Held in conjunction with the Executive Council Winter Session, the State of Indian Nations (SOIN) is delivered by the President of the National Congress of American Indians and serves as a formal address to Congress, the Administration, and the nation. The address outlines Indian Country’s priorities for the year ahead, grounded in Tribal sovereignty and nation-to-nation governance, and presents clear recommendations for federal action. SOIN calls for accountability through partnership and reinforces the federal government’s responsibility to uphold trust and treaty obligations in ways that support Tribal self-determination, public safety, housing, economic development, and the well-being of Native families.

Registration Information will be available soon. 

Held in conjunction with the Executive Council Winter Session, the State of Indian Nations (SOIN) is delivered by the President of the National Congress of American Indians and serves as a formal address to Congress, the Administration, and the nation. The address outlines Indian Country’s priorities for the year ahead, grounded in Tribal sovereignty and nation-to-nation governance, and presents clear recommendations for federal action. SOIN calls for accountability through partnership and reinforces the federal government’s responsibility to uphold trust and treaty obligations in ways that support Tribal self-determination, public safety, housing, economic development, and the well-being of Native families.

Registration Information will be available soon. 

2026 State of Indian Nations

Bringing together the Native youth leaders of Indian Country, the Native Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS) provides practical skills and immersive, hands-on training to prepare the next generation of Indigenous policy advocates to lead the way in advancing sovereignty. Open to ages 14–24.

Registration Information and Agenda will be available soon. 

Bringing together the Native youth leaders of Indian Country, the Native Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS) provides practical skills and immersive, hands-on training to prepare the next generation of Indigenous policy advocates to lead the way in advancing sovereignty. Open to ages 14–24.

Additional information coming soon.

2026 Native Youth Leadership Summit

The Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS) is the annual meeting of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council, which includes NCAI's 

. 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 

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. 

Registration Information will be available soon. 

2026 Executive Council Winter Session

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 thanks the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for rescheduling the postponed 20th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation to January 21–23, 2026, at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. A virtual option will be available, as well. This will allow for greater participation by Tribal Leaders and stakeholders on the important issues that will be discussed.

All attendees — whether virtual or in-person — must register for the conference. Registration and Hotel Reservations are now open.



Reminder: If you booked a hotel room and/or registered for the previous October dates, your hotel reservation and registration was canceled. You must re-register and reserve your hotel room for the January dates. 

For details on how to reserve a room, click 

please visit the OVW Consultation webpage.

The Office on Violence Against Women is a grant-making agency in the U.S. Department of Justice. Under §903 of Title IX of the United States Department of Justice Reauthorization and Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the United States Attorney General.

The purpose of each consultation is to solicit recommendations from tribal government leaders on the following topics:

Enhancing the safety of Indian women from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, homicide, stalking, and sex trafficking;

Strengthening the federal response to such crimes; and,

Improving access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems.

The 20th Annual Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation has been rescheduled to  January 21 - 23, 2026 at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. 

20th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation 

The Office on Violence Against Women is a grant-making agency in the U.S. Department of Justice. Under §903 of Title IX of the United States Department of Justice Reauthorization and Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the United States Attorney General.

The purpose of each consultation is to solicit recommendations from tribal government leaders on the following topics:
- Administering tribal funds and programs;
- Enhancing the safety of Indian women from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, homicide, stalking, and sex trafficking;
- Strengthening the federal response to such crimes; and,
- Improving access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems.
 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Women will host a pre-consultation caucus on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT, for Tribal leaders and Tribal organizations to focus on the priorities for discussion at the Department of Justice’s annual government-to-government consultation among Tribal Nations and the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW).

The caucus is a closed event intended only for Tribal leaders, Tribal proxies, and Tribal organizations. We ask that federal partners, press, and other third parties not attend. Registration is required for the Pre-Consultation Caucus can be accessed below. 

