Indigenous Cannabis Association Announces Board, Aims for Equity

The National Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Expands

The National Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) is expanding to meet growing interest in Indigenous cannabis cultivation and innovation. The ICIA, a national Indigenous-led nonprofit promoting opportunities for Indigenous communities in cannabis and hemp, recently welcomed five tribal government members to its inaugural board of directors.

Welcome to the inaugural directors:

• Founder and CEO — Rob Pero (Ojibwe Nation/Bad River), founder of Wisconsin’s only independent hemp company Canndigenous and marketing, consultancy, and media agency Perodigm
• Executive Director — Mary Jane Oatman (Nez Perce), founder of Indigenous Cannabis Coalition and THC Magazine
• Secretary — Colin Price (Ho-Chunk Nation), communications and public relations for B-Team Strategy and Heena Development
• Treasurer — Fern Orie (Oneida Nation), founder of The Matriarch Group
• Board Member — Marni King (Menominee Oneida Nation), HUB Insurance

Established in 2022, ICIA aims to bring opportunities and equity in the cannabis and hemp industries to Indigenous people and Tribal nations. This is achieved by uniting Tribal leaders, elected officials, business, healthcare, veterans groups, and advocacy organizations to enhance cannabis economic development.

The Indigenous Cannabis Coalition

Oatman, the executive director, has committed to meeting the needs of Tribes in the multibillion-dollar cannabis industry and providing technical assistance and support to the legal hemp industry. Her work deals with legislative and carceral challenges of cannabis cultivation, especially as they disproportionately impact Indigenous women.

Oatman is also focused on Indigenous plant reclamation and education, driving her to create THC Magazine and establish the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition. She is passionate about legislative advocacy and navigating criminal systems related to state cannabis regulations.

The Importance of Cannabis in Indigenous Cultures

The criminalization of Indigenous cultural practices involving cannabis impacts healthcare, medicine, food, and personal hygiene practices. It has a profound effect on the economic and social structure of marginalized groups. Cannabis usage methods have been co-opted and exclusionary, neglecting to acknowledge their Indigenous origins.

Educational Reform and Advocacy

ICIA members, including Oatman, are also pushing for educational reform to advocate for cultural practices and disrupt stigmatization. They believe discussions about early usage, medical and matriarchal histories, and the silencing of Indigenous voices are essential for social, political, and economic change.

ICIA’s Mission

ICIA’s mission, according to CEO Rob Pero, is to “move the needle on cannabis policy reform to benefit our people as a whole.” The association has partnered with several Nations and Tribal Governments to continue a path of community uplift and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.

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