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.
A: Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. https://gilarivertel.com/
B: HuHugam Heritage Center https://www.grichhc.org/
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Welcome + Check-in
- Governor Lewis (Invited)
- Stacy Leeds (Confirmed)
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 (Confirmed)
- Ernie Rasmussen (Confirmed)
- Leonard Bruce (Invited)
- Kristen Talbert (Confirmed)
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.
- Derrick Beetso
- Robert Miller
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. | Welcome and Blessing: Breakfast, Networking, & Check-In (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Morning Keynote: 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 (Invited)
- Greg Porter (Confirmed)
- Larry Wright (Confirmed)
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Panel Sessions
Track A1: 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 (Invited)
Track B1: Open TBD
Track A2: Codifying Tribal Digital Sovereignty: Law in Practice
This session highlights ASU Law’s work in developing a model code that help tribes formalize and protect their digital sovereignty. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to drafting and implementing legal frameworks governing data governance, AI use, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
Track B2: Open TBD
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Lunch Keynote Address (Acacia Ballroom)
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 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.
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.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Panel Sessions
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.
Track B: AI – What do we do now?
Track B: 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 begins with a brief, accessible introduction to AI, then 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.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Closing Remarks (Acacia Ballroom)