Wiring the Rez Conference Agenda (Tentative)

February 18-20, 2026

Overview

This agenda outlines the “Wiring the Rez” Conference, focusing on bringing digital connectivity to tribal lands. The conference will feature keynotes, dual-track panel presentations, a site visit, and networking receptions.

Conference Schedule

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. | Pre-Session: Community Site Visits at Gila River Indian Community

Wiring the Rez is proud to announce an immersive pre-conference site visit to the Gila River Indian Community. This unique opportunity offers attendees direct insight into the intersection of community-driven infrastructure, cultural stewardship, and digital innovation in Indian Country. Participants will have the choice of either a tour of Gila River Telecommunications, Inc., a leading tribally owned provider of innovative broadband solutions, or a visit to the Huhugam Heritage Center, a premier institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating O’odham and Piipaash history.

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Welcome + Check-in

Stephen Lewis, Governor at Gila River Indian Community (Invited)
Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean, Regents and Foundation Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Track A: Interactive Working Session: AI in Indian Country

This facilitated session is an interactive working meeting for conference participants to delve into the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) within Indian Country. Through structured, guided discussions, attendees will collaborate to identify shared priorities and concerns. The goal is to build consensus on potential risks, innovative opportunities, and possible pathways that best promote tribal sovereignty. World Cafe Style session.

Sean Dudley, Associate Vice President, ASU Knowledge Enterprise
Ernie Rasmussen, Executive Director of Bigfoot Communications
Leonard Bruce, Data Analyst at the Gila River Indian Community
Kristen Talbert, Assistant Director of the Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Track B1: Indian Law 101: Understanding Sovereignty, Jurisdiction, and Their Impact on Tribal Business

This foundational session provides a clear, accessible introduction to the core principles of federal Indian law and why tribes are legally and politically distinct within the United States. Panelists will explain the historical and contemporary frameworks that define tribal sovereignty, the federal trust relationship, and the unique status of tribal governments. The discussion will highlight the central role of jurisdiction—who has authority over people, land, and business activities—and why it is critical for understanding tribal governance, economic development, and regulatory compliance. Designed for attendees new to this area of law or seeking a structured refresher, this session offers essential context for anyone working with or within tribal nations and their enterprises.

Robert Miller, Jonathan and Wendy Rose Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Derrick Beetso, Professor of Practice and Executive Director, Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Track B2: Tribal Innovation Online: How Digital Enterprises Are Expanding Sovereignty and Economic Growth

This session showcases how tribal governments and tribally owned enterprises are building successful online businesses to diversify revenue and strengthen economic sovereignty. Panelists representing digital lending enterprises, online gaming operations, broadband and connectivity initiatives, and emerging e-commerce or tech service platforms will share their experiences operating in highly regulated, competitive digital markets. The discussion will highlight practical lessons on compliance, data governance, technology partnerships, and navigating federal and state oversight. Attendees will gain insight into how tribes are leveraging online models to generate sustainable revenue, support community priorities, and assert leadership in the digital economy.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception at Upper Deck

Thursday, February 19, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Morning Keynote (Acacia Ballroom)

Billy Kirkland, Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, US Department of Interior

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Political Climate (Acacia Ballroom)

Navigating the Political Landscape in Indian Country: Federal, State, and Tribal Perspectives

This session offers a comprehensive overview of the current political climate shaping Indian Country, featuring insights from national advocacy organizations, tribal leaders, and seasoned lobbyists working at both the federal and state levels. Representatives from NCAI, COLT, and government affairs professionals will assess key policy priorities, emerging legislative opportunities, and challenges confronting tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Allison Binney, Partner at Allison Binney Law/PACE Government Relations
Greg Porter, Partner at Catalyst Influence Management
Larry Wright, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Panel Sessions

Track A: Building Resilient Tribal Economies: Diversification in an Era of Shutdowns, AI, and Political Volatility

This panel examines why tribal nations must accelerate economic diversification as federal instability, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and shifting political landscapes create new risks for government dependent revenue streams. Speakers will discuss strategies for strengthening long-term economic resilience, identifying emerging sectors, and positioning tribal enterprises to thrive amid uncertainty.

Lance Morgan, CEO, HoChunk Inc (Invited)
Richard Roberts, President Digital Gaming, Mohegan Gaming

Track B: Open TBD

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Panel Sessions

Track A: Codifying Tribal Digital Sovereignty: Law in Practice

This session explores best practices for codifying digital sovereignty into enforceable law, drawing on ASU Law’s work in developing a Model Tribal Digital Sovereignty Code. Panelists will share their experiences and concrete strategies for drafting and implementing tribal codes that govern data, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure in ways that reflect Tribal values and stand up to intergovernmental and commercial pressures.

Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean, Regents and Foundation Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Sam Phillips, Legal Research Aide, LAW Legal Research Aide – Leeds – JM, ASU Law
Morgan Gray, Senior Research & Policy Analyst, ASU Law

Track B: Closing the Forgotten Mile: How Mohawk Networks and Aecon Are Expanding Broadband in Tribal Communities

Mohawk Networks LLC, owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe – Learn how the tribal owned business has formed a majority-controlled joint venture with Canadian utility contractor Aecon to connect what it calls the “forgotten mile” — tribal communities overlooked in national broadband expansion efforts.

