The 2026 AFN Annual Convention is scheduled for October 22-24, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska.

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 of Native peoples in the United States.

2026 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention 

This year’s conference theme celebrates a powerful truth: 

Indigenous tourism is a living expression of sovereignty.

 Around the world, Native Nations continue to exercise their inherent right to govern themselves—protecting homelands, nurturing economic opportunity, and safeguarding the well-being of their citizens. These sovereign responsibilities extend naturally into the realm of cultural tourism.

True Indigenous tourism must be Native led.

 It must be guided by our people, supported by our consent, and rooted in our authority to decide which stories are shared—and how they are shared. No longer will our stories be told without us. Through Indigenous tourism, we uphold our cultural identities, define our own narratives, and strengthen our nations for generations to come.

As we gather at this year’s American Indigenous Tourism Conference, we honor the sovereignty of our Native Nations and celebrate the transformative role of tourism in advancing our self-determination. 

Indigenous Tourism is Sovereignty in Action—and together, we are creating a future where our cultures, communities, and stories thrive.

It’s an exciting time for travel and tourism in America’s Indigenous communities. The AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s Indigenous communities and the energy is electric as we prepare to celebrate the 28th anniversary. Taking place from October 19-22, 2026, at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington, this is a must attend event for anyone looking to grow their presence in this vibrant industry.

Join more than 300 attendees for networking opportunities, high-level keynotes, and informative sessions led by top hospitality and tourism experts. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate and elevate Indigenous tourism!

28th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference 

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Palm Springs, California, for the 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace from October 18–22, 2026.

SAVE THE DATE: NCAI's 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace

SAVE THE DATE: National Indian Education Association 2026 Annual Convention 

NATHPO Conference demonstrates the importance of fostering meaningful connections among Tribal Nations, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and the diverse sectors and stakeholders that operate in the field of heritage preservation. It highlights the benefits of collaboration grounded in Tribal sovereignty and how that collaboration can lead to achieving shared goals, enhancing mutual understanding, and creating positive impacts for both present and future generations of Tribal citizens and the broader public.

By emphasizing the purpose behind preservation, the conference invites participants to reflect on the values, stories, and identities of Tribal Nations as living, sovereign communities that shape our shared cultural heritage. It also explores how these values can be communicated effectively from a Tribal perspective in service of living cultures, living landscapes, and the continued exercise of inherent Tribal rights. Through thought-provoking presentations, interactive workshops, and site visits, the conference offers a dynamic program designed to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change centered on Tribal expertise, lived experience, and leadership in cultural heritage stewardship.

26th Annual NATHPO Conference and Sacred Places Summit 

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference is a week-long event that serves American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health — behavioral and public health. The conference will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and Indian health best practices. Programming includes tribal listening and consultation sessions, hands-on training opportunities, plenary sessions, and workshops that cover timely topics such as funding for Indian Health, the business of medicine, health equity, Indigenous determinants of health, Tribal public health, behavioral health, culture, environmental health, and climate change. The conference also includes focus areas on Native youth, Tribal veterans, and elders, a fitness event, exhibit hall and marketplace, culture night, poster sessions, and gala celebration.

NIHB National Tribal Health Conference 

The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S.

UNITY is celebrating 50 years of tradition and Native Youth empowerment. This national conference is a place where Native youth voices are encouraged and valued. We want to commemorate our time through the decades by highlighting some of our organization’s key achievements. Look forward to looking back into UNITY’s immense history along with some familiar faces.

National UNITY Conference — 50th Anniversary

The Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City is an annual event that brings together Tribal leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to discuss critical issues affecting Native American communities. It provides a scholarly and cultural platform to explore tribal sovereignty through legal, artistic, economic, and cultural lenses. While heavily attended by OK-based Tribes, multiple non-OK Tribal leaders and staff also attend.

The Sovereignty Symposium 

2026 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & Expo

 serves as a unique opportunity for community members to learn about the current state of gaming in Washington and throughout Indian Country.

Attendees get up-to-date information on gaming technology, management solutions, gaming regulations, and the current political issues that affect Tribal gaming operations. 

2026 Northwest Indian Gaming Association Conference and Expo 

June 14–17, 2026 | Renasant Convention Center

Join us for NCAI's 2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace! Work collaboratively with federal partners and Tribal organizations to defend and enhance Tribal sovereignty. 

Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather for daily thematic programming featuring plenary panels and breakout sessions highlighting Tribal civic engagement, pertinent legislation and advocacy updates, and Tribal governance best practices.

