Welcome to the December Issue of our Newsletter!
As we look back on 2025, we are proud to reflect on a year defined by growth, visibility, and meaningful progress for Indigenous leadership in the cannabis and hemp industries. From policy conversations and national convenings to new platforms for connection and collaboration, this year marked several important milestones for the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association.
In this issue:
2025 Wisconsin Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit
2025 Reservation Economic Summit
Tribal Cannabis & Hemp Programs Map
Masters of the Green
Oaksterdam Partnership
2025 Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit in DC
2025 Indigenous Cannabis Village at MJBizCon
The Wisconsin Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit, hosted by the Sokaogon Chippewa Community at Mole Lake Casino, brought together Tribal leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and advocates for a timely and impactful convening focused on the future of cannabis and hemp in Wisconsin and beyond. The Summit created space for informed dialogue around evolving federal and state policy, Tribal sovereignty, market readiness, and economic opportunity. Our Board Member Dr. Joseph Rosado was even adopted into the Sokaogon Chippewa Community for all the work he has done to promote plant medicine.
ICIA AT RES 2025
At RES 2025, ICIA was proud to participate in a powerful panel discussion titled “The Future of the Workforce in Native Hemp and Cannabis” hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). The conversation centered on the importance of food sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and the creation of sustainable, tribally driven systems that strengthen Native economies and support long-term prosperity.
ICIA’s leadership and partners shared insights on workforce development, intertribal collaboration, and economic self-determination within the evolving hemp and cannabis industries. Panelists included Mary Jane Oatman, ICIA Executive Director; Rob Pero, ICIA President & CEO; Samantha Skenandore, ICIA Advisory Council member; Ty Padilla, CEO of Puyallup Tribal Cannabis Enterprises; Michael Decorah, Senior Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin; and Tony Reider of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.
We are grateful to NCAIED for convening this important dialogue and to everyone who joined us at RES 2025 to engage in conversations shaping the future of Native hemp and cannabis workforce development.
TRIBAL CANNABIS AND HEMP PROGRAMS MAP
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ICIA partnered with Vicente LLP in to launch the first‑of‑its‑kind Tribal Cannabis and Hemp Programs Map, an interactive resource illustrating the reach and diversity of sovereign cannabis and hemp initiatives across Indigenous communities in the United States.
This groundbreaking collaboration provides policymakers, industry stakeholders, and Tribal leaders with a clearer view of emerging Tribal market participation and economic development opportunities, spotlighting how Tribes are shaping their own regulatory and enterprise landscapes. To learn more about this innovative effort and the broader story of Tribal engagement in cannabis and hemp, check out the Forbes article here:
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In September, ICIA was excited to announce our new partnership with Oaksterdam University, offering ICIA members 10% off courses, certifications, and access to their knowledge base. This was an incredible opportunity to deepen expertise and stay in touch with the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
In collaboration of this partnership, ICIA’s September Lunch & Learn titled “Cannabis: Overcoming Roadblocks and Getting Future Ready,” featured Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University. Dale shared actionable insights on navigating industry challenges and preparing businesses and Tribal enterprises for long-term success, reinforcing the value of education, strategy, and innovation for ICIA members.
If interested, more information on courses and certifications offered can be found at the link below.
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THE DC INDIGENOUS CANNABIS
INDUSTRY & POLICY SUMMIT
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The Indigenous Cannabis Industry & Policy Summit in Washington, DC, held in November, brought Tribal leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and advocates together for meaningful dialogue at the intersection of sovereignty, regulation, and economic development. The summit created space for critical conversations on federal policy, Tribal cannabis and hemp programs, and the future of Indigenous participation in the national cannabis landscape.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the ICIA Awards, recognizing leaders and organizations whose work continues to advance Tribal self-determination, innovation, and responsible growth within the cannabis and hemp industries. Congratulations again to
Ally of the Year: Vicente LLP
Advocate of the Year: Alicia Fall
Indigenous Brand of the Year: Prairie Band Ag
Tribal Enterprise of the Year: Puyallup Tribal Cannabis Enterprises
Gary Farmer Trouble Maker Award: Nick Wadena
The summit also marked the soft launch of ICIA’s new Members Portal, introducing a dedicated online space for connection, resources, and ongoing discussion. This portal will become a core member benefit in 2026, with full access available to Emerald-level members and above, supporting year-round engagement beyond ICIA events.
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