Cookies, the globally recognized cannabis and lifestyle brand, is joining forces with Native Humboldt Farms to host the Sovereignty Summit. This three-day educational forum is designed to empower Tribal Nations in the cannabis industry. The event, scheduled for September 5-7, 2024, will take place at the Cookies’ One Log Campus in Humboldt County, Northern California. The Sovereignty Summit is backed by AROYA, a cannabis cultivation platform committed to fostering impactful partnerships within the industry.
The summit will bring together a diverse group of participants, including Tribal leaders, policy advocates, and experts in Tribal law. The goal is to navigate the unique opportunities and challenges faced by sovereign nations as they enter the cannabis market. This gathering represents a pivotal moment for Tribal Nations as they explore the potential of cannabis markets within their sovereign territories.
Lindsey Renner, founder of Native Humboldt Farms and an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, highlights the unique position of Tribal Nations: “Tribal Nations are in a unique position, operating with a level of sovereignty similar to foreign nations. We’re seeing a lot of tribes getting into cannabis individually. It’s an important moment to facilitate collaboration and bring Tribal leaders together. This summit will provide the opportunity for leaders of these nations to bridge the gap and share resources and be stronger together.”
The Sovereignty Summit will feature an array of educational sessions, including panels, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. Leaders from 23 influential Tribal Nations across the United States will attend, including representatives from the Flandreau Santee Sioux of South Dakota, Fort Belknap Indian Community of Montana, Red Lake Nation of Minnesota, and the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma.
The summit aims to equip these leaders with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to thrive in Tribal cannabis markets. Amanda Friedman, head of social impact at Cookies, emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences from established cannabis markets to guide Tribal leaders. “Shaping newly emerging markets is no small feat,” she said. “Our goal is to further empower Tribal leaders with learnings from mature markets, to share knowledge & resources, and provide access to existing ecosystems to support a successful Tribal market.”
The Sovereignty Summit is a crucial step in supporting Tribal Nations as they navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and providing resources, the event seeks to empower these nations to establish successful and thriving cannabis businesses within their sovereign territories.
