We are now in the final stages of preparation for our 4th International Inter-Tribal Trade Mission and Conference. If you have not already done so, I invite you to register electronically at the bottom of the IITIO blog page at www.IITIO.org.

The June 2018 IITIO Trade Mission and Conference is being held in Oklahoma, historic heartland of American Indian territory, home of over 35 U.S. tribes, and rich in Indigenous culture, history and Indigenous rights study.

Three world class events follow the IITIO Conference: the Sovereignty Symposium (hosted by the Oklahoma Supreme Court) and the Indigenous Red Earth Festival and Prix de West Art Exhibition. Consider extending your planned stay in this great State to attend these enjoyable and worthwhile events.

Register for the IITIO conference (free of charge) and you will also receive a ten per cent (10%) discount on the purchase of your Sovereignty Symposium tickets. (Note that your Sovereignty Symposium hotel stay should be booked in Oklahoma City – not Norman). The Red Earth Festival tickets cost $11.00; online ticket sales start in early May.

IITIO is a not for profit NGO and currently does not have the resources to pay for speakers fees, flights or accommodation, but for those Canadian First Nations and Tribal groups and First Nation businesses interested in attending the June IITIO Conference and Trade Mission, I note that if you apply early, you may qualify for the CanExport Program. The program co-funds eligible parts of a company’s international business development activities. Criteria for this co-funding include having a CRA business number and company income of between $200,000 – $50 million in annual revenues, declared in Canada in the company’s most recent fiscal year. Apply as soon as possible to qualify, as there is an application processing time of up to 25 business days. For more information go to the link call the number provided to speak with the CanExport program expert, Elise Racicot, at Global Affairs.

Below our most recent IITIO agenda is all the registration information you need concerning hotel accommodation and ground transportation.

On behalf of the IITIO executive, I state that we look forward to seeing you at the Conference!

Wayne Garnons-Williams

Chair

International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization

CANADIAN TRIBAL TRADE MISSION TO OKLAHOMA 2018

(DRAFT – April 2018)

2018 Tribal Trade Mission & Law Conference, Oklahoma

June 3-5

College of Law, University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma, USA

Saturday, June 2: Early Arrival

Check into Conference Hotel (Riverwind Hotel & Casino discounted rate courtesy of Chickasaw Nation, to be confirmed)

Sunday, June 3: Tours & Dinner

Tribal Trade Mission Bus Tour to Choctaw Nation businesses and Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) Iron Horse Industrial Park & Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary

–Tour bus leaves Conference Hotels at 8 a.m. and returns at approximately 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Networking Dinner – Riverwind Casino & Hotel – The Willows Buffet – 7pm to 8pm

(Expense not covered by conference)

Monday, June 4: Program Day 1

9:00am- 9:30 am Welcome Song, Ceremonial Opening, and Eagle

Opening Remarks: Wayne Garnons-Williams, IITIO Chair

Representative of the Host Nations –

Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma,

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma

Representative of College of Law, University of Oklahoma

9:30 am – 10:30 am Panel 1:

NAFTA Indigenous Trade Chapter and beyond

Facilitator: Wayne Garnons-Williams, IITIO Chair; Senior Lawyer & Principal Director – Garwill Law Professional Corporation

Speakers:

Risa Schwartz, Risa Swartz International Law

Monika Surma, NAFTA Trade Negotiator for Canada, Global Affairs Canada

Michael Woods, IITIO Executive and Partner, Woods LaFortune LLP

Professor James Hopkins¸ University of Arizona, College of Law

10:30 am – 10:45 am NETWORKING BREAK

Monday, June 4: Program Day 1 (continued)

10:45 am – 12:00 Panel 2:

U.S. Trade Panel

Facilitator: Jim Collard, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) & Manager, Iron Horse Industrial Park FTZ

Speakers:

Anthony Cambas, Director, Wes Watkins Center for International Trade & Investment, OSU

