June 14–17, 2026 | Renasant Convention Center

NCAI's 2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace is currently underway! Join us to 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

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS), in coordination with Tribal partners, is conducting a webinar series designed to explore existing, new, and emerging technologies that support wildlife research and management in Tribal contexts. This series provides a dedicated space for Tribal fish and wildlife professionals to share knowledge and coordinate priorities that support Tribal sovereignty and the stewardship of natural resources.

The second session, scheduled for June 11, 2026, will focus on Environmental Sensor Data. This session is co-hosted by 

, an online platform that simplifies the processing, organization, storage, and sharing of environmental sensor data. Participants will learn how these tools can enhance data collection and analysis to support robust Tribal fish and wildlife programs.

 Oct 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET and Feb 11, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. ET

NAFWS Webinar Series: Emerging Technologies in Wildlife Management

Kicking off our ORLP webinar series, this first session introduces the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program and TPL's new technical assistance resources for prospective applicants through our partnership with the National Park Service. Participants will hear directly from the National Park Service on program goals, eligibility requirements, and what's new for 2026, including expanded opportunities for tribes and Indigenous communities. A case study presentation on Dream Keepers Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma will offer a real-world look at what a competitive ORLP application looks like. The session will close with an overview of TPL's full ORLP technical assistance program, including one-on-one application support, self-guided resources, and what to expect in the next webinar.

Unlock Federal Funding to Expand Outdoor Recreation Access: A Guide to the ORLP

U.S. Department of Transportation National Small Business Matchmaking Series

Join the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for the next IGA–NCAI Task Force Meeting on 

Created in response to emerging threats to Tribal sovereignty and Tribal treaty rights, the IGA–NCAI Task Force brings together Tribal leaders, attorneys, lobbyists, and other interested parties to discuss legal, administrative, and legislative challenges impacting Tribal Nations.

This meeting will provide updates on recent threats to sovereignty and treaty rights related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s allowance of sports contract prediction markets as financial derivatives. IGA and NCAI will also share information on ongoing efforts to protect Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights through agency action, legislation, and litigation.

Register today to join the discussion and stay informed on this critical issue impacting Tribal Nations.

IGA–NCAI Task Force Meeting

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Partnership and Engagement, on behalf of the Department of Justice, is hosting a webinar on the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) — a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craft products within the United States. The webinar will cover the work of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB) of the U.S. Department of the Interior and will feature a recently prosecuted case from the District of Alaska involving over $1 million in fraudulent artwork falsely marketed as authentic Alaska Native art. This training is free and open to all interested parties.

Protecting Tribal Culture: The Indian Arts and Crafts Act

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for a special fireside chat featuring Associate Chief Chris French of the United States Forest Service and NCAI leadership for a timely conversation about the reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service and what it means for Indian Country and the government-to-government relationship.

NCAI Fireside Chat with the United States Forest Service

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.

Join the Co-Chairs of the NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force on 

 This is the regular monthly meeting of the VAW Task Force.

This meeting will include a conversation on setting the agenda for Task Force meetings during Mid Year, updates from the Task Force partners, and an open discussion.

Violence Against Women Task Force Meeting

Upcoming live virtual trainings that may be of interest to Tribal Nations, Tribal staff, Tribal liaisons, and others involved in Tribal consultation, cultural and natural resource issues, and NEPA-related project coordination. These sessions focus on practical approaches to Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government consultation, and addressing tribal concerns within federally connected projects.

Cultural and Natural Resource Compliance / Overview of Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Consultation

This session focuses on practical approaches to Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government consultation. It covers cultural and natural resource issues that frequently arise in federally connected projects, providing essential guidance for those involved in Tribal liaison work and resource management.

Applying the NEPA Process: Native American Tribal Concerns and Participation


This training explores the NEPA process through the lens of Tribal concerns. Participants will learn about Tribal participation in project coordination and how to effectively address Native interests within the framework of federal environmental reviews.

Upcoming Virtual Trainings for Tribal Consultation and Compliance with Shipley Group

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 hosted a pre-caucus meeting at the Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC National Mall at 

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.

The NCAI Budget Task Force Co-Chairs, who also serve as Co-Chairs of TIBC, discussed the importance of TIBC to Tribal Leaders for the 

 through a survey questionnaire and through Written Comments submitted by email to 

NCAI Budget Task Force  Pre-TIBC Caucus Meeting


NCAI held 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.

OIE Program Review Mini-Series: Microgrids and Distribution Infrastructure

The 2025 Tribal Community Resilience Webinar series, co-hosted by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, and the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, was so popular that the regional Tribal Community Resilience Liaisons have partnered to offer another series in 2026. This year’s series will explore how Tribal Nations, Native Villages, and Pueblos are responding to resilience challenges across the U.S.

Join for presentations and Q&A focusing on how Tribal Nations, Native Villages, and Pueblos are responding to resilience challenges across regions throughout the U.S.

Explore these topics on the following dates:

For any questions, contact Anissa McKenna at 

AIHEC 2026 Tribal Community Resilience Webinar Series

Join the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for the next IGA-NCAI Task Force Meeting on May 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Created in response to emerging threats to Tribal sovereignty and Tribal treaty rights, the IGA-NCAI Task Force brings together Tribal leaders, attorneys, lobbyists, and other interested parties to discuss legal, administrative, and legislative challenges impacting Tribal Nations.

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