Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across
Indian Country gathered March 23–26 for the 2026 Reservation Economic Summit
(RES), hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
at Caesars Palace.
Known as the largest Native business conference in the
country, RES brings together thousands of attendees for networking, business
development sessions, and policy discussions focused on strengthening tribal
economies.
This year’s theme, “Rising Together,” highlighted
collaboration and growth across Indigenous communities.
The four-day conference featured dozens of breakout sessions
and panels covering topics such as economic development, entrepreneurship,
federal contracting, financial literacy, and emerging industries like cannabis.
Among those contributing to the national conversation were
members of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Ryan Crain, Executive Director of Education for the Ho-Chunk
Nation, spoke during the panel “Empowering Citizens: Financial Literacy in
Tribal Communities,” where he shared insights into the Ho-Chunk Nation’s
financial literacy program.
The session focused on building stronger financial knowledge
at the community level, including strategies for budgeting, credit education,
and long-term financial planning aimed at strengthening tribal economies from
within.
Tribal member Samantha Skenandore, founding partner at
Skenandore Wilson LLP, also participated as a panelist in “The Tribal Cannabis
Landscape in the U.S.”
Her discussion highlighted the rapidly evolving role of
tribal nations in the cannabis industry, including opportunities for economic
growth, sovereignty considerations, and regulatory challenges facing tribes
entering the market.
RES 2026 featured more than 70 sessions across multiple
tracks, along with matchmaking opportunities connecting Native-owned businesses
with corporate and government partners.
The summit also included an artisan market and fashion show,
allowing Native artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their work on a national
stage.