See You in Seattle
82nd NCAI Annual Convention & Marketplace In-Conjunction-With Events
In addition to the regular programming planned for NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace, registrants will have the opportunity to attend and network at several events hosted by partners and Indian Country allies throughout the week. Some side events have limited capacity and require RSVP. A list of “in conjunction with” events is included below; please keep an eye out for more to be added as the Convention approaches!
Sunday, November 16
Building the Tribal Economy of the Future: Pathways to Growth, Sovereignty, and Sustainability Economic Development Workshop
1:30–3:30 p.m. PT – Seattle Convention Center
Join Blue Stone Strategy Group for a dynamic workshop at NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace focused on advancing Tribal economic sovereignty through innovation, workforce development, and long-term sustainability. This interactive session will guide Tribal leaders through proven approaches to diversifying revenue, expanding enterprises, and fostering sustainable development rooted in cultural values. Learn from real-world success stories and leave equipped with practical tools to turn opportunity into long-term prosperity.
Monday, November 17
These Sacred Hills Documentary Screening
6:30-9:00 p.m. PT – Northwest Film Forum (offsite)
These Sacred Hills, a powerful documentary following the Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation, will be screened at the Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave, Seattle, WA). Tickets are free, but capacity is limited; complimentary popcorn and non-alcoholic drinks will be offered.
Tuesday, November 18
Native Power & Visibility in a Changing America Luncheon
12:00-2:00 p.m. PT – Seattle Convention Center, Ballroom 6E
Join IllumiNative for a powerful luncheon unveiling over $1.2 million in groundbreaking research, conducted with Nielsen and Lake Research Partners. Guests will receive an exclusive gift bag, early access to research insights, and a chance to win a custom IllumiNative blanket and coffee table book. This is a limited-capacity event. Lunch will be provided.
Convention Happy Hour, Hosted by Schwabe
5:00-7:00 p.m. PT – U.S. Bank Center, 1420 Fifth Ave., Suite 3400
3-minute walk from the Seattle Convention Center
Join Schwabe for an evening of connection and conversation. Meet the lawyers from their Indian Country & Alaska Native Corporations group, enjoy drinks and light bites from Off the Rez, and discover how they can support your team.
Rising Waters: Celebrating and Honoring our Connection to Water Reception, hosted by the Native American Rights Fund
6:00-7:30 p.m. PT – Seattle Convention Center, Ballroom 6E
Join our partners at the Native American Rights Fund for an evening centered around community and nature. Light refreshments will be provided. Additional details on this event will be made available soon.
Netse Mot: One Heart, One Mind Gathering, presented by Children of the Setting Sun Productions and NCAI
Wednesday, November 19
The Healing Heart of Lushootseed Screening
12:00-1:15 p.m. PT – Seattle Convention Center, Room 603
The Healing Heart of Lushootseed — a moving documentary honoring the late Upper Skagit elder Vi “taqʷšəblu” Hilbert (1918–2008) and her lifelong mission to heal the world through the power of language, culture, and music — will be screened in following the conclusion of Wednesday’s General Assembly. This is a 40-minute film; lunch will not be provided.
Lunch & Learn: Connectivity Rooted in Sovereignty, hosted by IndigiTech
12:00-1:15 p.m. PT – Jefferson Ballroom, Sheraton Grand Seattle (4th Floor, Union Tower)
Join IndigiTech at NCAI for a special Lunch & Learn focused on the 2.5 GHz spectrum and the urgent opportunity for Tribal Nations to act before it’s lost. This session will explore how spectrum access can empower Tribes to own and operate their own broadband networks — creating lasting digital sovereignty.
Lunch provided. Space is limited. Please RSVP.
Your Vision, Our Partnership, Generating Opportunity Together Luncheon
Rooted in Protection: Tribal Leaders on the Roadless Rule Roundtable
12:30-1:15 p.m. PT – Seattle Convention Center, Room 305
Join Indigenous Just Transition for a roundtable featuring leaders who are working to protect their traditional forests and foods from the Roadless Rule rollbacks. Lunch will not be served.
Partners in Tribal Health: Community Health Starts With Us Reception
The PACT Social – Advancing Health Together
Celebrating Alaska Native Cultures Reception
6:30-8:30 p.m. PT – Willow Ballroom, Sheraton Grand Seattle
Join the Alaska Federation of Natives, ANCSA Regional Association, and Alaska Native Village Corporation Association for a special evening showcasing the rich diversity and connection across Native cultures in Alaska.
Honoring Nations 2025 Reception and Celebration
6:30-11:00 p.m. – Cirrus Ballroom, Sheraton Grand Seattle
Join the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development to celebrate the 2025 Finalists and the leadership transition from Director Prof. Joe Kalt to Dr. Randall Akee.
Thursday, November 20
Screening of The American Southwest
4:15-5:45pm – Room 310, Seattle Convention Center
Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse and made in association with Natives Outdoors, The American Southwest is a Fin and Fur Films production of an adventurous journey down the Colorado River that explores the region’s extraordinary wildlife, cultural history, and uncertain future.
