Current Tribal Law & Policy Attends the 2026 Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference

On September 10, 2026, Lydia Locklear Canty, co-founder of Current Tribal Law & Policy, PLLC, attended the 2026 Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference on behalf of the Firm at the Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center.

Hosted by the Rappahannock Tribe, the annual conference brings together tribal leaders, attorneys, scholars, policymakers, community members, and other partners to examine issues important to Virginia’s federally and State-recognized tribal nations. The Conference is designed to educate the public on matters affecting Virginia tribes and to create opportunities for dialogue around tribal priorities.

This year’s theme, “Ancient Wisdom Guides Today’s Paths,” centered on four principles: Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, and Responsibility. Throughout the day, speakers explored how these principles shape relationships between tribal nations, governments, educational institutions, researchers, and other partners.

Hannah Goins, Sovereignty Strategy Manager of the Indigenous Conservation Council of the Chesapeake Bay with Current Tribal Law & Policy, PLLC Partner Lydia Locklear Canty

One of the Conference’s opening sessions focused on tribal data sovereignty and the role of tribal law in protecting cultural heritage. Presenters discussed how tribal nations can strengthen their legal position by adopting laws and processes that define and protect culturally significant places, objects, and knowledge. The session highlighted how clearly established tribal law can also impact the application of federal laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA.

Other sessions addressed the importance of accurate Indigenous history and cultural content in K-12 education, collaborative and reciprocal approaches to archaeology, and the responsibilities of state governments to meaningfully include tribal nations in laws, policies, and opportunities. The Conference also underscored the importance of government-to-government relationships and tribal sovereignty. During the afternoon session on “Responsibility,” speakers examined legislative efforts affecting Virginia tribes, barriers faced by tribal nations, and the need for greater public and governmental understanding of sovereignty.

Session Four: Recognizing the ethical obligations of the Commonwealth of Virginia to include Indigenous nations in codes and opportunities. Panelists (L to R): Dr. David Wilkins, Dr. Andy Block, Reggie Stewart, and The Honorable Paul Krizek

For Current Tribal Law & Policy, participation in gatherings like the Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference is part of our broader commitment to remaining engaged with the legal, governmental, and policy issues impacting tribal nations throughout the Southeast and Indian Country. “Conferences like this create important opportunities to listen to tribal leaders, learn from the work happening in other Native communities, and strengthen relationships across Indian Country,” said Locklear Canty. “The conversations around tribal law, cultural protection, sovereignty, and government-to-government relationships are directly connected to the work we do alongside tribal nations.”

Current Tribal Law & Policy, PLLC is proud to support spaces where tribal nations can share knowledge, identify common challenges, and advance solutions grounded in sovereignty and self-determination. More information about this year’s Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference can be found at the following link: https://sovereignnationsva.org.