Federal Policy, Advocacy, Partnerships & Action

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Networking Breakfast

9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Opening Video/Welcome

• Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

9:35 AM

Opening Sound Bath/Meditation

9:45-10:00 AM
Morning Keynote: Cannabis as Indigenous Medicine
A conversation about cannabis, healing, and the growing recognition of its therapeutic potential. Steph Sherer will explore the evolution of cannabis as medicine, the role of patient advocacy and research, and the opportunities for Indigenous communities to shape the future of cannabis-based healthcare while honoring traditional knowledge and Tribal sovereignty.

Speakers:

• Steph Sherer - Executive Director, Americans for Safe Access

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Federal Tribal Cannabis Policy Update
The federal landscape for Tribal cannabis and hemp is evolving rapidly. This timely policy discussion will examine the latest developments in Congress, DEA scheduling, USDA Tribal hemp programs, FDA oversight, Indian Health Service considerations, Treasury guidance, cannabis banking, tax reform, and other federal policies affecting Tribal Nations. Panelists will translate these developments into practical implications for Tribal governments and enterprises and identify opportunities for Tribes to engage directly with federal agencies and policymakers.

Speakers:

• Samantha Skenandore, Founding Partner, Skenandore Wilson LLP

• Lenny Fineday, General Council, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

• Judge Mary Celeste (Retired), Professor, California Western School of Law

• Cat Packer, Director, Drug Policy Alliance

Moderator:

• Morgan Fox, Political Director, NORML

10:50 AM – 11:10 AM

Fireside Chat: Ahman Green w/Rob Pero

• Ahman Green, Founder, Ahman Green Foundation

• Rob Pero, CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Building Coalitions & Capitol Hill Advocacy Workshop
Effective advocacy requires more than a strong policy position—it requires relationships, coordination, and a clear strategy. This interactive workshop will provide Tribal leaders and advocates with practical tools for building national coalitions, developing shared policy priorities, engaging congressional offices, and communicating effectively with policymakers. Participants will leave with strategies they can use to strengthen Tribal voices in Washington and build broader support for Tribal priorities.

Speakers:

• Kebra Smith Bolden, Owner, LIT New Haven and Executive Board Member, Supernova Women

• Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director, Marijuana Justice 

• Cat Packer, Director, Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

Moderator:

• Mike Lomuto, Minority Cannabis Business Association

 

12:00 PM – 12:10 PM

Remarks: Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director,  CANNRA

12:10 PM – 12:30 PM
Capitol Hill Strategy Session
A hands-on strategy session focused on turning Tribal priorities into federal action. Participants will examine how to prepare for congressional meetings, identify key decision-makers, develop effective talking points, coordinate with Tribal and industry partners, and build momentum beyond a single Hill visit. The session will focus on practical strategies for maximizing Tribal influence and advancing legislative and regulatory priorities.

Speakers:​

• Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

• Rob Pero, CEO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Intertribal Trade & Economic Partnerships The future of Tribal cannabis may depend not only on individual Tribal enterprises, but on the strength of the relationships between them. This session will explore opportunities for intertribal trade, shared infrastructure, strategic partnerships, regional supply chains, joint ventures, and other models for Tribal-to-Tribal economic collaboration. Panelists will discuss how Tribes can work together to build stronger markets, retain economic value within Indian Country, and create opportunities that individual enterprises may not be able to achieve alone.

Speakers:

• Tim Gordon, CEO, Gordon Cannabis Group

• Ross John, Businessman, Film Producer, and former Councilor of the Seneca Nation

• Leslie Powless, Chair, Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC)

• Ben Fenner, Attorney, Native Law Group

 

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Federal Hemp Ban: What Comes Next?

This panel will examine the proposed federal hemp ban and its potential impact on the rapidly evolving hemp industry. Panelists will explore the policy and legal changes behind the ban, what they could mean for hemp-derived products and businesses, and how the new framework may affect consumers, farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and state regulators.

Speakers:

• Patrick Atagi, President and CEO, National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC)

• Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, U.S. Hemp Roundtable

• Beau Whitney, Chief Economist, Whitney Economics

Moderator:

• Hunter Buffington, Industrial Hemp Policy and Supply Chain Expert

​

4:00-4:45 PM

Tribal Regulatory Innovation

Tribes have an opportunity to build regulatory systems that reflect their unique governmental authority, community priorities, and economic goals. This session will showcase innovative approaches to Tribal cannabis regulation, including licensing, compliance, public safety, testing, taxation, enforcement, and market development. Panelists will share lessons from Tribal regulatory programs and explore how Tribes can create effective frameworks that support both responsible industry growth and Tribal sovereignty.

Speakers:

• Danielle Hernandez, Director of the Cannabis Practice, Gilbert Insurance Group

• Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director - CANNRA

• Yolanda Clarke, Attorney, Vicente LLP

• Mark Levitan, Levitan Law Group

• Matthew Klas, Co-Founder, KlasRobinson QED

Moderator:

• Cat Packer, Director, Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

​

5:00-5:30 PM

Summit Closing Session

7:00-9:00 PM
AWARDS RECEPTION

• Advocate of the Year

• Ally of the Year

• Tribal Enterprise of the Year