Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Responds to Federal Funding Freeze Correction: A Call to Action for Sovereignty and Economic Independence
In a bold and pointed statement today, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), led by President Rob Pero, called upon Indigenous communities across the United States to take greater control of their economic futures in the wake of the recent rescission of a federal funding freeze. This quick reversal by the White House Office of Management and Budget — a decision that had previously thrown Indian Country into uncertainty — is being hailed as a much-needed correction. But according to Pero and the ICIA, the incident should serve as a wake-up call for Indigenous nations, urging them to build self-sustaining, sovereign economies that cannot be disrupted by the whims of federal policy.
“The recent decision to reverse the freeze is a necessary correction to a reckless policy,” Pero remarked, “but it underscores a critical truth: our communities cannot afford to be at the mercy of shifting federal policies that threaten essential services, treaty obligations, and economic stability.”
The federal funding freeze, issued earlier in the year, temporarily suspended billions of dollars in critical funding to Native American tribes, creating immediate disruption in essential services. These services — from healthcare to infrastructure development — are often heavily reliant on federal support. While the freeze was reversed quickly, the incident was an unwelcome reminder of the fragility of federal support, particularly when it comes to Indigenous communities.
A Call for Sovereignty Through Economic Empowerment
Pero's response is one of both frustration and resolve. “One of the primary reasons the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association was founded was to create financial sovereignty for our people—outside of gaming, and outside of federal funding,” Pero continues. “We need to stop looking to Washington for solutions and start building economic foundations that we control.”

That vision of self-reliance is where the cannabis industry comes into play. The ICIA’s central message is clear: cannabis and hemp are not just the latest economic opportunities — they are lifelines. By harnessing their inherent sovereignty and economic advantages, Indigenous communities have a unique opportunity to create sustainable industries that aren’t just about revenue but also workforce development, health and wellness, and long-term resilience.
Cannabis isn’t simply about profit. For Pero, it's about transforming economies from within. “This is more than just a financial opportunity; it’s a chance to reinforce our sovereignty and autonomy,” he adds. “Tribal nations need to assess how they can leverage these industries to safeguard the future of our people. Cannabis can be an avenue to break free from dependency on federal funding and become more self-sustaining, creating circular economies that serve our people first.”
The Future of the Indigenous Cannabis Economy
The ICIA’s call to action is both urgent and optimistic. As cannabis continues to gain legitimacy nationwide — in terms of both medical and recreational use — Indigenous communities are poised to capitalize on a growing market. According to ICIA, cannabis and hemp offer a range of economic benefits, from agricultural development to creating jobs in manufacturing, retail, and research. For many tribal communities, these industries represent not only financial opportunities but a means of reclaiming their cultural and economic independence.
Pero’s background as the founder of Canndigenous — Wisconsin’s first independent Indigenous-owned hemp company — provides a powerful example of the potential for growth and innovation in the sector. But the movement is larger than any single individual. The ICIA is a national organization dedicated to fostering Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs, while also serving as a conduit for data and connection for Indigenous Nations. Their vision is a robust and equitable Indigenous cannabis economy — one built on empowerment, sustainability, and autonomy.
But despite the potential, challenges remain. Across the country, many tribes continue to face legal and financial barriers in entering the cannabis space. Federal regulations, tribal sovereignty issues, and barriers to capital investment are still significant hurdles. However, ICIA’s advocacy is focused on dismantling those barriers and ensuring that Indigenous businesses have a seat at the table, with a clear pathway to success.
As Rob Pero aptly puts it, “We must build strong economic foundations that can withstand the shifting tides of external forces. The time to take control of our own destinies is now. Let’s capitalize on the opportunities in front of us and create an economy that serves our people first.”
In these turbulent times, the message is clear: the power to shape the future lies within Indigenous communities. And cannabis could be the key to unlocking that potential.
About Rob Pero and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Rob Pero is a Bad River Ojibwe tribal member and a leader in the Indigenous cannabis movement. He is the founder of Canndigenous, Wisconsin’s first independent Indigenous-owned hemp company, and the founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, a leading national advocacy organization. The ICIA works tirelessly to promote the growth of the Indigenous cannabis sector, advocating for policy reform, fostering entrepreneurship, and building networks to support Indigenous businesses in the cannabis space.
To learn more about ICIA’s strategic vision and priorities, visit indigenouscannabis.org.
Let us know if you'd like to arrange an interview with Rob Pero or a member of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association for more insights into their work and the future of the Indigenous cannabis economy.