From Access to Ownership: Advancing Tribal Digital Sovereignty at NCAI Mid Year

Tribal Ready, PBC’s Tom Valandra, Vice President of Tribal Business Development, will attend the NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace in Memphis, Tennessee, June 14–17, 2026.

The annual gathering brings together Tribal leaders, policymakers, advocates, and partners from across Indian Country to discuss priorities that impact Tribal Nations today and for generations to come. From economic development and governance to telecommunications and emerging technologies, NCAI Mid Year serves as an important forum for collaboration, leadership, and the advancement of Tribal priorities.

One such priority is Tribal Digital Sovereignty. Tribal Digital Sovereignty is no longer a future consideration; it is — and must be — a present-day priority. Across Tribal Nations, important conversations are taking place about broadband, telecommunications, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. Yet the most important question may not be what technology is deployed, but who owns it, governs it, and captures its long-term value.

Too often, digital infrastructure models leave Tribal Nations paying for access while outside operators retain ownership, control, and a growing share of the long-term economic value. Tribal Ready, PBC's Sovereign Digital Hub™ with its Sovereignty Keeper™ is designed to reverse that dynamic by keeping governance, opportunity, and value creation within Tribal Nations. It also aligns with Tribal priorities for responsible stewardship of land, natural resources, and community assets.

As a participant in both the NCAI Telecommunications Task Force and Telecommunications Subcommittee, Tom will engage with Tribal leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on issues affecting communications infrastructure, digital governance, and Tribal self-determination. These discussions provide an important opportunity to exchange perspectives, share lessons learned, and help advance priorities that support Tribal Nations today and for generations to come.

Tom looks forward to listening, learning, and contributing to these discussions while connecting with leaders who are focused on building lasting value for their communities through sovereignty-driven digital infrastructure and technology strategies.

The decisions Tribal Nations make today regarding communications networks, data governance, and digital infrastructure will shape opportunities for generations to come.

If your Nation is exploring ways to move beyond simply consuming technology and toward owning, governing, and benefiting from it, meet with Tom at NCAI Mid Year to continue the conversation and to learn how our Sovereign Digital Hub™ and Sovereignty Keeper™ can help support your Nation's vision for Tribal Digital Sovereignty.

Connect with Tom at:
 
[email protected]
(202) 615-2872