2025 AGENDA
Breaking Down Barriers, Beyond Borders:
Indigenous Rising in Plant Medicine
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Tuesday, November 11
Venue: Matchbox - Capitol Hill, 521 8th Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20003
3:00 PM
WELCOME NETWORKING, PRE-REGISTRATION & FEDERAL LOBBYING OVERVIEW
Kick off the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association’s Policy Summit with an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community!
5:00 PM
Starting at 5 PM, join fellow attendees, speakers, and industry leaders for a relaxed Welcome Networking & Happy Hour designed to set the tone for an inspiring summit experience. Enjoy refreshments, light bites, and good company as you meet tribal leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the country working to shape the future of Indigenous cannabis.
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Wednesday, November 12
Venue: The 507, 507 8th Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003
8:30 AM
COFFEE, BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING
REGISTRATION OPEN
10:00 AM
WELCOME PRAYER & OPENING TOBACCO CEREMONY
Sebastian Medina-Tayac, Founder, Red Cedar Farms & Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice Advocate, Piscataway Indian Nation
SUMMIT WELCOME & AGENDA OVERVIEW
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
ICIA BOARD WELCOME
10:30 AM
FEDERAL & TRIBAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Hear the latest federal and tribal legislative developments shaping the cannabis industry. Experts will unpack evolving laws, pending federal actions, and how tribes are asserting sovereignty in cannabis governance across Indian Country.
This panel is made possible thanks to the generosity of Quarles.
Moderated by:
Samantha Skenandore, Founding Partner, Skenandore Wilson & Board Member, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Jason Tarasek, Attorney, Vicente LLP
Keith Anderson, Partner, AIM Law
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., President, The Ethiopian World Incorporated
11:30 AM
FIRESIDE CHAT: DATA IS CHIEF
This Fireside Chat explores how tribes can use data to inform policy, ensure regulatory compliance, measure community impact, and attract investment.
Moderated by:
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelist:
Beau Whitney, Founder and Principal, Whitney Economics
12:00 PM
HUMAN RESOURCES & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Learn about the process of HR integration in business and leadership development and how to think beyond a “one size fits all” model.
Amanda Eastling, Director, Human Resources, Prairie Island Pezi
12:15 PM
LUNCH at Matchbox Pizza - 521 8th Street SE
Step next door to Matchbox Pizza and enjoy gourmet slices, salad, refreshments, and a chance to network between panel discussions.
1:15 PM
BRIDGING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES HERE AND ABROAD
Join Indigenous leaders and global advocates for a discussion on connecting Native communities worldwide through shared economic, cultural, and policy frameworks around cannabis, sustainability, and traditional plant medicine.
Alicia Fall, Founder, Her Many Voices Foundation
1:45 PM
NATIONAL TRIBAL HEMP & CANNABIS UPDATES: Task Forces, Working Groups and Cooperatives in Indian Country
Hear directly from members of the National Tribal Cannabis Task Force as they share progress on key initiatives, policy advocacy, and collaboration with federal partners aimed at advancing tribal cannabis sovereignty and safety.
Moderated by:
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Dionne Holmquist, Director, Makoce Agricultural Development
Hunter Buffington, Director, Ag Policy Solutions
2:35 PM
FROM SURVIVING TO SUSTAINING TO SOVEREIGNITY
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., President, The Ethiopian World Incorporated
2:55 PM
TRIBAL CANNABIS REGULATORS: INSIGHTS FROM WEST TO EAST COAST
Regulators from tribes across the country offer insights into the diverse approaches to licensing, compliance, and community oversight. Learn how regional differences influence regulatory structures and what best practices are emerging nationwide.
Moderated by:
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Gillian Schauer, Executive Director, CANNRA
Dawn Houle, Founder, Indigenous Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Cannabis
William “Bill” Evans, Tribal Council Member, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN)
3:45 PM
DEA LICENSING: A CASE STUDY BY FED GROW AND ICU LAW
Moderated by:
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
AJ Moreno, CEO, Fed Grow
Dr Daniela Vergara, Plant and Genomic Marking Scientist &
Emerging Crop Specialist, Cornell University
Shaun Land, President, Irvine Labs Inc
4:20 PM
UPDATES ON HIGH PROFILE INDIAN COUNTRY CANNABIS LITIGATION
Legal experts will review major court cases and rulings that are redefining cannabis policy in Indian Country. The discussion will highlight how litigation outcomes are influencing tribal sovereignty and shaping future industry frameworks.
Moderated by:
Jana Simmons, Attorney, Ropers Majeski PC
Panelist:
Concette Tsosie-Desario, Attorney, Skenandore Wilson
5:00 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
When the conference concludes, enjoy dinner nearby at one of the many restaurants on Barracks Row, and then come back and join us for dessert and drinks at the ICIA Awards Reception!
