Drummond Woodsum Attorneys Talk Present, Future of Cultural Resource Protection and Tribal Economic Development

June 5, 2026

Members of Drummond Woodsum’s top-ranked Tribal Nations Practice were on the ground at Gila River Resorts & Casinos this week for the Tribal Leadership Summit, an annual conference hosted by the Tribal Leadership Council. The event offered our team the chance to say hello to clients and old friends, as well as the opportunity to share their expertise on a pair of pressing issues related to tribal sovereignty.

On Wednesday, Attorney Ryan Lolar joined a panel discussion on tribal economic development and business structures. The group, which featured experts on topics as varied as analytics, gaming, and E-commerce, talked about ways to sidestep common pitfalls in structuring tribal enterprises, how tribes and Tribal Nations can assess opportunities for economic development, and what the future of tribal economic development might look like.

Tribal Nations Law Practice Co-Chair Joe Sarcinella followed the next day with a talk on cultural resource protection in the face of an evolving federal landscape. Joined by Stewart Koyiyumptewa, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Hopi Tribe, Sarcinella drew on his experience in federal Indian law and tribal consultation matters to describe how tribes can navigate shifting agency priorities and increasing development pressures while continuing to protect cultural resources. Koyiyumptewa provided a practical perspective on the day-to-day realities of consultation, monitoring, and cultural resource management from the viewpoint of a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. The session concluded with a discussion and question-and-answer period with tribal leaders and practitioners from across Indian Country.

Drummond Woodsum is proud that our Tribal Nations Law team continues to work with other thought leaders to advance the cause of tribal sovereignty and economic development.