Sold-out The Gathering connects Indigenous business from around the world

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 and Brittany Harlow

(MUSCOGEE NATION) The Gathering Business Summit promised matchmaking and next-level opportunity for Indigenous-focused business development during its three-day conference at River Spirit Casino Resort on the Muscogee Creek Nation Reservation July 23-25. 

Business leaders from across the United States and Canada walked away with promises kept, and an added benefit of new partnerships and friendships in tow. 

Guest speakers at the annual American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) event included OKC Chapter Member of the Year Recipient James Boggs, who shared information about tribal banking and enhanced purchasing power for tribal governments. 

Boggs serves as Executive Vice President and President of Community and Tribal Banking at Sovereign Bank. Sovereign Bank was a Fox Level presenting sponsor at The Gathering this year. 

Amy Walton, Deputy Director of Business Development at Oklahoma Department of Commerce, spoke about opportunities around Oklahoma’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and how its goals align with Indigenous ideals. 

The Consulate General of Canada in Dallas was also on hand to discuss business potential amongst Indigenous nations. 

Consul General Susan Harper said Canada’s National Indigenous Economic Development Board estimates that there are over 50,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada, which contribute greatly to the Canadian economy. 

“It was inspiring to hear the Honorable Susan Harper discuss forging mutually beneficial business connections with tribes here in Indian Country,” AICCO State Board President Bailey Walker said. “We look forward to the day when our Indigenous business leaders journey to Canada to forge even deeper connections.” 

Cultural performances at the Gathering Business Summit included the Chickasaw Dance Troupe and the Fort Sill Apache Fire Dancers. 

More than 70 vendors and artisans packed the trade show all three days. 

“So thankful we were able to participate in The Gathering vendor trade show,” C2 Innovative Technologies, Inc. shared on social media. “We met some great people.” 

Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear was presented with the President's Legacy of Servant Leadership Award during a ceremony on July 24. 

Osage Nation Chief of Staff Jason Zaun called it a wonderful honor.

As for the rest of the AICCO Awards winners, ForeverLawn received the Small Business of the Year Award, BlueCross BlueShield received the Large Business of the Year Award, Cindy Chambers of IBC Bank received the Tulsa Chapter Member of the Year Award, and Mark Rush of Nomerel received the Eastern Chapter Member of the Year Award. 

Walker said The Gathering is dedicated to honoring Native heritage while also creating greater economic and business opportunity for tribal people.

“Our breakout panelists discussed cybersecurity, financing business, and advice on getting tribal contracts,” Walker said. “But beyond these activities and our matchmaking session and other networking moments during The Gathering that were beneficial to the individual, our most important goal was unifying Indigenous business efforts. Working together to make everyone better. And I believe we succeeded in doing that, and that that will resonate for a long time.”  

Walker said AICCO will release information about The Gathering 2024 in the coming months. 

To learn more about The Gathering and sign up for updates, visit https://aiccok.org/events/business-summit/