Wiring the Rez

03/02/2026

Last September, Wiring the Rez brought together Tribal leaders, policymakers, scholars, and tech innovators for a full day of discussions, workshops and listening sessions on artificial intelligence in Tribal communities.

The conference explored how AI impacts Tribal Nations, from data privacy, bias, and misrepresentation to the unauthorized use of sensitive cultural information, while also highlighting how some Tribal Nations are actively leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen governance and economic development, and how with limited resources and growing public demand, AI also presents a powerful opportunity for Tribal governments to do more with less.

Drawing on research, discussions, and community feedback, this paper published by the The Brookings Institution and co-authored by the American Indian Policy Institute, examines both the risks and opportunities AI presents for Tribal Nations. It centers key themes from the September conference: sovereignty as a design principle, data governance, capacity and competence, interconnected digital ecosystems, and ethics and cultural continuity — through the lens of AI governance.

These findings were presented at the 12th Annual Wiring the Rez (Feb. 18–20), where participants continued the conversation through practical, community-driven discussions and an interactive working session focused on identifying shared priorities, risks, and pathways to advance Tribal digital sovereignty.

📖 Read the first paper: Avoiding the Next Digital Divide: Defining Digital Sovereignty for Tribal Nations in the AI Age https://www.brookings.edu/articles/avoiding-the-next-digital-divide-defining-digital-sovereignty-for-tribal-nations-in-the-ai-age/

More coming soon — and we hope you’ll join the next discussion at Wiring the Rez! Learn more at law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Authors discuss how Tribal Nations can lead in the governance of AI to advance Tribal sovereignty and strengthen government functions.

02/27/2026

We kicked off Wiring the Rez with a site visit at the Gila River Indian Community, learning about digital innovation in Indian Country through two incredible tours:

🔌 Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. — Participants explored how this tribally owned broadband provider is delivering connectivity solutions and strengthening digital sovereignty through infrastructure.

🏛️ Huhugam Heritage Center — "This modern cultural center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community, made up of two tribes – the Akimel O’otham and the P*e Posh."

Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU National Congress of American Indians American Indian Policy Institute Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

02/26/2026

What an incredible three days at Wiring the Rez! ⚡️

We’re walking away energized, inspired, and deeply grateful.

This year’s conference brought together leaders, innovators, and scholars committed to expanding connectivity and opportunity across Tribal communities.

A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding speakers for sharing your expertise and vision, to our gracious hosts at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino for welcoming us and creating a space for dialogue and collaboration, and to our sponsors whose support makes this work possible: Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

Over three days, we explored infrastructure, policy, digital equity, and future pathways — and most importantly, we strengthened the relationships that will carry this work forward.

The momentum doesn’t stop here. 💫
See you next time!

Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU, National Congress of American Indians, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

02/17/2026

In partnership with The Brookings Institution, the American Indian Policy Institute shares insights from last September's Wiring the Rez AI pre-conference, where community members gathered to discuss, plan, and strategize for the growing presence of artificial intelligence in Indian Country.

This year’s conference will build on that work through workshops and panels exploring the risks and economic opportunities of artificial intelligence, as well as its impact on Tribal resources. All sessions will be grounded in Tribal digital sovereignty and will offer legal and policy pathways to support self-determined Indigenous digital futures.

Wiring the Rez starts tomorrow! See you there.

Authors discuss how Tribal Nations can lead in the governance of AI to advance Tribal sovereignty and strengthen government functions.

02/10/2026

👉 Featured speaker: Chris Shilling, Chief Innovation Officer and Under Secretary of Technology and Innovation for the Chickasaw Nation will be speaking at the 12th annual Wiring the Rez conference.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

02/10/2026

Can Tribal Nations safely adopt artificial intelligence? You won't want to miss this panel featuring Max Spivak, Jason Carrizosa, MBA, Grace Signorelli-Cassady and Joshua Armant at Wiring the Rez the 12th annual conference.

This session examines how artificial intelligence can support economic growth across Indian Country by strengthening existing enterprises, enabling diversification, and advancing workforce development. Panelists will share practical experiences with AI adoption, data governance, and technology integration in tribal operations, with a focus on real-world use cases, lessons learned, and strategies that reinforce sovereignty, attract investment, and create lasting community value.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

02/10/2026

🛜 From the ground up: how does broadband come to life on rural Tribal lands? You won't want to miss this panel featuring Waskawiwin's Tribal Broadband Bootcamp team, Matthew Rantanen and Christopher Mitchell at Wiring the Rez the 12th annual conference.

This session is 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.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

02/10/2026

Join conversations about the 2026 political climate and hear how Tribal Nations are addressing the arising challenges and opportunities at this year's Wiring the Rez, Feb 18-20, 2026 in Chandler, AZ!

Written by Kennedy Satterfield, Policy & Communications Specialist at the American Indian Policy Institute

02/09/2026

What happens to jurisdiction when governance, economics, and community move online? You won't want to miss this panel featuring Sherry Treppa and John Williams and moderated by Justice Oglesby at Wiring the Rez the 12th annual conference.

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.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

02/09/2026

How do policy and jurisdiction shape tribal economies—and who actually has authority over people, land, and business? You won't want to miss this panel featuring Derrick Beetso at Wiring the Rez the 12th annual conference.

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.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.

02/09/2026

👉 Featured speaker: Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs for the US Department of Interior, William Kirkland will be speaking at the 12th annual Wiring the Rez conference.

📅 Feb 18-20, 2026
📍 Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

🔗 Register and see the agenda: law.asu.edu/wiringtherez

Wiring the Rez is hosted by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and the American Indian Policy Institute's and National Congress of American Indians Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, Caliber Financial Services, and JPMorganChase.