Before European contact in what is now known as the Americas, the western hemisphere had extensive trade networks that linked indigenous nations from the tip of South America to northern Canada. Chaco Canyon was one of the major trade hubs, which anthropologists have called a historic Las Vegas. Excavations and studies of Chaco Canyon uncovered items used by indigenous nations around the western hemisphere, such as macaws and parrot feathers, cacao beans, copper from Mesoamerica, turquoise, pottery, obsidian from the Rocky Mountains, and seashells from both the Pacific Coast and the Gulf. Therefore, it's very evident that all the roads from the historic pre-Columbian trade network lead to Chaco Canyon.

Unfortunately, the conquest of the Americas disrupted the trade network, and nation-to-nation trade among indigenous people ceased. However, the entrepreneurial spirit of indigenous people remains, and it is important, now more than ever, to awaken that spirit so that Native Nations can build strong, sustainable economies.

The founders of The ACES School believe that international trade and relations are essential to developing the economy of any nation, and Native Nations are no exception. Accordingly, they created the annual conference "All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon" to teach participants about the importance of international trade and relations, as well as the building blocks required to revitalize trade among Native Nations. The conference is always hosted on Native lands, and this year, we are proud to announce that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) will be hosting the conference at their world famous Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The MPTN could not be a more perfect host. Historically, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation engaged in trade with other Native Nations up and down the Atlantic coast, navigating local rivers and waterways. It also formed international relations with English and Dutch settlers, making the Nation a revered, well-respected economic powerhouse within the region.

This year, the conference will focus on economics in the digital age. In this era of technology, we are seeing a rise in fintech, cryptocurrency, and a move toward digitizing commercial transactions and ways of doing business. These movements and new technological concepts of doing business present a great opportunity for Native Nations to create unique solutions and methods of economic development. Join us on 

7th Annual All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon: Navigating Streams of the Digital Economy

, and become part of a movement to reignite the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within all Native Nations and reawaken ancient trade relations that will enable international trade among indigenous people.

All roads lead to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation! We hope to see you there, and we hope you'll become a student of The ACES School!

 to book your hotel room by October 16, 2025!

All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon: Navigating Streams of the Digital Economy

This is the only native organization specifically dedicated to advancing Indian Country tourism across the United States, the AIANTA serves as the voice and resource for tribes and tribal organizations engaged in cultural tourism. AIANTA helps tribes develop, sustain, and grow tourism destinations through technical assistance, training & educational resources. Working on behalf of all 573 federally recognized tribes & Native Hawaiians, AIANTA supports and promotes authentic Indian Country tourism. We provide technical assistance, training, and resources to tribes, and work hard to make sure that tribal tourism has a voice at the national level. Technical assistance & training are the heartbeat of our work the American Indigenous Tourism Association.

2025 American Indigenous Tourism Association Conference 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on one policy and three proposed rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered at the Federal level by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The consultation will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, will be the USDA consulting official.

An agenda and framing paper will be published prior to the consultation on the 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on one policy and three proposed rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered at the Federal level by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. The consultation will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, will be the USDA consulting official.

An agenda and framing paper will be published prior to the consultation on the USDA website. 

USDA Tribal Consultation on SNAP

Save the Date: The 2025 Annual AFN Convention will be held on October 16-18, 2025 in Anchorage, AK.

The 2024 Convention theme was "Our Children - Our Future Ancestors," and was held on October 17-19, 2024 at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Former AFN President Julie Kitka served as the 2024 keynote speaker.

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 in the United States of Native peoples.

2025 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention 

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its 

 on Thursday, October 26 at 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT, both in person at Embassy Suites, 7001 Yampa Street, Denver, CO, and by virtual access.

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its Department Reorganization Plan on Thursday, October 26 at 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT, both in person at Embassy Suites, 7001 Yampa Street, Denver, CO, and by virtual access. 

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in Denver, CO

 on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET, both in person at 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., and by virtual access.

The USDA will host a Tribal consultation on its Department Reorganization Plan on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET, both in person at 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., and by virtual access. 

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in D.C.

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.

ATNI has taken as its purpose to: provide a forum for sharing information on matters of interest to its member Tribes, develop consensus on matters of mutual importance, assist member Tribes in their governmental and programmatic development consistent with their goals for self-determination and self-sufficiency and provide for effective public relations and education program with the non-Indian communities. Through its conventions, forums, networks and alliances, it is the intent of ATNI to represent and advocate for the interests of its member Tribes to national Indian and non-Indian organizations and governments.

Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians Annual Conference

Join Professors Kate Fort and Lauren Van Schilfgaarde as they discuss the Uniform Law Commission and its work on a uniform state Indian Child Welfare Act. They will explain the process, dispel some misconceptions about the project, and discuss the importance of tribal involvement in this endeavor.

The Uniform Law Commission is drafting, with the participation of tribes and tribal leaders, a uniform or model act to incorporate the federal ICWA and its implementing regulations into state law, and to include additional provisions on related issues that are not fully addressed in the federal ICWA or regulations. The ULC is continuing to take comments and suggestions on the draft of the proposed model law.

Codifying State ICWA: Learning about the Uniform Law Commission Process

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was formed by Native educators in 1969 to encourage a national discourse on Native education. For 51 years, NIEA has hosted an annual convention to provide a forum for collaboration. NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles: • to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the education of Native children; • to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures; • and to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policymakers.

NIEA 2025 Annual Conference 

The NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force hosts a webinar on developing talking points for the DOJ's Consultation with the Office of Violence Against Women in late October. Tribal Leaders can join to contribute their priorities for discussion with the federal Office of Violence Against Women. 

NCAI's webinar will take place on October 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Webinar: NCAI VAW Task Force Preconsultation Webinar

 (CICD) cordially invites you to join us for a special two-day event marking our tenth anniversary and first decade of economic research and data work in Indian Country. Taking place in person at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the event provides an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders from across Indian Country and the Federal Reserve System.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis established CICD in 2015 in recognition that thriving Native American economies are vital to overall economic prosperity. Over the past decade, we’ve seen substantial advancements in economic research and data across Indian Country that increase understanding of the distinctiveness of Native economies and their contributions to local and regional economies across the United States. As CICD observes our tenth year, we reflect on what we’ve learned from a 

, economic innovations taking place across Native communities, and the future of our work to advance Indian Country economic prosperity.

Space is limited. Please complete the form below by Friday, August 22, to register. We hope you will join us for either or both days of this important event.

Day 1: CICD 10th-Anniversary Event
October 8, 2025
2:00–6:00 p.m. CT

On Wednesday, October 8, leaders from across Indian Country, the Federal Reserve System, and beyond will gather to commemorate CICD’s tenth anniversary and first decade of economic research and data work in Indian Country. The event provides an opportunity to connect with leaders working to advance Indian Country economic prosperity and hear thought-leader reflections on economic progress in Native communities.

The event will feature panel discussions among Indian Country experts on economic advancements and the interconnectedness of tribal economies with local, regional, and national economies. National leaders will reflect on Indian Country’s contributions to the overall economy and the role of research and data in strengthening Native economies. The event will also feature an invocation, drum song, and reception. 

In honor of this milestone, CICD invited the 44 federally recognized tribes and bands in the Ninth Federal Reserve District to share their nations’ flags for display in the Bank. Event participants will have the opportunity to view these important visual representations of history, identity, and sovereignty.

Governor Michael Barr, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Melanie Benjamin (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Vice President of Government Relations and Engagement, Blue Stone Strategy Partners

Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Executive Director, NAFOA

Chairman Rodney Butler (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation), Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Tribal Council

Maranda Compton (Delaware Tribe of Indians), Founder and President, Lepwe Inc.

Dawson Her Many Horses (Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota), Managing Director, Wells Fargo

Chris James (Cherokee), The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development 

Neel Kashkari, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Casey Lozar (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Vice President, Director of CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Amber Schulz-Oliver (Yakama/Wasco), Executive Director, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians

Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Senate (Minnesota)

Alene Tchourumoff, Senior Vice President, Community Development and Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Please continue to check back for speaker and agenda updates.

Day 2: CICD 2025 Data Summit
October 9, 2025
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CT

Following the anniversary event, a special milestone-year edition of CICD’s annual data summit will take place at the Minneapolis Fed on October 9, 2025. The data summit provides an opportunity for tribal leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to learn more about emerging economic research and 

 that can strengthen economic development in Indian Country.

