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 

This is a regular meeting of the NCAI Budget Task Force. The Task Force will be discussing the Department of the Interior Tribal-Interior Budget Council (TIBC) meeting on August 5 and 6, 2026, including important updates on budget prioritization and formulation and next steps for Tribes.

Budget Task Force Meeting

 from NCAI, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund

Proposed changes to the Section 106 regulations could significantly alter federal trust responsibilities, government-to-government consultation standards, and protections for Tribal cultural resources.

Join NCAI and leading experts for a timely 60-minute briefing examining what these proposed revisions could mean for Indian Country. The discussion will address potential changes to consultation standards, the new “Section 106 Report,” and steps Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) and Tribal leaders can take to prepare for the upcoming public comment period.

Section 106 Update: Navigating the Proposed Rules in Indian Country

Join the National Congress of American Indians for an informative webinar on the 

Tribal Emergency Response Resources (TERRA) Act

, proposed federal legislation designed to help Tribal Nations better prepare for and respond to environmental hazards, climate change impacts, and natural disasters.

The session will provide an overview of the TERRA Act’s purpose, how its proposed approach to streamlining access to federal funding across multiple agencies, and how it supports Tribal self-determination through the development of community-driven resilience, adaptation, and relocation plans. 

Participants will learn about the potential benefits for Tribal governments, current status in Congress, and opportunities for implementation and advocacy. The webinar will include a presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Chairman Quintin Swanson, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe

Olga Symeonoglou, Attorney, Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP

Vivian Korthuis, CEO, Association of Village Council Presidents

Webinar | The TERRA Act: A New Framework for Tribal Natural Disaster Resilience

Informative webinar on the Tribal Emergency Response Resources (TERRA) Act, proposed federal legislation designed to help Tribal Nations better prepare for and respond to environmental hazards, climate change impacts, and natural disasters.

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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is hosting a Tribal forum to provide information about its preparation to revise the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212). These regulations govern the designation of roads, trails, and areas for public motor vehicle use on National Forest System lands.

The rulemaking is being initiated in response to 

, Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands, signed on May 29, 2026, which directs USDA to revise the Travel Management Rule. To support Tribal consultation and engagement, the Forest Service has prepared a National Policy Summary Analysis that outlines the proposed revisions and describes how their implementation may affect Tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, and the Tribal citizens they serve.

Please contact the Regional Forester/Forest Supervisor in your area, or the Office of Tribal Relations in Washington, D.C., at 

 to request consultation on this issue or to ask any questions.

USDA Forest Service Webinar on Proposed Revisions to the Travel Management Rule

On July 13, 2026, Clay W. Fulton, Chief of Staff for IHS, sent a letter calling for Tribal consultation and recommendations on the use of $70 million of SDPI funding. The total includes the $50 million increase in 2026 SDPI funding and $20 million one-time unobligated SDPI funding.

 to provide feedback. Submit comments to 

 use SDPI Funding in the title of the comment letter.

Tribal Consultation on $70 Million Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Funding

Forensic interviewing is an interviewing process used with children for the purpose of providing evidence to the police, prosecutors, and the court in the investigation and prosecution of suspected abuse. The goal of a forensic interview is to obtain a statement from a child in a developmentally sensitive, unbiased, and truth-seeking manner. This training is specifically designed for investigators, prosecutors, and social workers who have responsibility for conducting forensic interviews of child and adolescent victims and witnesses. Priority will be given to those individuals working cases in Indian Country. The attendee will receive instruction on the latest research-based information on interviewing techniques and will be provided opportunities to develop and refine interviewing skills during child interviewing exercises. CLE will not be provided.

This training is offered by the Department of Justice’s National Indian Country Training Initiative and will be held at the National Advocacy Center (NAC) 

in Columbia, South Carolina, from August 10–13, 2026.

 Travel expenses, including airfare and lodging, for approved attendees, will be covered by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Anyone interested in attending the meeting must register no later than June 10, 2026.

 If multiple representatives from the same Tribe or organization are interested in attending the meeting, please submit a separate registration form for each individual and rank them in order of priority for acceptance. Registration for this event is limited.

Applicants will receive notification of their application status by June 15, 2026.

Please do not book travel and lodging until instructions are provided by DOJ.

The Executive Office for United States Attorneys will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Requests should be made to Deborah Thomas as early as possible, preferably at least two weeks in advance of the seminar. No nominee will be excluded from a course based on a disability-related accommodations request. This training is authorized under the Government Employees Training Act.

If you have any questions regarding this training, please feel free to contact Lamesha Bowman at 

DOJ National Indian Country Training Initiative Course – Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Child and Adolescent Victims and Witnesses

Water resource protection and environmental stewardship are foundational pillars of Tribal sovereignty and long-term community resilience. The 

Changing Currents Youth Tribal Water Summit

 addresses these priorities by providing a structured educational pathway for Native youth to explore environmental science and related career tracks. Throughout the four-day event, participants will be exposed to university-level coursework, build peer-to-peer networks with like-minded youth, and learn directly from Indigenous leaders and environmental professionals. The residency component further elevates student capability by blending leadership training with creative expression, ensuring that emerging advocates have the tools necessary to effectively amplify their voices on critical water issues.

2026 Tribal Youth Water Summit and Pre-College Residency Empowers Next Generation of Indigenous Leaders

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 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.

Events Archive

Who We Are

Our Work

News & Events

Resources

Get Involved

Contractor Opportunities