Registration for NCAI Pre-Consultation Caucus

NCAI  thanks the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for rescheduling the postponed 

20th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation

 to January 21–23, 2026, at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. A virtual option will be available, as well. This will allow for greater participation by Tribal Leaders and stakeholders on the important issues that will be discussed. Registration for the Tribal Consultation can be accessed below. 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Women will host a caucus for Tribal leaders and Tribal organizations on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT to focus on the priorities for discussion at the Department of Justice’s annual government-to-government consultation among Tribal Nations and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

The caucus is a closed event intended only for Tribal leaders, Tribal proxies, and Tribal organizations. Registration is required. We ask that federal partners, press, and other third parties not attend.

Rescheduled Dates: 2025 NCAI VAW Task Force Caucus

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Women will host a pre-consultation caucus for Tribal leaders and Tribal organizations on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT to focus on the priorities for discussion at the Department of Justice’s annual government-to-government consultation among Tribal Nations and the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW).

The caucus is a closed event intended only for Tribal leaders, Tribal proxies, and Tribal organizations. Registration is required. We ask that federal partners, press, and other third parties not attend.

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Seattle, Washington, for its 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace from November 16 - 21, 2025, at the Seattle Convention Center. 

Now more than ever is an essential moment for Indian Country to unite, amplify voices, and shape a powerful collective future. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and allies from across Indian Country will gather to tackle critical issues, strategize for the future, and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.

Additionally, attendees will be able to browse the NCAI Marketplace, which features a variety of booths ranging from Native artists to federal job recruiters and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing mission of NCAI.

Held alongside the 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace is the 2025 NCAI Youth Convention. The NCAI Youth Commission and NCAI Youth Leadership Program are excited to welcome attendees to Seattle for an engaging lineup of speakers and events planned for you and your group. Thank you to our generous sponsors — the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Bahn-Ki Moon Foundation — for funding this incredible event!

Registration for the Youth Convention is NOW CLOSED. THERE WILL BE NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

Nov. 20 | 6:00–9:00 P.M. | Seattle Convention Center, Ballroom 6 E

The Nez Perce Tribe invites NCAI attendees to join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration. Our goal for this gathering is to bring people together to honor our shared work, strengthen relationships, and uplift Indigenous artistry and storytelling as we center our efforts around the restoration and protection of our traditional first foods and life sources. The evening will begin with an opening prayer and remarks from Tribal leadership, followed by inspiring performances from renowned pow wow dancers, Nez Perce Tribal member and jazz vocalist 

 from Treaty 6 Territory. Together, we will close the week in the spirit of unity, reflection, and joy — celebrating the voices, resilience, and creativity of Indigenous peoples.

To view additional events held alongside the convention, check out our 

82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace

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 

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!

 to book your hotel room by October 16, 2025!

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

This is the only native organization specifically dedicated to advancing Indian Country tourism across the United States, the AIANTA serves as the voice and resource for tribes and tribal organizations engaged in cultural tourism. AIANTA helps tribes develop, sustain, and grow tourism destinations through technical assistance, training & educational resources. Working on behalf of all 573 federally recognized tribes & Native Hawaiians, AIANTA supports and promotes authentic Indian Country tourism. We provide technical assistance, training, and resources to tribes, and work hard to make sure that tribal tourism has a voice at the national level. Technical assistance & training are the heartbeat of our work the American Indigenous Tourism Association.

2025 American Indigenous Tourism Association Conference 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on one policy and three proposed rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered at the Federal level by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The consultation will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, will be the USDA consulting official.

An agenda and framing paper will be published prior to the consultation on the 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on one policy and three proposed rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered at the Federal level by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The consultation will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, will be the USDA consulting official.

An agenda and framing paper will be published prior to the consultation on the USDA website. 

USDA Tribal Consultation on SNAP

Save the Date: The 2025 Annual AFN Convention will be held on October 16-18, 2025 in Anchorage, AK.

The 2024 Convention theme was "Our Children - Our Future Ancestors," and was held on October 17-19, 2024 at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Former AFN President Julie Kitka served as the 2024 keynote speaker.

The annual convention serves as the principal forum and voice for the Alaska Native community in addressing critical issues of public policy and government. The convention convenes thousands of official delegates and participants from membership organizations across the state.