At the National Congress of American Indian's (NCAI's) 2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace, attendees will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with federal partners and tribal organizations to defend and enhance Tribal sovereignty. This in-person convention takes place June 14–17 at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather to embark upon a new era of Nation-to-Nation engagement, including proactive strategy development, advocacy, and much more.

2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

Join the co-chairs of the Tribal Border Task Force on May 28, 2026, for a virtual meeting to prepare for NCAI's 2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace in Memphis, Tennessee.

The purpose of the NCAI Tribal Border Task Force is to ensure that original peoples of this land can continue to cross, trade, visit, enhance language reclamation, practice traditions, conduct cultural ceremonies, and protect their homelands as our ancestors have done since time immemorial.

Provide Regional Partner Organization updates (e.g., JTBA, AFN, etc.)

Tribal Border Task Force Meeting

Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University

Open to Tribal Leaders and Tribal communications professionals, the fellowship provides targeted learning and hands-on practice to increase communication skills and expand media presence to meet their community needs.

Build the skills to amplify your Tribal Nation’s priorities in today’s media landscape.

By the end of this training, participants will know how to:

Create strong narratives, tell compelling stories, and deliver effective messages.

Use their voices and digital tools to advocate for policy change at all levels.

Build and maintain relationships with news outlets and media professionals.


I have never been in a room full of people who look like my cousins, studying communications. I was moved. I felt like I was part of something important and I am a vital piece moving forward.

 Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Arizona State University

 includes lunch and snacks for all program days

Transportation to and from the program site, lodging, and additional meals are not included. A room block is available at the U.S. government rate.

 who understand the unique media landscape of Indian Country

 and storytelling techniques to mobilize your communities & advance policy

 reporters, Tribal leaders, and political strategists on the importance of communications.

 and pitch stories that matter while navigating diverse interview environments.

fellows will receive 50% off their registration fee for NCAI's 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace

 in October 2026 after successful completion of the program.

The 2026 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship is open to Tribal Leaders and Tribal communications professionals and will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University on May 27-29, 2026. The fellowship will provide targeted learning and hands-on practice to Tribal Leaders and communication professionals who wish to increase their communication skills and expand their media presence to meet their community needs. Curriculum will be tailored to and facilitated by Native voices with knowledge of the unique media landscape of Indian Country. 

2026 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship

The 2026 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University on May 27-29, 2026. The fellowship will provide targeted learning and hands-on practice to Tribal Leaders and communication professionals who wish to increase their communication skills and expand their media presence to meet their community needs. Curriculum will be tailored to and facilitated by Native voices with knowledge of the unique media landscape of Indian Country.

Save the date for NCAI's next Violence Against Women Task Force Meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET. 

Additional details will be announced soon.

Violence Against Women Task Force Meeting

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund

 (CDFI Fund) is hosting monthly webinars to serve as an open forum for potential CDFI Certification Applicants, currently Certified CDFIs, and other stakeholders. These sessions are designed to provide a space for participants to ask questions and discuss the evolving CDFI Certification process.

During each session, CDFI Fund staff will provide a walkthrough demonstration of a specific aspect of the CDFI Certification Application. This hands-on approach provides Tribal Nations and Native Entities with detailed instructions and guidance on key components of the application. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask general certification inquiries.

Access to capital is a cornerstone of Tribal sovereignty and economic resilience. These webinars support Native Entities in navigating the federal certification process, ensuring they can effectively leverage CDFI resources to serve their communities.

All webinars held at 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET:

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) is hosting monthly webinars to serve as an open forum for potential CDFI Certification Applicants, currently Certified CDFIs, and other stakeholders. These sessions are designed to provide a space for participants to ask questions and discuss the evolving CDFI Certification process.

Monthly CDFI Certification Webinars from the CDFI Fund

The federal government has jurisdiction to prosecute some domestic violence related assaults that are committed in Indian country. This webinar will cover basic federal criminal jurisdiction, the federal assault statute, domestic assault by an habitual offender offenses, relevant portions of the Gun Control Act, Chapter 110A crimes, hearsay exceptions and the use of expert witnesses at trial when a victim minimizes or recants.

This training is available to all interested parties. There is no charge to attend this training, and CLE will not be available.

This training is a joint effort hosted by federal law enforcement agencies responding to violent crime in Indian Country. Sponsoring agencies include the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Indian Country Training Initiative, the United States Indian Police Academy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of the Interior’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security’s Victim Assistance Program.

