“Today on Indigenous in the News, we’re honored to welcome Mary Jane Oatman, a leading advocate for tribal sovereignty and economic empowerment. She’s the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition, championing Native leadership in the cannabis industry. A proud Nez Perce citizen, Mary is dedicated to blending traditional knowledge with modern opportunity, keeping Indigenous voices at the forefront. Join us as we explore her journey, the challenges facing Native communities, and her vision for a more empowered and sovereign future.” Visit them at https://www.indigenouscannabis.org for all their information.
INDIGENOUS IN THE NEWS WITH MARY JANE OAT MAN
ABOUT MARY JANE OATMAN
Mary Jane Oatman is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and descendant of the Delaware Tribe and proud mother of three beautiful people. She is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), founder of the Indigenous CANNabis Coalition (ICANNC) and publisher of THC Magazine. She enjoys being able to grow her passion both in her communities as well as across the nation as a traveling culture and events photographer. MaryJane has found her true vibe capturing special moments with plants and people.
Mary Jane has been dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous cultures and restoring traditional economies in hemp and cannabis. She has worked for her tribe and other communities to advocate to state and federal agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and to ensure more effective government to government relationships are steered by building bridges between diverse stakeholders. In 2009, Oatman was the youngest member appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, while also serving as the first Director of Indian Education for the state of Idaho.
Mary Jane is on the founding board for the JUSTUS Foundation, is a past president of the Idaho ACLU, and on the board of directors for the Association of Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM). She has also served on the Minority Cannabis Business Association board. She is a certified fitness instructor and loves fishing, gathering and chopping wood for the sweat lodge when she is not searching for stories that heal.
INDIGENOUS IN THE NEWS
Welcome to Indigenous in the News, your go-to source for the latest stories, voices, and issues affecting Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Every week, we engage in meaningful conversations with leaders, artists, and changemakers who are shaping our world.
Stay tuned as we dive into the stories that matter most—from sovereignty and culture to business and the arts. This is Indigenous in the News!
Want to connect? Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.indigenousthenews.org for all the details. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