At the Convention, delegates discuss strategic opportunities and challenges, listen to memorable keynote speeches, hear reports from political leaders and presentations from expert panels, and share stories of resilience, experiences, strengths, knowledge, and hope for the future. The resolutions passed by the voting delegates set the priorities for the year and guide AFN’s efforts. The Convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of Native peoples.

2025 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its 

 on Thursday, October 26 at 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT, both in person at Embassy Suites, 7001 Yampa Street, Denver, CO, and by virtual access.

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its Department Reorganization Plan on Thursday, October 26 at 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT, both in person at Embassy Suites, 7001 Yampa Street, Denver, CO, and by virtual access. 

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in Denver, CO

 on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET, both in person at 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., and by virtual access.

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its Department Reorganization Plan on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET, both in person at 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., and by virtual access. 

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in D.C.

ATNI Conventions are where members convene for discussion, presentations and the work of the committees in regard to policy, legislation, and the future of Indian Country in the Northwest.

ATNI has taken as its purpose to: provide a forum for sharing information on matters of interest to its member Tribes, develop consensus on matters of mutual importance, assist member Tribes in their governmental and programmatic development consistent with their goals for self-determination and self-sufficiency and provide for effective public relations and education program with the non-Indian communities. Through its conventions, forums, networks and alliances, it is the intent of ATNI to represent and advocate for the interests of its member Tribes to national Indian and non-Indian organizations and governments.

Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians Annual Conference

Join Professors Kate Fort and Lauren Van Schilfgaarde as they discuss the Uniform Law Commission and its work on a uniform state Indian Child Welfare Act. They will explain the process, dispel some misconceptions about the project, and discuss the importance of tribal involvement in this endeavor.

The Uniform Law Commission is drafting, with the participation of tribes and tribal leaders, a uniform or model act to incorporate the federal ICWA and its implementing regulations into state law, and to include additional provisions on related issues that are not fully addressed in the federal ICWA or regulations. The ULC is continuing to take comments and suggestions on the draft of the proposed model law.

Codifying State ICWA: Learning about the Uniform Law Commission Process

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was formed by Native educators in 1969 to encourage a national discourse on Native education. For 51 years, NIEA has hosted an annual convention to provide a forum for collaboration. NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles: • to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the education of Native children; • to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures; • and to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policymakers.

NIEA 2025 Annual Conference 

The NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force hosts a webinar on developing talking points for the DOJ's Consultation with the Office of Violence Against Women in late October. Tribal Leaders can join to contribute their priorities for discussion with the federal Office of Violence Against Women. 

NCAI's webinar will take place on October 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Webinar: NCAI VAW Task Force Preconsultation Webinar

 (CICD) cordially invites you to join us for a special two-day event marking our tenth anniversary and first decade of economic research and data work in Indian Country. Taking place in person at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the event provides an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders from across Indian Country and the Federal Reserve System.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis established CICD in 2015 in recognition that thriving Native American economies are vital to overall economic prosperity. Over the past decade, we’ve seen substantial advancements in economic research and data across Indian Country that increase understanding of the distinctiveness of Native economies and their contributions to local and regional economies across the United States. As CICD observes our tenth year, we reflect on what we’ve learned from a 

, economic innovations taking place across Native communities, and the future of our work to advance Indian Country economic prosperity.

Space is limited. Please complete the form below by Friday, August 22, to register. We hope you will join us for either or both days of this important event.

Day 1: CICD 10th-Anniversary Event
October 8, 2025
2:00–6:00 p.m. CT

On Wednesday, October 8, leaders from across Indian Country, the Federal Reserve System, and beyond will gather to commemorate CICD’s tenth anniversary and first decade of economic research and data work in Indian Country. The event provides an opportunity to connect with leaders working to advance Indian Country economic prosperity and hear thought-leader reflections on economic progress in Native communities.

The event will feature panel discussions among Indian Country experts on economic advancements and the interconnectedness of tribal economies with local, regional, and national economies. National leaders will reflect on Indian Country’s contributions to the overall economy and the role of research and data in strengthening Native economies. The event will also feature an invocation, drum song, and reception. 

