The Sierra Fund is now doing business as: Indigenous Futures Society!

Program

Core thematic Areas: 

  1. Indian Tribes as Sovereign Governments
    1. Protecting the foundations of federal Indian law and policy
    2. Promoting respect for tribal sovereignty and governing authority
    3. Developing intergovernmental agreements


  2. Tribal Homelands, Water, and Natural Resources
    1. Embracing traditional ecological knowledge
    2. Protecting tribal reserved water rights
    3. Addressing climate change impacts
    4. Ensuring environmental quality
  1. Quality of Life Concerns
    1. Cultural and social well-being
    2. Healthcare, education, and public safety
    3. Addressing addiction, violence, and housing needs


  2. Self-Reliant and Sustainable Tribal Economies
    1. Improving the business acumen of tribal leaders
    2. Economic diversification and tribal enterprises
    3. Development of tribal cooperatives


  3. Artificial Intelligence
    1. Exploring the promises, risks, and impacts of AI for Indian Country

DAY ONE

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 

7:15–8:15 a.m.

Group Breakfast

8:30 a.m.

WELCOMING REMARKS:

Hon. Anthony Roberts, Chairman
Tribal Council, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

Hon. Leland Kinter, Council Member
Tribal Council, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

FORUM OVERVIEW:

A. Brian Wallace, CEO
Indigenous Futures Society (IFS)

9:00 a.m.

MORNING SESSION:

Challenges and the Fulfillment of
Treaty and Trust Obligations

Once again, Indian Country is at a crossroads. Do tribes remain silent, or do they organize, mobilize, and develop focused responses to the radical proposed changes to federal policies that affect tribes? This opening session will set the stage for an open dialogue about challenges facing Indian tribes and about tribal priorities.

OPENING REMARKS

“Navigating the Executive Branch and the Congress: Lessons Learned” —Kevin K. Washburn, Professor, UC Berkeley Law, University of California; Former, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Dept. of the Interior

PANELISTS

  • “The Mission of the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty” —Hon. Mark Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indian & President, National Council of American Indians
  • “A Tribal Perspective on Challenges and the Fulfillment of Trust Obligations and Responsibilities” —Hon. Chief James Allan, Chairman, Coeur d’Alene Tribe
  • “The State of the Indian Law & Policy Foundations in Uncertain Times” —John E. Echohawk, Executive Director, Native American Rights Fund
  • “How will the Promises and Threats of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Indian Tribes?” —Geoffrey Blackwell

OPEN DIALOGUE

Facilitator: Richard Trudell
Founder & Director, American Indian Resources Institute (AIRI)

12:00 noon

GROUP LUNCHEON

1:30 p.m.

AFTERNOON SESSION:

Tribal Homelands in a Changing Environment

Will tribal homelands be there for future generations? Given the uncertain political environment that we live in, this question is more important than ever.

OPENING REMARKS

“A Perspective on the Future of Tribal Homelands, Sacred Sites, and Natural Resources” —Jim Enote, CEO, Colorado Plateau Foundation & Zuni Tribal Member and Traditional Farmer

PANELISTS

  • “Building and Protecting Tribal Homelands on 19th Century Promises and Tribal Creativity” —Hon. Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community
  • “A Perspective on the State of Tribal Reserve Water Rights, Supply Issues, and Water Quality Challenges in a Changing Environment” —Daniel Cordalis, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
  • “Dam Removal and the Restoration of Watersheds and Fish Habitat” —Amy Bowers Cordalis
  • “Assessing and Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change and Addressing the Environmental Challenges Facing Indian Country” —Dr. Daniel Wildcat, Professor, Haskell Indian University

OPEN DIALOGUE

Facilitator: A. Brian Wallace

4:30 p.m.

ADJOURN FOR THE DAY

DAY TWO

Saturday, October 18, 2026

DAY THREE

Sunday, October 19, 2023

Program