The Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS) is the annual meeting of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council, which includes NCAI's Executive Committee and Tribal delegates. This meeting presents an opportunity for Tribal delegates to hear from members of Congress and the Administration, furthering the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government. NCAI's 2026 ECWS will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Join NCAI and Partner Organizations for Additional Events Throughout the Week
Lifetime Member Lounge at ECWS 2026
NCAI Lifetime Members are invited to stop by the Lifetime Lounge in Room 205 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during ECWS for exclusive access and benefits.
Lifetime Lounge Event Schedule:
Monday, February 9: 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 10: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tribal Leaders & Future Tribal Leaders Reception hosted by the NCAI Youth Commission and CNAY
Tribal leaders are encouraged to join the NCAI Youth Commission and Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Room 207 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for an intergenerational reception bringing together Tribal Leaders and Native youth for an evening of meaningful connection and conversation.
This reception will feature CNAY’s 2026 Champions for Change and create space for dialogue on leadership, sovereignty and the future of Tribal Nations.
Beverages and light appetizers will be served.
Reception Celebrating the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walker Soboleff Commission on Native Children
Join the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation and Indian Country partners on Wednesday, February 11, at 5:30–7:00 p.m. for a reception celebrating the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children.
The reception will be hosted in the 9th Floor Reception Room at the Senate Hart Building and will highlight The Way Forward Report and next steps for Tribal leaders, Tribal organizations, and allies.
Food and beverages will be provided.
Download the NEW ECWS Conference App and Stay Up to Date!
Stay updated and connected throughout the event by downloading our conference app. You can sign up for sessions, customize your own agenda, and access your check-in code. The app includes the full agenda, speaker bios, session locations, local offers, and real-time updates.
Follow the link below to download the CVent app and enter then name and email address you registered with to log in and get started!
NOTE: If you already have the CVent app, you can also open it and search ECWS 2026