In honor of this milestone, CICD invited the 44 federally recognized tribes and bands in the Ninth Federal Reserve District to share their nations’ flags for display in the Bank. Event participants will have the opportunity to view these important visual representations of history, identity, and sovereignty.

Governor Michael Barr, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Melanie Benjamin (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Vice President of Government Relations and Engagement, Blue Stone Strategy Partners

Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Executive Director, NAFOA

Chairman Rodney Butler (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation), Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Tribal Council

Maranda Compton (Delaware Tribe of Indians), Founder and President, Lepwe Inc.

Dawson Her Many Horses (Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota), Managing Director, Wells Fargo

Chris James (Cherokee), The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development 

Neel Kashkari, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Casey Lozar (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Vice President, Director of CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Amber Schulz-Oliver (Yakama/Wasco), Executive Director, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians

Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Senate (Minnesota)

Alene Tchourumoff, Senior Vice President, Community Development and Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Please continue to check back for speaker and agenda updates.

Day 2: CICD 2025 Data Summit
October 9, 2025
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CT

Following the anniversary event, a special milestone-year edition of CICD’s annual data summit will take place at the Minneapolis Fed on October 9, 2025. The data summit provides an opportunity for tribal leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to learn more about emerging economic research and 

 that can strengthen economic development in Indian Country.

The event will feature a fireside chat with Indian Country thought leaders reflecting on economic data innovations in Indian Country over the past decade and future growth opportunities. Panel discussions will explore opportunities for Native communities to leverage economic data—on their own terms—to enhance access to capital, diversify revenue, and promote community and economic well-being for the next seven generations. The event will also introduce tribes across the country to the Survey of Native Nations, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between CICD and tribal governments to provide tribal leaders with benchmark public finance data.

The data summit is designed for anyone interested in learning about economic development trends in Indian Country and practical data approaches that are advancing tribal economies. 

Randall Akee (Native Hawaiian), Associate Professor, UCLA

Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), President and CEO, Oweesta Corporation

Phil Gover (Northern and Southern Paiute, Pawnee, and Comanche Nations), Senior Policy Analyst, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Michou Kokodoko, Senior Policy Analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Ava LaPlante (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Research Assistant, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Joel Rosette (Chippewa Cree Tribe), CEO, Rocky Boy Health Center

CICD 10th Anniversary and Data Summit: Braiding the Past and Future of Native Economies

The Annual AISES National Conference is a unique, three-day event focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.

AISES National Conference 

This two-day conference will entail new conversations of interest in Indian Country with a focus on the roles of Enrollment Departments

Secure Identification Cards “What does Real ID mean to Tribal Nations?” Enhancing tribal ID Cards. Hear from the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection(DHS/CBP).

Enhanced Tribal Card Program (ETC) Informational Session – What you need to know to develop your tribal nation’s ETC card equivalent to a US Passport card.

ETC Program Training – How to identify fraudulent documents and conduct effective interview techniques facilitated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS/CBP).

Sacred Path, a consulting service operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Enrollment Department, will be hosting the 2nd Annual Tribal Enrollment and Enhanced Tribal Card Program Conference. Early Bird Registration with received or postdated payments made on or before September 1st, 2025, 11:59 P.M. PST is $900 US Dollars per attendee. Standard Registration rates received after September 1, 2025, will be $1,000 US Dollars per attendee.

2nd Annual Tribal Enrollment and Enhanced Tribal Card Program Conference 

 . This year’s event will take place at 

Pechanga Resort & Casino from September 29 to October 1, 2025

1,000 Tribal HR professionals, leaders, and decision-makers

Our conference provides a unique space for Indigenous HR professionals to connect, learn, and strengthen their capacity to support Tribal sovereignty through workforce development and strategic leadership. Featuring sessions on tribal labor law, benefits, organizational development, wellness, and workforce innovation, this event is dedicated to advancing HR practices that reflect the values, rights, and futures of Tribal Nations.

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