Rooted in Integrity: A Reflection on the 2025 IAC Annual Conference
- pua805
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
From the halls of the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the 2025 Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Annual Conference reflected the organization’s history rooted in integrity, shaped by collaboration, and driven to include the next generation.
The event opened with a powerful tribute to the people who built IAC into what it is today, beginning with a commemoration of Greg Smitman and his legacy as IAC’s first Executive Director—a steadfast champion of Indian agriculture. Greg believed that Tribal agriculture is sovereignty in action. Under his leadership, IAC grew unified, strategic, and dedicated to serving Tribal producers and communities.
From 1987 to 2001, Greg guided the organization through its early years with knowledge and truth as his foundational values. One of the most enduring values he embedded into the organization is integrity: intentionally nurturing an environment of respect for differences, honoring the humanity of others, and taking pride in partnerships and collaboration. That value continues to shape IAC’s work today.
After the commemoration, a panel examined the current landscape of Indian agriculture, focusing on progress and collective action. The panelists emphasized the importance of investing in younger generations, equipping producers with the knowledge to advocate effectively, and addressing region-specific challenges. More credit is now available in Indian Country, reflecting years of hard work. The panel shared a clear message: the future is strongest when built together. Speaking up will help unite and advance successful efforts nationwide.
The General Session featured remarks from key federal partners whose work directly impacts Tribal producers. Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt, Chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining the trust relationship with Tribes. She emphasized the importance of “getting dollars on the landscape where it can do the most good.” Diane Cullo, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, highlighted pathways to access capital, including 8(a) certifications and programs designed to support Native-owned businesses.
During the “Building Capacity, Claiming Markets” panel, speakers discussed how to support Tribal meat and poultry processing. A recurring theme in these discussions was visibility, both as a challenge and an opportunity. As Nick Hernandez of Makoce Agriculture Development said, “To see ourselves, hear ourselves, and to create those materials, because that is more important.” Processing models that strengthen Tribal food security and create long-term economic development must be designed within the community itself to succeed.
The American Indian Foods luncheon, curated by Chef Nephi Craig, showcased Three Sisters Soup, beef from the Choctaw Nation, and a pine-nut dessert. Attendees were encouraged to recreate the meal at home using ingredients from the Made/Produced by American Indians trademark directory to support producers beyond the conference.
Just outside the luncheon, the tradeshow floor buzzed with good energy. Businesses certified by the Made/Produced By American Indians trademark showcased their goods and held daily raffles, drawing crowds with items like pemmican and cookies. Arts and Crafts vendors returned to the conference this year, and the joy that brought was palpable. IAC Board Member Tonya Turnpaugh captured the moment perfectly, turning to the audience with a smile, “Getting to come back this year, the vendors at the tradeshow are back. I love seeing that, love seeing all of the Native produced products at the tradeshow.” Live performances from hip-hop artist AntoineX, motivational speaker Ray Champ, and professional bull rider Dakota Louis added to the celebratory atmosphere of culture and community.
The conference offered many breakout sessions, giving producers useful tools and inspiration. Topics included USDA program resource navigation, such as Farm Service Agency disaster assistance, business marketing strategies, and insights from IAC Youth Program interns and policy fellows. Youth shared their work with community gardens, traditional foods, water policy, and nutrition, among other topics.
As the newly-appointed IAC Board President Joe Frank (Eastern Region) shared, “The IAC uses education, collaboration, and networking to advance its job of advocating for all Native producers. […] Our tribe has been in the cattle business for a while, large-scale, and I’ve always been happy to share that with the Tribes that come and want to visit.”
That spirit of openness and producer-centered dialogue remains at the heart of the IAC annual conference. Insights from Las Vegas will guide our meaningful work throughout the year, helping us better support producers and advance Indian agriculture together.