Marcus Verner, Director, U.S. Commercial Service of Oklahoma and Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/International Trade Administration

Jamie Cummings, International Trade Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry

12:00pm – 12:30 pm Canadian KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Chief Trade Commissioner,

Dr. Ailish Campbell, Global Affairs Canada

12:30pm – 1:30 LUNCH

1:30pm – 2:50 pm Panel 3:

Foreign Trade with Canada

Facilitator: Bradford W. Morse, Law Dean, Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops

Speaker:

Vasken Khabayan, acting Consul General of Canada for Texas and Oklahoma

Jennifer Hooper, Ministry of Trade, Province of British Columbia

Krystyn Sobolewski, Ministry of International Trade, Province of Ontario

2:50 – 3:10 pm NETWORKING BREAK

3:10 pm – 4:30 pm Panel 4:

Oklahoma Tribal Trade

Facilitator: Lindsay Robertson, Faculty Director, Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, College of Law, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Law, College of Law, University of Oklahoma

Speakers:

Jonna Kirschner, Chickasaw Nation Industries

Scott Freeny, Choctaw Nation

Jim Collard, Citizen Potawatomi Nation

4:30pm – 4:45 pm Day 1 Wrap-up (Wayne Garnons-Williams and Lindsay Robertson)

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Networking Dinner Location: Volare Restaurant,

315 White Street, Norman Oklahoma 1-405-310-3615

(Expense not covered by conference)

Tuesday June 5: Program Day 2

9:00 am – 9:30 am Elder Ceremonial Opening & Welcome Back:

Wayne Garnons-Williams, IITIO Chair

9:30 am – 10:30 am Panel 5:

Indigenous Business and Trade Opportunities in Canada

Facilitator: Jonna Kirschner, Sr. Vice President, Economic Development, Chickasaw Nation Industries

Speakers

President Keith Matthew, Cando – Council for the Advancement of Native Economic Development Officers

Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation

JP Gladu, President, Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business

Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak

10:30 am – 10:50 am NETWORKING BREAK

10:50 am – 12:00 Panel 6:

Current Tribal Trade and Cross Border Issues

Facilitator: Jim Ransom, Director of planning and Economic Development, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

Speakers:

Miles Richardson O.C., Director, National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development, University of Victoria

Chief Miskokomon, Walpole Island First Nation

Kyle B. Delisle, Kahnawa:ke Mohawk Economic Development Commission

Ernie Rasmussen, Colville Confederated Tribes

Rodney R. Miller, Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes

12:00 – 12:30pm U.S. KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Vince Logan, Senior Advisor. Permanens Capitol L.P.

12:30 – 1:30pm LUNCH

Sponsored by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Tuesday, June 5: Program Day 2 (continued)

1:30 pm – 2:30pm Panel 7:

Financing Our Trade

Facilitator: Scott Freeney, Senior Legal Director, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Speakers:

Valerie R. Devol, Senior Attorney, Devol & Associates

David Sharpe, CEO, Bridging Finance Inc.

Brent Hill, Partner, Native American Venture Fund

Randy Kellogg, Senior Vice President, Prosperity Bank

Shane Jett, Director, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Community Development Corporation and Community Development Financial Institution

Gibby Jacobs, First Nations Tax Commission of Canada

2:30pm – 2:50 pm NETWORKING BREAK

2:50pm – 4:00pm Panel 8:

Canadian Showcase of Indigenous Trade, Commerce and Investment Opportunities

Facilitator: Gena Timberman, Luksi Group of Oklahoma

Speakers:

Delbert Wapass, Chair, Indian Resource Council of Canada
Thomas Benjoe, President FHQ Developments

Chief Ava Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River

Grand Chief Daniels¸ Southern Manitoba Chiefs Organization

Shaun Soonias, Executive Director Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network

Tribal Chief Wayne Christian, Shuswap National Tribal Council

4:00pm – 4:30pm Day 2: Wrap Up & Next Steps

Lindsay Robertson, Wayne Garnons-Williams, Brad Morse,

Day 2 Reception (TBD)

