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, Gila River Indian Community
  • Kate Rosier, Assistant Dean, Community Engagement and Executive Director of Indian Legal Program, ASU Law
  • Traci Morris, Executive Director of the American Indian Policy Institute & Research Professor, ASU Law

 

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Track A: AI and Economic Growth in Indian Country (Acacia Ballroom)

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.

 

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm |Track B: Indian Law 101: Understanding Sovereignty

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. Presenter will explain the historical and contemporary frameworks that define tribal sovereignty, the federal trust relationship and the unique status of tribal governments.

  • Robert J. Miller, Jonathan and Wendy Rose Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Rosette LLP American Indian Economic Development Program, ASU Law

 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Track A: 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, Quarles & Brady LLP
  • Maggie Tallmadge, Vice President, Market Strategy, Colusa Indian Energy

 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm |Track B: Indian Law 101: Jurisdiction and the Impact on Tribal Business

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, Professor of Practice and Executive Director, Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, ASU Law

 

4:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Break

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm | Track A2: Indian Law 202 – What is Digital Jurisdiction and why should you care?

As governments, tribes and industry increasingly operate in digital spaces, questions of jurisdiction have become more complex than ever. This session examines how tribal, federal and state authorities assert power in online environments; how data governance, online commerce, infrastructure, and public safety intersect with sovereignty; and why understanding digital jurisdiction is now essential for practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders.

 

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)

 

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.

 

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

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

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

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.

 

Track B: The View with the Broadband Aunties

  • Moderator: Morgan Gray, Senior Research & Policy Analyst, American Indian Policy Institute, ASU Law
  • Leslie Hardwick, Manager, Community Development, NOANET
  • Melissa King, Department of Technology Services Manager, Nez Perce Tribe
  • Frances Goli, Broadband Project Manager, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
  • Amber Hastings, Digital Navigator and American Connection Corps AmeriCorps Member, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
  • Markalene Madera, Customer Support Representative (Utilities/Sp’q’n’i? Broadband Services), Spokane Tribe of Indians
  • Valarie Fast Horse, IT Director, Coeur d’Alene Tribe

 

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 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: Closing the Forgotten Mile: How Mohawk Networks and Aecon Are Expanding Broadband in Tribal Communities (Ocotillo Room)

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.

 

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.

 

Track B: Fiber Theatre with Tribal Broadband Bootcamp (Ocotillo Room)

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) and Director, Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative
  • Chris Mitchell, Director, Community Broadband Networks Initiative, Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)

 

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, L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University and Endowed Chair, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming
  • Patrice Kunesh, Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans of the United States
  • Steve Bodmer, General Counsel, Pechanga Band of Indians
  • Aurene Martin, President, Spirit Rock Consulting, Inc.

 

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

Friday, February 20, 2026

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

8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Message from Senator Mark Kelly (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Track A: AI – What do we do now? (Acacia Ballroom)

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
  • Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA) and; Director, of the Tribal Digital Village (TDVNet) Network/Initiative

 

10:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. | Break (Acacia Ballroom Foyer)

10:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Track A: Interactive Working Session: AI in Indian Country (Acacia Ballroom)

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.

 

10:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Track B: Advancing Tribal Economic Growth: Capital Access, Tax Policy, and Broadband Investment (Ocotillo Room)

This panel will examine key federal initiatives shaping Tribal economic development in 2025, with a focus on access to capital, tax policy and broadband infrastructure. Treasury representatives will discuss the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and how Tribal governments can leverage loan guarantees, start-up capital and venture capital to support Tribal economies and Tribal member–owned businesses. The discussion will also highlight recently released Treasury tax rules that are expected to have a positive impact on Tribal economic activity. In addition, Sean Conway of Akin will provide an update on Tribal broadband policy, including the status of the BEAD program, negotiations around subgrant agreements and upcoming funding opportunities for Tribes through the third round of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and BEAD non-deployment funding anticipated later this spring.

  • James Colombe, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury
  • Sean Conway, Partner, Akin Gump
  • Kraynal Alfred, Tribal Policy Advisor, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
 

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Track B2: Codifying Tribal Digital Sovereignty: Law in Practice (Acacia Ballroom)

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, ASU Law 
  • Sam Phillips, Third-year Law Student and Research Assistant, ASU Law
  • Morgan Gray, Senior Research & Policy Analyst, American Indian Policy Institute, ASU Law

 

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Closing Remarks (Acacia Ballroom)

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