7:00 PM
ICIA AWARDS RECEPTION
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and innovation in Indigenous cannabis! The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Awards Reception honors outstanding contributions to the growth and sustainability of the Indigenous cannabis movement across Indian Country and beyond.
Enjoy an unforgettable night filled with music, delicious refreshments, and a decadent dessert bar, as we recognize trailblazers shaping the future of this dynamic industry.
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Thursday, November 13
Venue: The 507, 507 8th Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003
8:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPEN
BREAKFAST RECEPTION: CHRIS JAMES FOR CONGRESS
Join us bright and early for hot coffee and a breakfast reception meet-and-greet with Chris James, candidate for Arizona’s 5th District.
10:00 AM
SUMMIT DAY 2 WELCOME & AGENDA OVERVIEW
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
OPENING REMARKS
Chris James, President & CEO, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
10:15 AM
PROS & CONS OF THE TRIBAL CANNABIS COMPACT: FEDERAL, STATE, AND DEA LICENSING PERSPECTIVES
This panel examines the complex landscape of tribal cannabis compacts, evaluating their benefits and challenges from federal, state, and enforcement perspectives. Panelists will discuss how compacts impact sovereignty, access, and economic growth.
Moderated by:
Mitchel Chargo, Attorney, Hinshaw Law & Board Member, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Ben Halley, Director of Tribal Operations, Honest Cannabis
Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun, Business Development Manager, Sacred Defense Fund
Zach Wilson, CEO, Waabigwan Mishkiki
Ty Padilla, CEO, Puyallup Tribal Cannabis Enterprises
11:00 AM
GROWING NATIVE BRANDS: INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & GLOBAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRIBAL COMPANIES
Explore how Native-owned cannabis brands can expand into international markets. Panelists will discuss export potential, trade agreements, and the role of Indigenous values in building globally competitive, culturally rooted enterprises.
Moderated by:
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Joseph Lanzarin, Founder, Mellow Vibes
Rodney Holcomb, Vice President, Public Policy, LeafLinks
Buster Issenock, Native Nations Cannabis
John Shute, CEO, PufCreativ
12:00 PM
ANNOUNCEMENT: INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Acting Chairman David Bean, Indian Gaming Association
12:15 PM
LUNCH by DC Central Kitchen
Enjoy sandwiches, sides and a sweet treat provided by DC Central Kitchen, a local non-profit with the. mission to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.
1:15 PM
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS IN MINNESOTA
Minnesota cannabis leaders share perspectives on how legalization and regulation are unfolding across the state’s tribal nations. Learn how tribes are navigating policy development, partnership opportunities, and community priorities in a new legal market.
Moderated by:
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Jason Tarasek, Attorney, Vicente LLP
Yolanda Clarke, Senior Attorney, Vicente LLP
Mitchel Chargo, Attorney, Hinshaw Law & Board Member, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Zach Wilson, CEO, Waabigwan Miskiki- owned by the White Earth Nation
2:15 PM
FIRESIDE CHAT: NATIVE BANKING, FINANCE, INSURANCE & INVESTMENT CAPITAL
This session dives into the financial infrastructure needed to support sustainable tribal cannabis ventures. Experts will discuss access to capital, insurance solutions, and how tribes are creating their own pathways to financial independence.
This panel is made possible thanks to the generosity of Skenandore Wilson LLP.
Moderated by:
Samantha Skenandore, Founding Partner, Skenandore Wilson & Board Member, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Panelists:
Ross Sloan, Senior Vice President & Cannabis Banking Officer, Dart Bank
Stacy Litke - Vice President, Banking Programs, Green Check Verified
Erica Sloan, Franchise Owner, Dope CFO
3:15 PM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: TRIBAL COMMUNITY WELLNESS: A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH
Learn how data is being used to measure and improve wellness outcomes in tribal communities. From mental health to substance use prevention, Dr Rosado talk highlights evidence-based strategies that align traditional healing with modern analytics.
This presentation is made possible thanks to the generosity of Dr. Rosado.
Dr. Joseph Rosado, Medical Cannabis Certifying Physician, DocMJ & Board Member, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Introduction by:
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
4:00 PM
CLOSING GROUP CEREMONY
Rob Pero, Founder and CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Mary Jane Oatman, COO and Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
NETWORKING & REFRESHMENTS
After the conference concludes, enjoy exclusive networking and then stay for the closing reception at 5:00pm.
5:00 PM
CLOSING RECEPTION - JUSTIN FOR US
Join us after the conference for drinks and snacks at a reception in support of Friends of Justin Strekal. Admission is free for ICIA Summit attendees, but if you feel so inclined, you can make a donation here.