International Intertribal Trade and Investment Trade Mission and Conference

Sunday June 3, Monday June 4, and Tuesday June 5 at the College of Law, University of Oklahoma

Our Oklahoma conference will move our trade issues and opportunities even further. Our four broad themes for discussion and presentation this spring 2018 are:

NAFTA Indigenous Trade Chapter and beyond

Financing Our Trade

Indigenous Business and Trade Opportunities in Canada

Oklahoma Tribal Trade

Hotel arrangements for the IITIO Trade Mission and Conference

Two hotels have offered special rates (subject to availability):

Riverwind Hotel & Casino (To be confirmed)

Discounted IITIO rate (when booking mention “IITIO Courtesy Rate”): $91.00 (subject to availability)

Location: 2901 Bankers Ave, Norman, OK 73072, USA

Phone number: 1 405-322-6250

Website: http://www.riverwind.com/accommodations/

Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center

Discounted Rate (when booking mention “OU College of Law Courtesy Rate”): $136.00

Location: 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, Oklahoma, 73069, USA

Phone Number: 1 405-364-8040

Website: http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/embassy-suites-by-hilton-norman-hotel-and-conference-center-OKCESES/index.html

Ground Travel Options from Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City to the hotels in Norman, Oklahoma:

OKC Shuttle Service – must be booked in advance – on line

Rate: based on distance from airport to hotel

– To Riverwind Hotel and Casino from Airport: $38.00 (one way – booked in advance)

– To Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center from Airport: $38.00 (one way – booked in advance)

Location: Oklahoma

Phone number: 405-428-4441

Website: https://oklahomashuttle.com/book/

Oklahoma Airport Taxi Service

Rate: based on distance from Airport to Riverwind Casino Hotel or Embassy Suites Hotel is approximately $70.00 (one way)

Oklahoma Car Rental Companies

Avis, Budget, Alamo, Hertz Car rental companies; see Google, “Will Rogers International Airport Car Rental Agencies”

Sovereignty Symposium

http://www.thesovereigntysymposium.com/

Wednesday June 6 & Thursday June 7, 2017 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel

Registration Fee:

Before May 22, 2018 – $275.00

After May 22, 2018 – $300.00

(Receive an additional 10% discount off registration fees with your confirmed, free registration at the June IITIO Conference and Trade Mission)

The Sovereignty Symposium theme this year is “Restoration,” and expert panels for discussion include Tribal Economic Development; Truth and Reconciliation; Tribal Sovereignty; Gaming and Indian Education.

Hotel arrangements for the Sovereignty Symposium

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel
One Park Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405)272-3040

$275.00 and up weekdays

Renaissance Hotel Oklahoma
10 N Broadway Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 228-8000
$209.00 and up weekdays

Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
1 North Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 235-2780
(405) 272-0369
$249.00 and up weekdays

Colcord Hotel
15 N Robinson Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 601-4300
$239.00 and up weekdays

Courtyard By Marriott-Downtown
2 W Reno Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 232-2290
$189.00 and up weekdays

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival

https://www.redearth.org/

Dates: Friday June 8 to Sunday June 10

Location: Cox Convention Centre, 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City (downtown, just steps away from the Sovereignty Symposium at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel)

Tickets: General Admission $11.00 per day (advance tickets on sale now)

Each year, this award-winning festival draws thousands of people to a three-day weekend celebrating Native visual art and dance.

The Red Earth Festival showcases artists representing Native tribes and nations from throughout the United States and Canada. The event drew nearly 20,000 attendees in 2016. It is recipient of numerous awards and honors including recognition as a TOP 10 Arts Festival in America by a USA TODAY/10 Best Reader’s poll, recipient of a Redbud Award for “Outstanding Event” from the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, and recognition as a Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association. USA Today has also included the Red Earth Festival as one of “10 Great Places to Experience Native Cultures.”

