WISCONSIN — The National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit, hosted by the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), will take place Nov. 15-16 in Washington D.C., to bring together Tribal leaders, elected and government officials, business, healthcare, veterans groups, and advocacy organizations and to provide solutions to the most pressing cannabis-related challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities. Registration is free and open to the public at indigenouscannabissummit.com.
The Washington, D.C.-based policy summit highlights the importance of Tribal hemp and cannabis advocacy and is a platform to discuss the complexities of cannabis legalization with an emphasis on defending the sovereign right of Indigenous communities to build sustainable growth in the cannabis and hemp industries.
“The ICIA is hosting the National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit this month to create a space for Indigenous communities to come together and discuss ways we can build economic opportunities in cannabis for Indian Country,” says Rob Pero, founder of ICIA and Wisconsin-based hemp company Canndigenous. “We’re laying the foundation for Tribal communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs to work together to navigate the complexities of state, federal, and Tribal legislation.”
The National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit takes place in the heart of Washington, D.C., just steps for the National Mall and Monuments. Tuesday, Nov. 15, will be centered on education and discussion, with programming to include speakers from leaders across cannabis verticals. The lineup of speakers for the Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit will include: Charles Galbraith (Jenner and Block), Chenae Bullock (Little Beach Harvest Shinnecock Nation), Lindsey Renner (Native Humboldt Farms), Brendan Johnson (Robins and Kaplan, Former United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota), as well as political representatives including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), Senator Cory Booker (NJ), Senator Rob Wyden (OR), Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), and Representative Dave Joyce (OH). View the full lineup of speakers on the event website.
“The ultimate goal of this policy convening is for Indian Country’s voice to be heard loud and clear,” says ICIA Executive Director Mary Jane Oatman. “ICIA is leading with the needed resources and is gathering leaders from all areas of cannabis and policy, with an emphasis on agricultural development, to share the current success of tribes.”
The second day of the summit, Wednesday, Nov. 16, is a day of advocacy and action, where Representative Earl Blumenhauer (OR) will deliver a keynote address and Scheril Murray Powell (JUSTUS Foundation) will provide a recap of the summit and a call-to-action.
“We’re hitting Capitol Hill on Wednesday to amplify our message,” says Oatman. “We would like to see the federal government recognize and understand the importance of deference to Tribal sovereignty. We also ask them to recognize that addressing Tribal cannabis policy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and consultation with Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations on cannabis reform is imperative.”
The ICIA exists to build an equitable and sustainable Indigenous cannabis industry through sensible policy, empowerment, and connection. To learn more about ICIA’s strategic vision and priorities, visit indigenouscannabis.org.
About Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association exists to promote the exploration, development, and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities. ICIA is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of our Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs along with being a conduit of connection and data for Indigenous Nations as we push towards a vision of an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.
