8th Annual All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon Conference

Date: November 5–6, 2026
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Hosted by: The ACES School and Sovereign Strategies

Approved for 9.5 Oklahoma MCLE Credit

Join us for the 8th annual All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon, The ACES School’s Indigenous trade conference that focuses on rebuilding Native economies.

Before European contact, Indigenous nations throughout the Western Hemisphere were connected through extensive trade networks. Chaco Canyon was a major trade hub, linking Indigenous nations through commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Although colonization disrupted those trade networks, the entrepreneurial spirit of Native people remains. All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon reignites that spirit and supports Native nations in rebuilding strong, sustainable economies on their own terms.

This year’s conference will focus on how Native nations can harness emerging technologies to expand opportunity in Indian Country.

Rooms are available by calling OKANA Resort and using the group code.

Hotel reservation phone number: 405-934-1990; provide group code #843

• Intertribal and International Trade
• Data Centers and Digital Commerce
• AI, Energy, and Governance
• The Future of Gaming
• Federal Indian Law and Economic Development
• Access to Capital
• Tribal Digital Codes
• Economic Liberty in Indian Country

See full agenda below.

All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon gathers people who understand that Native nations have the authority, knowledge, and creativity to build economies that reflect their own laws, values, and futures.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of legal and economic tools available to Native nations, opportunities emerging in the digital economy, and the relationships we need to carry this work forward.
Registration includes conference sessions, meals, and networking opportunities.
Join us in Oklahoma City as we continue the work of rebuilding Native economies, strengthening Native Nations, and carrying forward the trade routes that have always connected us!

Discounts and waivers are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact Sara Austin at for more information.

The ACES School may take photos, video, and/or audio recordings during this event for educational, promotional, reporting, and archival purposes. By registering and attending, you consent to the possible use of your image, voice, or likeness. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please let event staff know when you check in.

Tables are 6 feet long and include two chairs and a wastebasket. Each table is available to reserve for $25.
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in reserving a table, please contact Sara Austin at [email protected]

• Obsidian - $750
• Copper - $1,500
• Abalone Shell - $2,500
• Turquoise - $5,000
• Cacao - $15,000+

• Breakfast Sponsor - $1,000
• Lunch Sponsor - $2,000
• Networking Reception Sponsor - $2,000

Info: How does federal Indian law affect business development? A practical overview of tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and the legal relationship between tribal, federal, and state governments underlying economic development in Indian Country.

Info: What is the future of tribal gaming? Explore online gaming, sports wagering, prediction markets, and emerging models, with particular attention to what these developments may mean for tribal governments and gaming enterprises.

Info: How can we bridge the capital access gap? Examine some of the financial barriers Native entrepreneurs and tribal enterprises face, and explore the programs and approaches designed to help secure investments.

Info: How can Native entrepreneurs and tribal businesses reach customers beyond their communities? Explore how Native businesses are using online marketplaces and digital tools to grow their own business and foster economic opportunity for Native nations.

Info: How are tribal governments and entrepreneurs harnessing – and governing – AI?
Discuss how AI is already affecting Indian Country, the opportunities it presents for tribal nations and Native businesses, and the policy questions tribes should consider as the technology rapidly develops.

Info: How can tribal governments adapt to the digital age? Explore the development of tribal digital codes and how Native nations can exercise sovereignty to address emerging technologies, digital commerce, and other activity taking place online.

Info: How do expanding digital footprints – and the resources they require – affect Native nations? Examine opportunities in energy development, data infrastructure, and how tribes can flex their sovereignty in the next generation digital economy.

Info: How can Native nations restore our traditional trade networks? Explore how strategic partnerships and intertribal trade can foster development and expand access to the global marketplace.

Info: Can Native nations benefit from data centers? Explore the opportunities and practical considerations surrounding data center development on tribal lands, including land, energy, infrastructure, taxation, and long-term community impact.

Info: What is on the horizon for economic development in Indian Country? From gaming and cannabis, to energy and emerging technology, examine what Native nations have learned, what continues to thwart economic opportunity in Indian Country, and explore emerging opportunities for economic development and bolstered sovereignty.

Event venue

OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, 639 First Americans Boulevard, Oklahoma City, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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