In collaboration with Harvard Business School, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) offers the Leading Tribal Nations Program, designed to equip Tribal leaders with the knowledge and skills to advance their strategic governance capacity. During the five-day program, Tribal leaders will engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving through the case-study model facilitated on the Harvard Business School campus.

Dates: December 6-11, 2026

Cost: $3,500 per participant, which includes lodging at Harvard Business School, meals, and amenities on all participant days. It does not include airfare or lodging before or after the program ends.

The program is designed for elected Tribal leaders. Non-elected leaders and Tribal professionals may apply, but elected Tribal leaders in good standing will receive preference.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

The priority application deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2026.

NCAI's 2026 Leading Tribal Nations Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School

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 2026 Youth Convention from October 18–22, 2026. This convention is held alongside NCAI's 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace.

Through youth-focused programming, leadership development, cultural exchange, and opportunities to engage with Tribal leaders and advocates, participants will build relationships and gain knowledge they can carry back to their communities.

The Youth Convention is open to ages 14–24.

2026 Youth Convention

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

Register by September 15, 2026, to take advantage of Early Bird registration pricing. NCAI Members receive additional savings, so sign up early to maximize your savings!

NCAI is now accepting breakout session proposals for the 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace. We invite Tribal leaders, policy experts, researchers, community advocates, and organizations to submit proposals for breakout sessions exploring pressing issues, innovative practices, and policy solutions affecting Indian Country.

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Resolutions Portal: Submit by Monday, September 28

NCAI resolutions are one of the policy mechanisms used to express the organizational positions on Tribal, federal, state, and/or local legislation, litigation, and policy matters that affect Tribal governments or communities.

NCAI 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for a day of golf, connection, and purpose in beautiful Palm Springs, California. Held ahead of NCAI’s 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace, the tournament will bring together Tribal leaders, partners, and supporters to benefit the Tribal Supreme Court Project.

Space is limited — register your team today!  

Event Details

 Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Springs, California

Enhance your tournament experience with a 

, available per player. Each Super Ticket includes:

Supporting the Tribal Supreme Court Project

Tournament proceeds will support NCAI and the 

.  Their work strengthens advocacy for Tribal sovereignty and protects Tribal interests before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged. 

For questions or additional information, contact 

NCAI Golf Tournament: Tee Off for Tribal Sovereignty

NCAI Golf Tournament Fundraiser: Tee Off for Tribal Sovereignty

SAVE THE DATE: National Indian Education Association 2026 Annual Convention 

The College of Menominee Nation, in partnership with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University and the University of Wisconsin, has announced that the Seven Generations Inter-Tribal Leadership Summit will convene September 30 to October 2, 2026. Centered on this year's theme, "The Land Remembers Us," the summit will serve as a premier government-to-government forum for Tribal leaders, educators, students, Elders, and community members to engage in strategic discourse, expand professional networks, and practice long-term visioning for the future of Indian Country.

Registration and Call for Proposals Open for the 2026 Seven Generations Intertribal Leadership Summit

The Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research at the University of Oklahoma is launching its first Sovereign Policy Intensive (SPI), taking place on September 25, 2026. Geared primarily toward newly elected Tribal officials, SPI offers an objective, nonpartisan orientation designed to build federal systems literacy. This unique program helps clarify how the structures, processes, and institutional dynamics of the federal government interact with Tribal governance and Tribal sovereignty.

The Sovereign Policy Intensive is a fast-paced, information-dense program structured around high-level legal and policy briefings. It is designed to support informed sovereign decision-making without advocating or prescribing specific policy outcomes.

: Sovereign authority, jurisdiction, the federal budget process, and legislative operations.

: High-impact breakdowns of healthcare, land & natural resources, energy, housing, public safety, education, and agriculture.

: Valuable networking opportunities to share insights with fellow tribal leaders navigating similar governance challenges.

: $450 per participant (due upon acceptance)

: Fully in person at the University of Oklahoma Norman campus (Copeland Hall, Room 233)

Navigate Federal Systems with Confidence: Announcing the Sovereign Policy Intensive (SPI)  

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Department of the Treasury's Office of Tribal and Native Affairs have partnered to host an essential four-part webinar series dedicated to strengthening Tribal economies and expanding housing opportunities across Indian Country. This series is specifically designed to equip Tribal Leaders, economic development directors, and Native entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to successfully finance high-impact community and commercial projects.

Throughout the four installments, leading industry practitioners and federal experts will analyze emerging trends in Tribal finance, navigate complex capital structures, and demonstrate how to leverage innovative financial tools to promote sustainable economic growth while safeguarding Tribal sovereignty.

The series is divided into four focused sessions:

Expanding Financial Institutions in Indian Country

Closing the Gaps: Lender Credit Stacking in Tribal Communities

Attracting Private Capital in Indian Country Through Tax Credit Financing

OCC and Department of the Treasury Launch Joint "Tribal Economies" Webinar Series

As part of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Civic Engagement Webinar Series, please join us for the first webinar in our three-part series strengthening Native civic engagement and advancing Native voter rights essential to building strong, informed, and empowered communities. This webinar will explore current issues affecting Native civic engagement, the importance of protecting Tribal sovereignty at the ballot box, and efforts to strengthen Native voting rights.

