Government Relations - Thunderbird Strategic LLC

Government Relations & Communications

Native American Advocacy

At Thunderbird Strategic, we believe that meaningful advocacy begins with more than just a presence in Washington—it requires purpose, partnership, and precision. The core of any successful government relations strategy is the ability to clearly and compellingly communicate a client’s policy priorities to the right people, at the right time, in the right way.

Our approach to Native American advocacy is rooted in deep engagement. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies that reflect not only the urgency of their policy goals, but also the cultural, legal, and economic dimensions that make them unique. Simply put, cookie-cutter approaches don’t work. Our team understands the nuances of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, and the intersection of governance and business development.

With years of experience navigating Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and the broader policymaking environment, Thunderbird Strategic delivers the kind of trusted, thoughtful advocacy that turns ideas into outcomes. We don’t just represent Native interests—we help define and drive them forward.

Advocacy the Thunderbird Strategic Way

At Thunderbird Strategic, advocacy is not guesswork—it’s a disciplined, data-driven process rooted in trust, clarity, and results. We bring structure and creativity to each engagement, building tailored campaigns that reflect the uniqueness of each client and the complexity of the policy landscape in Washington, DC. Our six-phase approach is designed to transform client priorities into meaningful, measurable outcomes.

1. Deep Discovery: Understanding the Client’s Policy Landscape

Before launching any campaign, we invest in understanding every dimension of a client’s concerns. Through in-depth conversations and strategic analysis, we unpack the legal, economic, and political aspects of each issue—ensuring the entire Thunderbird team is aligned with the client’s goals from day one.

2. Message Architecture: Building the Narrative

Once priorities are defined, our team works collaboratively with the client to craft sharp, compelling messaging—fact-based, visually engaging, and tailored to resonate with decision-makers. Whether one-pagers, executive memos, or briefing books, each deliverable serves a precise purpose in the campaign.

3. Target Mapping: Identifying Committees, Agencies, and Influence Points

Our government relations team pinpoints the relevant congressional committees and federal agencies where the issues have jurisdiction. From appropriations to oversight, we identify not just where decisions are made, but who has the power to shape outcomes.

4. The Power Circle: Strategic Targeting with Precision

Leveraging our proprietary “Power Circle” model, we identify the high-impact members of Congress and senior officials whose influence can unlock legislative or administrative progress. This customized targeting ensures our advocacy strikes where it matters most.

5. Campaign Activation & Performance Framework

With all the elements in place—clear issues, strong messaging, targeted audiences—we co-develop a launch plan with the client. Each advocacy campaign includes a timeline, defined performance milestones, and a system for tracking measurable progress, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.

6. Strategic Analytics & Continuous Optimization

Advocacy is dynamic, and so is our approach. We monitor real-time progress against identified metrics and continuously adjust our tactics to stay aligned with client expectations. Detailed monthly reports ensure clients are informed, engaged, and empowered to assess impact.

Strategic Communications: Elevating the Message

In today’s crowded information landscape, visibility is everything. Thunderbird Strategic pairs advocacy with media strategy to amplify the client’s message through thoughtful, coordinated public relations and media outreach—ensuring the right story reaches the right audience at the right time.

Our communications team builds campaigns that move across all platforms—from Capitol Hill to cable news to tribal radio—carefully integrating PR with legislative strategy to ensure consistency and clarity. We specialize in aligning government relations efforts with impactful media and messaging campaigns that spark attention, deepen relationships, and drive engagement.

Communications the Thunderbird Strategic Way

Our Communications Services Include:

1. Public Relations
We develop and implement results-driven strategies designed to enhance public awareness and support policy priorities. Whether short-term issue response or long-term brand building, we create integrated solutions grounded in measurable outcomes.

2. Media Relations
Our team has established relationships with mainstream, tribal, and specialized outlets. We create and pitch stories, place Op-Eds, and develop press materials that reflect the voice and vision of our clients.

3. Message Development & Coaching
We provide speechwriting, talking points, press statements, Q&A prep, and media coaching to ensure clients feel confident delivering their message in high-profile settings.

4. Op-Ed Placement & Editorial Engagement
We help shape the public narrative by drafting and placing opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and contributed columns in both regional and national outlets.

At Thunderbird Strategic, our communications and advocacy teams work in lockstep—ensuring that every public-facing message supports your policy goals and that every policy effort is amplified in the public sphere. We don’t just tell your story—we make sure it’s heard by the people who need to hear it.

Request More Information