it affects.
Understanding the risks others overlook
There are the obvious risks and exposures — catastrophic weather events, property damage, liability issues — but there are also risks shaped by geography, governance and cultural priorities. Some tribes operate in remote areas, where infrastructure is limited and response times can be long. Others navigate a complex web of tribal, federal and local regulations, each adding a layer of complexity to everyday operations.
And then, there are the industries themselves. Tribal enterprises stretch across sectors like gaming, education, natural resources, tourism and community services — each facing unique risks that don’t always fit into standard coverage models. That’s why solutions are never one-size-fits-all.
“We’ve learned over time that every tribal enterprise is unique,” says Brett Barnsley, vice president of Tribal. “Our longevity in this business helps us understand the complex exposures of tribal governments and their enterprises.”
Whether it’s property coverage, workers’ benefits or cyber liability, each policy must be molded by a deeper understanding of how tribes operate, what exposures are most pressing and what solutions will be most meaningful to a specific business.
Listening, learning and building trust
The Arrowhead Tribal team understands that trust doesn’t come with a policy document. Trust is built by having the conversations that lead to a deep understanding of what matters most to the tribal communities they serve.
“Insuring tribal enterprises isn’t just about policies and premiums. It’s about understanding sovereignty, respecting culture and building trust,” says Leeanna Kersey, tribal underwriter and marketing communications lead. That’s how the team approaches their work.
It starts with listening. Listening to each tribe’s unique challenges and understanding their goals. And then, it’s about learning. Learning firsthand how the enterprise operates and staying involved as risks and priorities change. Learning also means attending conferences, following industry shifts and regularly connecting with the tribal leaders who know their businesses better than anyone else.
This is where the Arrowhead Tribal team’s deep knowledge comes from. Not from a manual, but from being present and knowing that risk isn’t just about losses. Sometimes, it’s about protecting culture, honoring traditions and safeguarding resources that stretch beyond dollar values. It’s this innate understanding that has allowed the team to make a meaningful impact and build solutions that stand the test of time.
Navigating complexity
No two tribes are alike. That’s why the Arrowhead Tribal team is measured and methodical in its approach. They focus on asking the right questions, paying close attention to the details and recognizing the regulatory landscape that shapes each business. And they must also understand the unique realities of tribal governance. However, navigating jurisdictional laws, sovereignty and tribal court systems isn’t something learned overnight. This type of work requires years of experience and working closely with claims specialists who know the challenges firsthand, from FTCA protections to complex litigation structures.
When any misstep or misunderstanding can lead to costly gaps in coverage, it’s not about being fast — it’s about being right. Whether it’s helping a gaming enterprise protect against cyber risks, advising a school system on emergency response or supporting natural resource enterprises in navigating environmental exposures, the program’s focus is always the same: creating solutions that reflect the specific realities of each tribe and most importantly, stand up to real-world risks.
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When it comes to protecting Native American tribes, it’s not enough to know the industry. Agents must know the people, the culture, the priorities. And that’s what sets this program apart.
Evolving with intention
The risks facing tribes will continue to evolve. And so will the Arrowhead Tribal Program. What won’t change is its focus on thoughtful insurance solutions informed by meaningful conversations, informed decisions and a deep respect for the tribal communities the program supports.
Every policy written will continue to be rooted in trust and shaped by understanding. It will be more than a safety net. It will be a commitment to building something stronger — not just for today, but for tomorrow. Because protecting Native American tribes is more than mitigating risk; it’s respecting sovereignty, honoring culture and supporting progress and possibility.