Participants will learn about Native voting rights, barriers to accessing the ballot, and opportunities for individuals and communities to participate in the civic process. The discussion will highlight the connection between voting, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty, while providing practical information and resources to help Native community members make their voices heard.

Whether you are a first-time voter, a community advocate, or someone looking to support civic engagement among American Indian and Alaska Native people (AI/AN), this webinar will provide current information, tools, and inspiration to help strengthen Native participation in the democratic process.

Webinar | Native Civic Power Series: Sovereignty at the Ballot Box 

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

Join us as we gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tribal Supreme Court project.

 Events will include a Thursday night reception at the National Museum of the American Indian and a Friday legal colloquium at the Eaton DC hotel. Learn more and get tickets below. Space for both events is limited! 

25 Years Tribal Supreme Court Project 

Investing in Tribal families, promoting strong Tribal Nations

Come together with Tribal leaders and Indian Country advocates on Capitol Hill for Tribal Impact Days, formerly Tribal Unity Impact Days.

Hear from members of Congress and agency officials about their work on behalf of Indian Country, and prepare for Hill and agency meetings with Tribal leader briefing sessions.

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.     NCAI Impact Days Tribal Leader Briefing
1:00–5:00 p.m.     NCAI Impact Days Tribal Leader Briefing

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.     NCAI Impact Days: U.S. House of Representatives

8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.     NCAI Impact Days: U.S. Senate

Don't miss these additional related events! Celebrate 25 years of the Tribal Supreme Court Project: Join the Native American Rights Fund and NCAI for a reception the evening of September 17 and a legal colloquium on September 18 in Washington, D.C. Learn more and register at the link below.

NCAI Tribal Impact Days

The U.S. Census Bureau invites Indian Country to join them for their fall virtual session to learn about collaborative efforts between the Bureau's two Tribal teams. You'll get an overview of their areas of focus and how they work together to serve Indian Country.


Then the U.S. Census Bureau's Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) Tribal Affairs will give updates on their hosted series of virtual information sessions tailored for Tribal communities. These sessions cover topics such as census data collection methods, the 2030 Race & Ethnicity coding project, and how Tribal governments can use census data for community planning. The presentation will also give updates on the 2030 Tribal Consultations planned for 2027.

U.S. Census Tribal Relations Virtual Event FY2026

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 U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) will host a series of listening sessions and events throughout September:

Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC) Meeting,

 Friday, September 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Cash Room (2121) at the Main Treasury Building

TTAC will advise Treasury and IRS officials on Tribal tax issues and hear public comments. Only registered individuals will be allowed to enter the Treasury building. 

Please register by Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Listening Session on Fostering the Future Initiative,

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will discuss implementing access to Trump Accounts for eligible youth in foster care. This includes youth under the care or legal guardianship of Tribal child welfare agencies. This session will allow Tribal leaders to provide feedback. Treasury is accepting written comments; comments are due Friday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m. AT. Please submit written comments to 

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and Treasury

Joint "Tribal Economies" Webinar Series, Session 4,

 — Financial institutions and Tribal government representatives will discuss how using bond issuances can dramatically scale economic infrastructure and inject significant long-term capital into Tribal jurisdictions. 

Treasury Listening Sessions and Events in September

Join the Native Children’s Funding Project on Thursday, September 10, for a webinar titled 

Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities

. The webinar will preview what Tribal leaders, administrators, and practitioners can expect from a training offered later this fall. This training is built on the Native Children’s Funding Project’s public financing framework and has been adapted specifically for Tribal sovereignty and governance contexts by a team of Tribal citizens. The training is organized around three questions Tribal communities are asking:

Who is investing in our Native children and youth — and how much?

What does it truly cost to deliver what our children deserve?

How do we close any gaps without compromising our sovereignty?

This webinar is open to Tribal Nations, Native communities (including urban Indian communities), organizations, and partners.

Native Children’s Funding Project Webinar--Mapping the Money, Building the Vision

Tribal governments have different priorities and comfort levels regarding sharing fiscal data. On Wednesday, September 9, the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) will host a practical virtual briefing on flexible ways to participate in the Survey of Native Nations.

Tribal leaders and staff will hear about several participation pathways — from completing most of the survey to focusing on expenditures or taxation — as well as how CICD protects Tribal data, the technical assistance available to participants, what participating governments receive, and how to decide whether participation makes sense for their Tribal Nation. The briefing will be led by CICD staff members Phil Gover and Andy Huff and will include ample time for questions. Attendance does not commit a Tribal Nation to participating in the survey.

Your Data, Your Priorities: Survey of Native Nations Briefing

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 21st Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation will be held on September 9–11, 2026, at the Tulalip Resort in Tulalip, Washington. The DOJ will be joined by other federal stakeholders, including colleagues from the United States Departments of Health and Human Services and the Interior.

This annual Tribal consultation is held pursuant to Public Law 109-162, Title IX, Section 903. This law requires the U.S. Attorney General to conduct an annual consultation with Tribal governments to address the federal administration of all Tribal funds and programs established under the Violence Against Women Acts (VAWA) of 1994, 2000, and 2005.

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