Red Earth Festival art market categories include contemporary and traditional art forms and cultural items such as jewelry, basketry, paintings, drawings, graphics, photography, beadwork, clothing, textiles, weaving, sculpture, and pottery.

Prix de West Exhibition and Sale

https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/attend-an-event/prix-de-west/

Dates: Friday June 8 through Saturday June 9

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63^rd St. Oklahoma City, 73111

Tickets: Free General Admission and special event packages available

This year marks the Museum’s 45th Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale. This annual premier art exhibition event features more than 300 works by the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation. Works ranging from historical pieces that reflect the early days of the West, to more contemporary and impressionistic works of art will be featured. Landscapes, wildlife art, and illustrative scenes are always highlighted in the exhibition. Prix de West Opening Weekend events include seminars, receptions, awards, fixed-price draw for art, and live auction. Works remain on display through August 6. The exhibition galleries open to the public at 10:00 a.m. on June 9.

Reservations are required for most opening activities. This annual exhibition kicks off with two days of seminars on art-related topics and artist demonstrations. The weekend culminates with a fixed-price sale of all the exhibition pieces followed by a live auction and closing celebration.

PRESS RELEASE

Indigenous Economic Development Leaders Announce Inter-tribal Trade Mission

Tribes to Explore Mutual Trade and Investment Opportunities

Kamloops, British Columbia – November 11 & 12, 2016

As a result of their successful beginnings in exploring inter-tribal trade between Canada and the United States, various Canadian First Nations and U.S. Tribes have begun building semi-annual inter-tribal trade missions.

Canada’s Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Faculty of Law, and the United States’ University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Law have each offered their academic resources to the study of inter-tribal trade and have provided a semi-annual meeting forum in which Indigenous economic and political leaders can come together to pursue a vision of global inter-tribal trade.

The upcoming Canadian inter-tribal trade conference is hosted in Secwepmec traditional territory in the BC interior. Bradford W. Morse, Dean of Law, TRU Faculty of Law, is pleased to host various Canadian and American tribal dignitaries, politicians and senior members of government at the upcoming event and Mr. Christian Hansen, Regional Director and Senior Trade Commissioner for BC and Yukon, Canadian Trade Commission Service, Global Affairs Canada.

At the April 2016 inaugural US inter-tribal trade conference, which took place at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, the Chair of the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization (IITIO), Mr. Wayne Garnons-Williams, expressed the purpose and scope of the conference:

“to apply the group’s combined international expertise, passion and experience in addressing tangible issues that can assist in the global flow and exchange of Indigenous goods, services and investments…

…to facilitate productive discussion, objective research, and effective education with respect to international inter-tribal trade and investment, through seminars, conferences and scholarly papers…

…and to recommend measures, activities and policy/regulatory/legislative proposals (initiatives) that can further the vision of the organization while respecting its principles.”

During each of the ongoing semi-annual trade missions and conferences, leading experts in the fields of law, economics, and history will stand side-by-side with authorities from business and tribal economic development, as well as government, to identify issues, gaps and challenges in key areas for Indigenous international trade, such as the Jay Treaty, NAFTA, Canada/USA border crossing.

Tribal trade missions can open doors, provide on-the-ground support, business-to business contacts, and high level settings for information and tools for exporters. Tribal trade missions are especially useful for small and medium-sized enterprises. The presence of senior government representatives and the resources from Canada’s export agencies can lead to opportunities and benefits to participants, including:

access to key economic and government decision-makers
on-the-ground support from government network and export agencies
unparalleled networking opportunities with the local business community
business-to-business meetings with potential partners
foreign market intelligence and troubleshooting
opportunities to initiate, develop and conclude export partnerships

The inter-tribal trade missions will take place every six months, rotating back and forth between Canada and the United States, where participants will spend an average of 1.5 to 2 days developing mutually advantageous business opportunities through: