Drummond Woodsum Attorneys Discuss Cultural Resource Protection, Economic Development at Tribal Leadership Summit

June 5, 2026

Drummond Woodsum attorneys Joe Sarcinella and Ryan Lolar presented this week at the 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership Summit, hosted at Gila River Resorts & Casinos.

Sarcinella, Co-Chair of the firm’s Tribal Nations Law Practice, spoke Thursday alongside Stewart Koyiyumptewa, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Hopi Tribe. The pair discussed the evolving federal landscape surrounding tribal cultural resource protection and the practical challenges tribal governments face in safeguarding culturally significant sites, sacred places, traditional cultural properties, and ancestral resources.

Drawing on his experience in federal Indian law and tribal consultation matters, Sarcinella explained how tribes can effectively navigate changing federal capacities, shifting agency priorities, and increasing development pressures while continuing to protect cultural resources. The presentation emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, intergovernmental relationship building, early participation in project planning, and strategic positioning before formal consultation begins.

On Wednesday, Lolar sat on a panel titled “Developing Tribal Economies and Tribal Business Structures,” which featured a diverse lineup of speakers with expertise in gaming, analytics, E-commerce, and the law. The group discussed common pitfalls in structuring tribal enterprises and emerging opportunities for tribal economic development.

Drummond Woodsum is proud to join groups like the Tribal Leadership Council in advancing the cause of tribal sovereignty and economic development.