LNO Class of 2025 Highlights the Power of Intertribal Innovation

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe.

Written By: Rachael Schuit 

(OKLAHOMA) Leadership Native Oklahoma (LNO) is the signature program for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO). 

On Monday August 25th, LNO 2025 class members celebrated with a graduation ceremony at River Spirit Casino and Resort in Tulsa. 

Each year dozens of class members attend five sessions at different tribes where they are given the opportunity to learn about the tribe, the tribe’s economic development plans, and cultural traditions. 

This year LNO was hosted by the Comanche Nation, the Caddo Nation, the Euchee Tribe, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, and the 9 Tribes of Ottawa County. 

Class of 2025 graduates said the program offers a unique opportunity to connect with their Native identity and culture. 

“The cultural component on Day One helped me feel more accepted than I have in my entire life,” said Brandon Dinsmore (Cherokee). “For the first time, I felt like I belonged, and I was surrounded by people just like me. I never expected such a profound experience but I am forever grateful for it.”

The program also helps participants learn about the inner workings of each tribe that is visited. 

Dinsmore said visiting the Caddo Nation was his favorite. 

“Seeing Nation building in action is something that very few people will ever have the chance to experience, and being invited into it was the honor of a lifetime,” said Dinsmore. 

For Marci Hensley (Comanche), the idea of making decisions with future generations was reinforced. 

“As an Indigenous person, you're raised to think about the impact of your actions on future generations (legacy thinking),” said Hensley. “This concept of legacy thinking was something every tribal leader touched on in their own way. Another unique skill that stood out was ethical decision-making- making tough choices based on values and long-term impact rather than short-term gains. Several leaders shared how they had to make unpopular decisions because it was the right thing to do.”

Shannon Freeman (Caddo) also loved seeing the work her tribe has been doing up close. 

“I was impressed by the Caddo Nation visit, particularly the economic development initiatives in the cities of Anadarko and Hinton,” said Freeman. “The leadership is making tremendous strides in the areas of energy, education and self-governance.”

Joi Marcum, another LNO Class of 2025 alumni was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the experience. 

“My favorite experience of LNO was visiting the Museum at the Comanche Nation and experiencing the Lord's Prayer in tribal sign language,” said Marcum. 

This year’s class also visited smaller tribes, something Abraham Lincoln, a Councilperson for the Iowa Tribe, appreciated. 

“I come from a tribe with fewer than 1,000 members, but seeing other tribes take the lead in working with local municipalities, partnering with businesses, and collaborating with local fire, police, and EMS services is inspiring,” said Lincoln. “They’re building up communities through events, enterprises, and partnerships. It shows that smaller tribes are often at the forefront of rural economic growth, and it’s a powerful reminder that we are still here.” 

Learning about the culture of the Euchee tribe was another aspect of the program that Lincoln appreciated. 

“We experienced bow making, played stickball, and learned to throw the atlatl — each activity carrying stories and skills passed down for generations,” said Lincoln. “It was a powerful reminder of how living traditions keep history alive.”

Leadership Native Oklahoma class members also had the chance to learn skills that they could utilize in their current workplaces and businesses, and when working with their own tribes. 

“This class taught me to slow down, listen to the voices of other leaders, and appreciate different perspectives,” said Lincoln. “I gained skills in collaboration, conflict resolution, and effective communication, along with a deeper understanding of how to work across diverse leadership styles.”

Another highlight: the chance for class members to see the economic impacts of the tribes firsthand.  

“The professional networking was tremendous and the meetings throughout Indian Country gave participants firsthand knowledge of the important contributions being made to the economy throughout the state,” said Freeman. 

Dinsmore and Lincoln both encourage others to participate in LNO in the future. 

“This is about aligning with others to advance sovereignty across Indian Country. To take part in this program is to accept your duty to your people,” said Dinsmore. ‘There is something profoundly rewarding about that and if you have the chance to experience it, you should.”

“The last five months have been absolutely incredible,” said Lincoln. “Getting to know and connect with all my classmates has been a true honor. Each tribe welcomed us with their stories, culture, and traditions, and every moment left a lasting imprint on my heart.”

Applications for the LNO class of 2026 open in November. Visit https://aiccok.org/leadership-native-oklahoma for more information.