All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon: Navigating Streams of the Digital Economy

Before European contact in what is now known as the Americas, the western hemisphere had extensive trade networks that linked indigenous nations from the tip of South America to northern Canada. Chaco Canyon was one of the major trade hubs, which anthropologists have called a historic Las Vegas. Excavations and studies of Chaco Canyon uncovered items used by indigenous nations around the western hemisphere, such as macaws and parrot feathers, cacao beans, copper from Mesoamerica, turquoise, pottery, obsidian from the Rocky Mountains, and seashells from both the Pacific Coast and the Gulf. Therefore, it's very evident that all the roads from the historic pre-Columbian trade network lead to Chaco Canyon.

Unfortunately, the conquest of the Americas disrupted the trade network, and nation-to-nation trade among indigenous people ceased. However, the entrepreneurial spirit of indigenous people remains, and it is important, now more than ever, to awaken that spirit so that Native Nations can build strong, sustainable economies.

The founders of The ACES School believe that international trade and relations are essential to developing the economy of any nation, and Native Nations are no exception. Accordingly, they created the annual conference "All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon" to teach participants about the importance of international trade and relations, as well as the building blocks required to revitalize trade among Native Nations. The conference is always hosted on Native lands, and this year, we are proud to announce that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) will be hosting the conference at their world famous Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The MPTN could not be a more perfect host. Historically, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation engaged in trade with other Native Nations up and down the Atlantic coast, navigating local rivers and waterways. It also formed international relations with English and Dutch settlers, making the Nation a revered, well-respected economic powerhouse within the region.

This year, the conference will focus on economics in the digital age. In this era of technology, we are seeing a rise in fintech, cryptocurrency, and a move toward digitizing commercial transactions and ways of doing business. These movements and new technological concepts of doing business present a great opportunity for Native Nations to create unique solutions and methods of economic development. Join us on November 6-7, 2025, at Foxwoods Resort Casino for the 7th Annual All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon: Navigating Streams of the Digital Economy, and become part of a movement to reignite the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within all Native Nations and reawaken ancient trade relations that will enable international trade among indigenous people.

All roads lead to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation! We hope to see you there, and we hope you'll become a student of The ACES School!

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