Matthew Hecox, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, discusses the $1.4B economic impact of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation which provides thousands of jobs and pays millions in wages.
The ACES School
@acesschool.bsky.social
Educating people about the past, present, and future of Native nations and sharing practical steps toward sovereignty and prosperity in Indian Country.
Chief Standing Bear, Prof. Crepelle, and AICC OK advisor Mike McBride talk about improving legal systems in Indian Country. “We’re working with people who are economically oppressed, “says Standing Bear. Providing equal access to justice requires social and political change.
Between sessions, Professor Crepelle signs a copy of Becoming Nations Again for another tribal judge.
Mike McBride reminds us that fairness is a best practice because it fosters trust, helps us build relationships, and ensures greater stability.
This morning, we’re fortunate to have American Indian Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma advisor Mike McBride III explore evolving definitions and boundaries of Indian Country and how that has shaped tribal legal frameworks and economic development.
Good morning from the banks of the Arkansas River where we are about to kick off day 2 of Doing Business on Tribal Lands.
Tribes need good governance laws. Your procurement laws need to be clear, enforceable, and transparent. - Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, who just stepped down as principal chief to let the next generation lead the Osage Nation
Why do I say “tribal nations” instead of “tribes?” I’m proud of my Osage ancestors that advocated for our rights and emphasized that we were& are the Osage Nation, capital “N.” - Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, who just stepped down as principal chief to let the next generation lead the Osage Nation
Joe Austin describes the importance of tribal law and infrastructure to foster private sector development on the reservation. Creating navigable pathways means fewer obstacles and more opportunity.
Entrepreneurship changed my life. It helped me understand my own sovereignty as an individual and control my own destiny. It gave me freedom. We’ve got to find ways to help our people get there. - Jacob Keyes, Chair, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma; Founder, Skydance Brewing
Our first session this morning is Adam Crepelle’s “Lies, Damn Lies, and Federal Indian Law,” in which he walks us through the long history of legal ethics and the longer history of international trade networks in what we now call the Americas.
Thank you to the women warriors of the Muscogee Nation for standing the colors. And to Nathan Hart for the welcome benediction.
Good morning from the Muscogee Nation where are we getting ready to kick off Doing Business on Tribal Lands, a workshop on navigating and streamlining tribal commercial law and other institutions important for fostering entrepreneurship.
Greetings, Tulsa! There are still seats left at Doing Business in Indian Country next week at River Spirit. Join us & hear from: Joe Austin Adam Crepelle Jacob Keyes Debbie Lindsey Mike McBride Geoffrey Standing Bear CLE credits available For details & to register: tribalcommlaw26.eventbrite.com
Doing Business on Tribal Lands: It's Not That Complicated
Learn practical tools on how to navigate tribal commercial law, sovereignty, governance, and doing business in Indian Country.
tribalcommlaw26.eventbrite.com
Can Native nations transform reservations from the most heavily regulated areas in the United States into islands of liberty? youtu.be/Gu0nBiEArkc?...
Becoming Nations Again | A Book Forum Featuring Adam Crepelle
YouTube video by Competitive Enterprise Institute
youtu.be
“For every problem, there’s a solution. You’ve just got to find it,” says Chief Standing Bear. After serving as Principal Chief of the Osage Nation for 12 years, Standing Bear is passing the torch to the next generation. “Our younger people are more than capable.” www.kosu.org/geoffrey-sta...
Outgoing Osage Nation leader reflects on 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' COVID and more
Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear reflected on his role in land acquisition, Killers of the Flower Moon and cultural preservation with KOSU last week.
kosu.org
Join us at River Spirit in July for Doing Business on Tribal Lands. - Learn how to navigate tribal commercial law - Connect with others doing business in Indian Country - Earn CLE credits
Are you an entrepreneur, contractor, educator, researcher, policymaker, or attorney interested in economic development in Indian Country? Join us for this two-day workshop. www.eventbrite.com/e/doing-busi...
New, long-sought agreement recognizes hat the Southern Ute Tribe has “the expertise & the governance systems to manage our resources responsibly while advancing the well-being of our Tribal Members and safeguarding our land, water & culture.” lasvegassun.com/news/2026/ma...
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Historic Signing of Tribal Energy Resource Agreement
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lasvegassun.com
“Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is extending its push into high-profile hospitality assets with a new agreement to acquire a landmark Southern California hotel, building on a series of recent investments outside gaming.”
We are redefining “what treatment looks like from an Indigenous lens.” We use “the land as a resource as part of treatment…. We also will be incorporating workforce development but it's all grounded in the mission to help heal our community.” tribalbusinessnews.com/sections/eco...
IN SERVICE | Emily Edenshaw leads Ketchikan Indian Community with focus on healing and workforce development
Emily Edenshaw, CEO of the Ketchikan Indian Community, is advancing culturally grounded health care and workforce development, shaped by her own experience with generational trauma and recovery.
tribalbusinessnews.com
Judge Blake, a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, devoted his life’s work to strengthening tribal courts and supporting justice systems in Indian Country. mailchi.mp/naicja/in-me...
Today, we’re wrapping up the workshop with our Adventures in Indian Country panel feat. Justice Drent, Prof. Crepelle, & Dr. Austin. There are many stories from Indian Country about lost potential. How can Native nations develop & retain talent, secure investment & foster Native entrepreneurship?
Miller’s elements of private sector development: 1. Financial literacy 2. Human capital 3. Create entrepreneurs 4. Funding private biz 5. Tribal & federal Buy Indian acts 6. Legal infrastructure 7. Physical infrastructure 8. Human & financial capital investments 9. Social welfare orgs
“Poverty is not a cultural trait.” Prof. Miller reminds us that traditional Indigenous communities were prosperous and self-sustaining.
“We do not have a song for defeat.” Good morning from the Cowlitz Nation. We are grateful to the Forever People for hosting us this week.
WT* Does HR Have to Do With Making Money? Alejandra Mojado (Cherokee Nation) explores legal considerations in employment practices, workplace compliance, and personnel management that affect organizational stability and economic success.
Joe Austin’s session focuses on tribal code reform as an important first step toward private sector development in Indian Country. He takes us on the Byzantine journey of starting a business on the Navajo Nation. The costly, complicated process => fewer services for people who live on reservation.
Chief Justice Meredith Trent (Osage Nation) examines the role of tribal courts in economic development, variations among tribal courts, dispute resolution options, and best practices for a sound investment climate.
Is there hope for an ethical federal Indian law? Prof. Crepelle ends with a hopeful note. Some recent precedent, especially since Gorsuch joined SCOTUS, suggest a brighter future. “On the far end of the Trail of Tears was a promise.” - Justice Gorsuch, McGirt v. Oklahoma, 2020