The event will feature a fireside chat with Indian Country thought leaders reflecting on economic data innovations in Indian Country over the past decade and future growth opportunities. Panel discussions will explore opportunities for Native communities to leverage economic data—on their own terms—to enhance access to capital, diversify revenue, and promote community and economic well-being for the next seven generations. The event will also introduce tribes across the country to the Survey of Native Nations, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between CICD and tribal governments to provide tribal leaders with benchmark public finance data.

The data summit is designed for anyone interested in learning about economic development trends in Indian Country and practical data approaches that are advancing tribal economies. 

Randall Akee (Native Hawaiian), Associate Professor, UCLA

Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), President and CEO, Oweesta Corporation

Phil Gover (Northern and Southern Paiute, Pawnee, and Comanche Nations), Senior Policy Analyst, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Michou Kokodoko, Senior Policy Analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Ava LaPlante (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Research Assistant, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Joel Rosette (Chippewa Cree Tribe), CEO, Rocky Boy Health Center

CICD 10th Anniversary and Data Summit: Braiding the Past and Future of Native Economies

The Annual AISES National Conference is a unique, three-day event focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.

AISES National Conference 

This two-day conference will entail new conversations of interest in Indian Country with a focus on the roles of Enrollment Departments

Secure Identification Cards “What does Real ID mean to Tribal Nations?” Enhancing tribal ID Cards. Hear from the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection(DHS/CBP).

Enhanced Tribal Card Program (ETC) Informational Session – What you need to know to develop your tribal nation’s ETC card equivalent to a US Passport card.

ETC Program Training – How to identify fraudulent documents and conduct effective interview techniques facilitated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS/CBP).

Sacred Path, a consulting service operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Enrollment Department, will be hosting the 2nd Annual Tribal Enrollment and Enhanced Tribal Card Program Conference. Early Bird Registration with received or postdated payments made on or before September 1st, 2025, 11:59 P.M. PST is $900 US Dollars per attendee. Standard Registration rates received after September 1, 2025, will be $1,000 US Dollars per attendee.

2nd Annual Tribal Enrollment and Enhanced Tribal Card Program Conference 

 . This year’s event will take place at 

Pechanga Resort & Casino from September 29 to October 1, 2025

1,000 Tribal HR professionals, leaders, and decision-makers

Our conference provides a unique space for Indigenous HR professionals to connect, learn, and strengthen their capacity to support Tribal sovereignty through workforce development and strategic leadership. Featuring sessions on tribal labor law, benefits, organizational development, wellness, and workforce innovation, this event is dedicated to advancing HR practices that reflect the values, rights, and futures of Tribal Nations.

29th Annual National Native American Human Resources Association Conference 

Join NCAI, Tyler Scribner, Liz Carr, and others for an informative webinar designed specifically for Tribes and Tribal leaders to provide clarity on what occurs during a federal government shutdown. This session will cover key topics such as the impact on Tribal funding, the availability of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service (IHS) personnel, and information on other critical services and programs. Experts will walk through what to expect, contingency planning measures, and how to stay informed and prepared. This is an essential opportunity to gain insights and ask questions about how a shutdown could impact Tribal operations and communities.

Webinar: Understanding Federal Government Shutdown Impacts on Tribal Nations

The Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty, the Indian Legal Program, and the American Indian Policy Institute invite you to ASU Law for an 

 exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and Indigenous communities.

This one-day event will convene thought leaders, legal experts, and innovators to examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for Indian Country. Attendees will engage in informative sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to 

 and strengthen understanding of AI’s role in tribal nations’ futures.

Wiring the Rez: Artificial Intelligence in Indian Country 

Hilton Portland Downtown Oregon Hotel. For more information contact the NAFOA Office, 1101 30th Street, NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20007. info@nafoa.org

NAFOA Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference

NCAI’s sessions will allow you to hear from members of Congress and agency officials regarding their work for Indian Country. Tribal leaders will have the chance to advocate for priorities ranging from Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, public safety, enhancing Tribal control through self-determination and self-governance, housing, tax and economic development policy, holistic approaches to promoting the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native families, how a second rescissions package could impact Indian Country, agency hiring freezes, nominations, and much more. 
Below is the tentative schedule of events. Additional details and confirmed times will be updated as they become available.

Dates: September 16–18, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.





