U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Consultation on how Tribal Records in the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program Should be Managed.

On July 10, 2026, Gina Allery, Director of the Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ) sent a letter to Tribal leaders announcing a Tribal consultation. The Consultation will be focused on records associated with the Federal Firearms Rights Restoration Program and how these records should be managed.

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) will be administering the program and reviewing applications for restoring federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). Applicants will provide relevant records but PARDON may reach out to tribes to obtain additional criminal records and information. During consultation the Department of Justice hopes to receive feedback on potential concerns of including copies of Tribal records and recommendations of how to handle and store such information.

The deadline to register for the consultation is August 7, 2026.

Written comment letters are due August 28, 2026

, or mail them to the Office of Tribal Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20530-0001.



Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms

Justice Department Publishes Proposed Rule to Grant Relief to Certain Individuals Precluded from Possessing Firearms

U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Consultation on How Tribal Records in the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program Should be Managed

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

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is hosting a virtual, government-to-government consultation for Tribal Leaders regarding its plan to consolidate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) into a single entity called the Bureau of Justice Grants.

This closed-press consultation is a critical opportunity for Tribal Nations to discuss how this reorganization will impact federal grant funding for Tribal justice systems, victim services, and community safety initiatives. A framing paper with additional background information is available from the DOJ to help guide the discussion.

 to secure your spot for the virtual sessions. If you cannot attend, please ensure your voice is heard by submitting written comments to 

. Comments may also be submitted via mail to: Office of Tribal Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20530-0001.

Please reach out to the Office of Tribal Justice with any questions or accommodation requests.

NCAI has developed resources to assist Tribal Leaders during the consultation and when developing their written comments.

DOJ Tribal Consultation: Consolidation of COPS, OJP, and OVW

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) is hosting its Quarterly Informational Webinar. The agenda will include updates from the Wireline Competition Bureau on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposes reforms to the Lifeline program, and an NPRM and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at ensuring that E-Rate funded networks and services are used responsibly for educational purposes and that E-Rate program integrity is strengthened. The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will also join to discuss steps to modernize the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Finally, the Media Bureau will discuss the first-ever filing window for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translator construction permit applications. Inquiries regarding the webinar or specific docket items should be submitted via email to 

FCC Office of Native Affairs and Policy to Host Quarterly Informational Webinar on Broadband Reform and Media Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is hosting an informational update session on the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebates (HEEHR) Program for Indian Tribes (formerly known as the Tribal Home Energy and Appliance Rebate [THEAR] Program). This program will distribute up to $218.5 million in non-competitive formula grants to support residential energy efficiency upgrades, lower energy utility burdens, and enhance infrastructure resilience in Tribal communities across Indian Country.


Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Tribal HEEHR Program empowers Tribal Nations to develop and execute customized home energy upgrade programs. The DOE recently released updated guidance under 

, which officially reopened and extended the 

program application deadline to December 11, 2026.

During this webinar, the DOE Home Energy Rebates Team will present an overview of the revamped program structure, review the specific guidance revisions outlined in Program Notice 26-3, outline next steps for application processing, and host a dedicated Questions & Answers session. For questions regarding program updates or technical assistance, contact the DOE Home Energy Rebates Team at 

U.S. Department of Energy Hosts Information Session on Revamped Tribal Home Energy Rebates Program

The National Park Service (NPS) has officially released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for two critical grant programs: the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) and the Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI). These programs provide significant new opportunities to support the development of outdoor and recreational projects designed to meet the unique needs of Native communities. Expanding access to these resources is essential for promoting the health, wellness, and cultural vitality of Indian Country, while reinforcing Tribal stewardship of natural and recreational spaces.

Recognizing the historical challenges Tribal Nations have faced in accessing 

 (LWCF), these initiatives and their partners aim to improve outreach, reduce administrative barriers, and ensure equitable access to federal funding. To support Native Entities in navigating these opportunities, a comprehensive series of informational webinars has been organized, including sessions specifically tailored for Tribal applicants. 

Before You Apply: Laying the Groundwork for ORLP Success

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Competitive ORLP Application

 Learn more about each program and engage directly with NPS representatives.

National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Webinar Series 

 for the latest update on the 2026 Farm Bill and what it means for Native producers across Indian Country. This webinar will provide an analysis of the Senate’s Farm Bill discussion draft, key policy proposals, and how they compare to the bill passed in the House.

Since the Coalition’s launch in October 2017, more than 170 Tribes, Intertribal groups, other Native organizations, and non-Native allies have become members of the Native Farm Bill Coalition. The Native Farm Bill Coalition was created in 2017 by the IAC (co‐chair), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) (co‐chair), and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). 

Join the Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) on Wednesday, July 22, at 4 p.m. ET for the latest update on the 2026 Farm Bill and what it means for Native producers across Indian Country. This webinar will provide an analysis of the Senate’s Farm Bill discussion draft, key policy proposals and how they compare to the bill passed in the House.

NFBC Webinar on Senate Farm Bill Discussion Draft

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, Tribal Nations face critical decisions about how to protect their natural resources, safeguard Tribal data sovereignty, and ensure emerging technologies align with Tribal values. By exercising governance over AI, Tribal Nations can also harness these tools to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, strengthen self-determination, and create high-quality economic and workforce opportunities for Native people.

Please join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for an exclusive virtual briefing to help Tribal decision-makers move past the "tech hype" and build actionable, sovereign AI strategies.

Whether your Tribal Nation chooses to regulate, leverage, or reject AI, this session provides the clear-eyed roadmap you need to make informed decisions. We will hear directly from the foremost Indigenous tech experts on protecting our resources and governing AI on our own terms:

The Risks: Land & Water — Cora Tso, Arizona State University

The Risks: Data & DNA — Dr. Krystal Tsosie & Joe Yracheta, Native BioData Consortium

The Opportunity: Workforce — Danielle Forward, Natives Rising

Innovation: Language — Michael Running Wolf, FLAIR

This webinar is free and open to all. Please share this invitation widely with your networks, colleagues, and community members. We look forward to your participation in this critical conversation!

Webinar - Tech Sovereignty: A Tribal Leader's Guide to the AI Era

The nineteenth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) will take place from July 13–17, 2026, in-person only, in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Participants must register by July 3, 2026

, through an accredited NGO via the United Nations Indico platform. Review session information and registration requirements at the registration link above.

EMRIP: Nineteenth Session

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 Office of Management and Budget has proposed significant changes to 2 CFR Part 200, also known as the Uniform Guidance—the federal regulation governing grants, cooperative agreements, pass-through awards, and other forms of federal financial assistance across federal agencies.

If finalized, this proposed rule could have serious impacts for Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, compacts where applicable, state pass-through awards, and essential Tribal programs.

Federal funding for Tribal programs is not ordinary discretionary assistance. It is directly tied to Tribal sovereignty, ISDEAA, congressional statutes, treaty obligations, and the federal trust responsibility.

Join this webinar for an overview of the proposed rule, what it could mean for Tribes and Tribal organizations, and how you can help build the administrative record and demand consultation.

Overview of OMB Rule Proposing Significant Changes to Financial Assistance

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

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.

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