TULSA, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and national nonprofit ONABEN, a Native American Business Network, are teaming up to present, Trading at the River, a business conference and marketplace. The event will take place on May 5 and 6 at the River Spirit Event Center in Tulsa. The marketplace will showcase Indigenous artists and small businesses, beginning May 6, at noon, at the Riverwalk in Jenks.

This year’s conference theme is, “Aspire to Inspire: Arts, Culture, Entrepreneurship.” It is designed to promote business development. Trading at the River, a place to gather, exchange and grow, includes panel discussions focusing on information relative to cultural tourism and entrepreneurial development in the arts, as well as information regarding how tribal economic development initiatives can assist the small business community.

Speakers will include leaders in tribal government, local and national business development resources, directors and policy makers concerned with tribal procurement, and innovators in cultural tourism initiatives, as well as the entrepreneurs and artists who have traveled the road of small business development and are willing to share their journeys -- from struggles to successes.

 Understanding the need for collaboration and the importance of an expanded network, ONABEN also developed conference partnerships with the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), Rogers State University Innovation Center, and First Peoples Fund, a national organization dedicated to the preservation, advancement and well-being of American Indian arts and culture.

“We are so excited to bring Trading at the River to Oklahoma,” says Veronica Hix, ONABEN Executive Director. “The event is an excellent tool for professional development and great way to grow your business network. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a small business owner, I encourage you to attend.”

Hix adds that the conference is designed to speak to the business community as well as the resources designed to promote business development. According to Hix, Trading at the River was created to bridge the gap between the private sector and tribal-owned entities; it is an outlet to build stronger networks and a tool for business growth and capacity building.

Early bird registration is $125 and conference registration is $150 per person and includes a booth at the marketplace for interested vendors. Special rates are available to members of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma. Sponsorships are still available. For more information or to register, please visit the event website at www.tradingattheriver.com, contact Lynn Wilson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.onaben.org.