8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Tribal Leader Briefing
12:00–5:00 p.m. - Hill and administration meetings





8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - House Session (2045 Rayburn House Office Building)
12:00–5:00 p.m. - Hill and administration meetings
5:30–7:30 p.m. - NCAI Tribal Unity Impact Days Reception in collaboration with Tribal organization partners





8:00–11:15 a.m. - Senate Session (628 Dirksen Senate Office Building)
TBD - NCAI Press Session

NCAI’s sessions will allow you to hear from members of Congress and agency officials regarding their work for Indian Country. Tribal leaders will have the chance to advocate for priorities ranging from Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, public safety, enhancing Tribal control through self-determination and self-governance, housing, tax and economic development policy, holistic approaches to promoting the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native families, how a second rescissions package could impact Indian Country, agency hiring freezes, nominations, and much more.


NCAI Tribal Unity Impact Days

Since our founding more than 80 years ago, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has united Tribal Nations, Native Villages, individuals, and organizations in a shared mission: advancing sovereignty, protecting rights, and shaping the future of Indian Country. Today, we continue to honor that legacy. We ask you to join us and raise your voice for all of Indian Country. 

Now is the time to renew or begin your membership for the 2025–2026 cycle.

Join NCAI Today! Become a Member for the 2025–2026 Cycle

We are excited to announce our federal listening session schedule during our 2025 National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) on 

, at Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, AZ. Each year, the NIHB hosts several no-cost Federal Tribal Listening Sessions at NTHC. These sessions are a valuable opportunity for elected Tribal leaders and Federal Agencies to collaborate and formulate policies to advance American Indian and Alaska Native health. This year we are happy to announce four free listening sessions at NTHC 2025.

National Tribal Behavioral Health Listening Session

The National Tribal Behavioral Health Listening Session will provide an opportunity for Tribal leaders to meet with federal officials from the IHS Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to discuss Tribal-specific mental health and substance use service and to explore means for increasing access to the provision of quality behavioral healthcare in Indian Country. Additionally, this session will provide a forum for Tribal leaders to discuss Tribal Behavioral Health priorities. As a part of this Listening Session, the SAMHSA, the IHS DBH, and the VA invite participants to share input, recommendations, or ask questions.

Indian Health Service (IHS) Tribal Listening Session

 This session will allow Tribal leaders to meet with the IHS officials to discuss health policy and program management issues related to the provision of health services to Indian Country. IHS will provide updates on recent consultation and confer activities. As part of this Listening Session, IHS invites the audience to share input, recommendations, or ask questions.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Listening Session

The CMS Listening Session will offer an opportunity for CMS leadership to share updates and information about CMS initiatives such as tribal implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) enacted on July 4th, 2025, implementation of the 1115 demonstration proposals for traditional healthcare practices, HHS/CMS Reorganization plans, CMS’ American Indian Alaska Native Quality Improvement Organization Project and other efforts for IHS and Tribal hospitals and facilities. Participants will be able to raise issues and ask questions related to CMS Tribal concerns.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Indigenous Data Sovereignty Policy and Implementation Guidance Related to the NIH American Indian Alaska Native Institutional Review Board Protocol (IRB)

NIH will conduct a Tribal listening session to receive input from Tribal leaders about the implementation process of an NIH internal policy regarding intramural research projects involving Tribes and AIAN communities. NIH supports both intramural research and extramural research. Intramural research is conducted by NIH employed researchers situated at the various NIH facilities throughout the United States. Extramural research is conducted by independent researchers at independent institutions or organizations, who have submitted a meritoriously reviewed NIH grant application and received NIH funding. NIH recently implemented an internal policy in which intramural research projects involving AIAN populations will receive pre-proposal review and guidance from the NIH Tribal Health Research Office (THRO), prior to review by an NIH AIAN focused IRB. During this Tribal listening session, NIH would like guidance from Tribal leaders, research review and/or IRB committee members, as well as Tribal health researchers regarding implementation approaches and recommendations for NIH intramural investigators to properly fulfill the AI/AN IRB policy and to ensure alignment with Tribal research codes and laws as applicable.

How to Register for the Listening Sessions

Registration for the conference is now open

 and the listening sessions are free to attend. To register for the free sessions, navigate to our registration site using the link above and select “Listening Sessions/No-Cost Sessions/Events” option at the top of the screen. If you have already registered for the full conference, you do not need to re-register for the listening sessions.

NIHB is honored to help facilitate communication between our federal partners and Tribal leaders and hope you can join us for these sessions. To learn more about Listening Sessions at NTHC 2025, please contact Garrett Lankford at 

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