Allyson Mitchell, General Manager of Mohawk Networks, LLC

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch & Lunch Keynote Address (Acacia Ballroom)

Chris Shilling, Under Secretary | Technology & Innovation, The Chickasaw Nation

1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Panel Sessions

Track A: Data Centers and Indian Country

This panel will explore the strategic navigation of data center development in Indian Country, focusing on opportunities and trade-offs. The discussion will cover economic benefits, energy and water resource demands, land use and regulatory considerations, tax implications, and how tribes can leverage these projects to strengthen sovereignty and achieve long-term community objectives.

Dawson Her Many Horses, Managing Director, Wells Fargo
Nicol Turner Lee, Senior Fellow, Governance Studies; Director, Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) at Brookings
Godfrey Enjady, General Manager, Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc.

Track B: AI and Economic Growth in Indian Country

This session explores how artificial intelligence can drive economic growth across Indian Country, from enhancing existing enterprises to opening new opportunities for diversification and workforce development. Panelists will share their firsthand experiences piloting AI tools, building data governance frameworks, and integrating emerging technologies into tribal operations. Discussion will focus on practical use cases, lessons learned, and strategies for adopting AI in ways that strengthen sovereignty, attract investment, and create sustainable community value.

Max Spivak, In-House Counsel, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Jason Carrizosa, Interim CEO and CAO, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Grace Signorelli-Cassady, Attorney, Jenner & Block LLP
Joshua Armant, Senior Solution Engineer, Microsoft

2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Networking Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Panel Session:

Track A: Tribal Gaming Exclusivity in the Digital Era: Rethinking Sovereignty, Regulation, and Revenue Sharing

As online gaming and sports betting platforms expand rapidly across state lines, long-standing assumptions about tribal gaming exclusivity are being challenged. If states allow digital wagering by entities such as Kalshi without safeguarding tribal exclusivity, do the revenue-sharing commitments that tribes negotiated—premised on exclusive rights—still hold? This session examines the increasingly blurred boundaries between land-based and online gaming, the regulatory gaps emerging in states that have not modernized their compacts, and the strategic opportunities for tribes to assert greater control over how gaming is conducted and regulated within state and tribal jurisdictions. Join industry, legal, and policy experts for a forward-looking discussion on sovereignty, digital markets, and the future of tribal-state agreements.

Kate Spilde, Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management; Endowed Chair, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming
Patrice Kunesh, Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans of the United States
Steve Bodmer, General Counsel for the Pechanga Band of Indians
Bryan Newland, Principal, Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC

Track B: Fiber Theatre with Tribal Broadband Bootcamp

An interactive walkthrough of how fiber networks work in Indian Country, featuring practical deployment insights and real-world lessons from the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp team.

Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA); Director of the Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative
Chris Mitchell, Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Networking Reception at Event Lawn

Friday, February 20, 2026

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | (Acacia Ballroom)

Track A: Indian Country Law & Policy Developments: A Comprehensive Update for 2025

This panel brings together leading attorneys working at the intersection of federal Indian law, tribal governance, and regulatory policy to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant legal developments affecting Indian Country today. Panelists will examine recent court decisions, administrative actions, and legislative trends shaping tribal sovereignty, economic development, natural resources, and jurisdictional authority. Discussion will also address emerging policy challenges—from the digital economy to intergovernmental negotiations—and their implications for tribal governments and practitioners. Attendees will gain timely insights into the evolving legal landscape and the strategies tribes are using to protect their rights and advance their priorities.

Matt Campbell, (Invited)
Lenny Powell, Staff Attorney at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) (Invited)
Daniel Ray, Attorney, Rosette LLP (invited)

Track B: Water, Energy and AI:

Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, water, and energy in Indian Country, this panel will delve into how emerging technologies influence tribal resilience, sustainability, and sovereignty. Speakers will discuss the governance implications and practical applications of AI in these critical areas. “Myth or Fact” discussion.

Cora Tso, Senior Research Fellow, Tribal Water Policy, Kyl Center for Water Policy, ASU
Pilar Thomas, Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Closing Sessions

AI – What do we do now?

As AI accelerates across public and private sectors, Indigenous leadership must make immediate, informed decisions while longer-term policy frameworks are still emerging. This session focuses on practical steps tribes can take now: establishing clear technical and operational policies, strengthening procurement processes, evaluating potential partners, and leveraging applied research to guide responsible adoption.

Michael Running Wolf, Co-Founder and Lead Architect First Languages AI Reality at Mila/IndigiGenius
Dr. Krystal Tsosie, Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, ASU
Estakio Beltran, Partnerships Advisor at the Department of the Interior’s Office of Strategic Partnerships within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
Tyson Winarski, Professor of Practice, ASU Law (Moderator/Speaker)
Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA); Director of the Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Closing Remarks (Acacia Ballroom)