Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Reservation Economic Summit

Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Leads the Charge at 2025 Reservation Economic Summit

This March, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) is bringing its bold vision to the forefront of the 2025 Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of indigenous rights, culture, and the plant-based economy. The ICIA’s participation is more than just a speaking engagement—it’s a full-scale spotlight on the future of Native cannabis entrepreneurship and economic sovereignty.

On March 10, ICIA’s founder Rob Pero (Bad River) and Executive Director Mary Jane Oatman (Nez Perce) will take the stage at RES to tackle pressing topics such as the future of Native hemp and cannabis industries. Alongside them will be a powerhouse panel including Ty Padilla, CEO of Puyallup Tribal Cannabis Enterprises; Tony Reider, President of Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe; Samantha Skenandore, Partner at Patterson Real Bird & Wilson LLP; and Michael Decorah, Senior Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin.

A Vision of Self-Sufficiency and Intratribal Commerce

As the cannabis industry faces regulatory challenges, fragmented state and federal policies, and rising competition, Pero and Oatman are quick to point out that indigenous communities hold the key to leading the way. “As the cannabis industry emerges as a segmented and disjointed industry with obstacles from state and federal policy, our Indigenous communities have the unique ability to lead interstate commerce,” says Pero, who is also the founder of Wisconsin’s first independent Indigenous-owned hemp farm and cannabis retailer, Canndigenous.

He continues, “Intratribal cannabis commerce is the biggest opportunity in cannabis today, and its healing benefits go beyond economic development to increasing accessibility for traditional plant medicine.”

By facilitating intratribal commerce, ICIA is focused on ensuring that Native American communities can control and benefit from cannabis production, distribution, and sales within their territories. This model emphasizes self-sufficiency while honoring the medicinal practices that have long been rooted in Native American traditions.

New Pathways for Tourism and Economic Growth

Later in the day, Pero, Oatman, and ICIA Board Member Colin Price will participate in the panel discussion “Growing Tourism in Cannabis: Tribes Blazing Trails in Agricultural & Global Tourism,” alongside Blake Johnson, President of Prairie Island CBH, and Jay Wright, Operations Manager of Little Beach Harvest. The conversation will dive into how the cannabis industry can drive sustainable tourism and create economic opportunities, focusing on agricultural tourism and cannabis-related events as a bridge between traditional practices and modern business opportunities.

The ICIA’s presence at RES isn’t just about policy discussions—it’s about building relationships, fostering new business opportunities, and creating pathways for collaboration between tribal governments, entrepreneurs, and the wider industry.

A Night of Networking, Healing, and Celebrating Culture

As the day of panels wraps up, the ICIA will host its Ascend Reception from 7-9 pm, an exclusive networking event in partnership with the Indigenous Business Group, Perodigm Media, and Mavid Red. The reception will feature Chef Sean Sherman, known for his work in revitalizing Indigenous food culture, along with a range of other special guests. The evening promises to be a fusion of celebration, culture, and connection, underscoring the growing momentum behind Native-led cannabis businesses and advocacy efforts.

A Path Toward a Just and Sustainable Future

The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association is a pivotal force in the emerging landscape of Native cannabis businesses. With a mission to empower, educate, and connect indigenous entrepreneurs, the ICIA provides critical resources and advocacy to ensure that Native communities are at the forefront of this growing industry. By pushing for policies that support indigenous sovereignty and economic independence, the ICIA envisions a future where Native nations can thrive in the cannabis economy—while honoring traditional practices and promoting the holistic healing properties of the plant.

About ICIA:

The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, developing, and advancing the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities. The organization advocates for and empowers Native cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs, and influencers while serving as a conduit for information and connection within Indigenous Nations. ICIA aims to create a sustainable, equitable, and just Indigenous cannabis economy, pushing forward with a vision of empowerment and opportunity for Native communities.

To learn more about ICIA and their ongoing work, visit indigenouscannabis.org; @indigenouscannabisindustry

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