If you have any questions, please contact Lamesha Bowman at 

Online Training Announcement: Federal Prosecution of Domestic Violence Crimes in Indian Country

 The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has issued an addendum for its Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) regarding upcoming consultations on May 19-20, 2026. The deadline for in-person registration for the consultation is 

. Additionally, the deadline for written comments has been extended from April 17, 2026, to 

The DOI Bureau of Indian Affairs (IA) invites Tribal Leaders to the 

, to participate in a focused Tribal Interior Budget Council (TIBC) session. One day will be designated to discuss relevant budget, strategy, and planning of the FY2028 budget, and one day will be designated to discuss the future of TIBC.

 (DTLL), IA solicits written feedback on strengthening TIBC so that they will be better prepared to have robust conversations in May.

Please share feedback through the following options:

, allocate approximately 10 minutes to complete

Additional information regarding the event will be added as available. Please note this is not an NCAI-affiliated event.

IA invites you to the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C., on
May 19-20, 2026, to participate in a focused TIBC session. One day will be designated to discuss relevant budget, strategy, and planning of the FY2028 budget and one day will be designated to discuss the future
of TIBC.

Indian Affairs Tribal Consultation: Focused TIBC Session

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society's (NAFWS) Tribal Fish and Wildlife Working Group is a Tribal-only forum dedicated to advancing the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources across Tribal lands and communities. Meetings are held virtually, enabling broad participation and regular dialogue among Tribal natural resource professionals. 

Pollinator Working Group: February 17, July 21 

Wildlife Connectivity Working Group: April 21, September 15 

Reptile & Amphibian Working Group: May 19, October 20 

Fisheries & Aquatics Working Group: June 16, November 17

NAFWS Tribal Fish and Wildlife Working Group Webinar Series

The NCAI Budget Task Force will be hosting a pre-caucus meeting at the Indian Gaming Association Headquarters at 

upcoming Department of the Interior (DOI) consultation focused on the Tribal Interior Budget Council (TIBC)

For nearly 30 years, TIBC has served as the forum where the Department of the Interior meets with Tribal Nations to identify Tribal budget priorities and funding needs. These discussions help inform the President’s Yearly Budget request and the Congressional appropriations process. The DOI recently issued a 

 indicating the agency’s desire to change TIBC and the government-to-government process for developing the Indian Country budget.

Please join the NCAI Budget Task Force Co-Chairs, who also serve as Co-Chairs of TIBC, to discuss the importance of TIBC and help prepare Tribal Leaders for the 

Due to limited space, NCAI is prioritizing in-person attendance for TIBC members and Tribal Leaders. Zoom participation will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

The DOI has requested feedback on these sessions through their survey questionnaire and through Written Comments submitted by email to 

NCAI Budget Task Force  Pre-TIBC Caucus Meeting


NCAI will be hosting a pre-TIBC caucus meeting hosted by the NCAI Budget Task Force. For nearly 30 years, TIBC has been the forum where the Department of the Interior meets with Tribal Nations to identify Tribal budget priorities and funding needs. These discussions inform the President’s Yearly Budget as well as the Congressional appropriations process. DOI recently put out a Dear Tribal Leader Letter indicating the agency’s desire to change TIBC and the government-to-government process of developing the Indian Country budget. Please join the NCAI Budget Task Force Co-Chairs, who also Co-Chair TIBC, to discuss the importance of TIBC and prepare Tribal Leaders to attend the DOI TIBC Meeting on May 19 and 20, 2026.

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.

2026 Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Mid Year Convention 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is hosting a specialized webinar focused on how microgrid projects are revolutionizing energy independence across Indian Country. This session will showcase advanced grid expansion and local power generation solutions that electrify essential buildings, significantly reduce utility costs, and bolster Tribal sovereignty through energy self-sufficiency.

Thursday, May 14, at 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET.

As Tribal Nations seek to enhance resource security and foster economic growth, particularly in remote areas, microgrids have emerged as a critical solution for resilient infrastructure. This webinar provides an in-depth look at successful projects that integrate local power generation to provide reliable energy to community hubs and critical facilities.

Participants will hear directly from Tribal project leads and federal partners regarding the implementation of innovative energy systems. The discussion will highlight:

: Enhancing the stability of local grids against environmental and economic volatility.

: Strategic methods for lowering energy expenses for Tribal governments and citizens.

: Fostering local growth through the modernization of distribution infrastructure.

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