Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium

 will commemorate half a century of Self-Determination and Self-Governance authority that empowers Tribal Nations to shape their own destinies and will showcase challenges and success stories.

Tribal Self-Governance Conference 

Past institute attendees agree: NICWA’s training institutes are cost-effective professional development opportunities that help you remain current in your knowledge of the ever-changing field of child welfare. Join us for our upcoming training institutes. These interactive and energetic courses are taught by dynamic trainers who are experts in the field of Indian child welfare. 

Attendees will receive CEUs with a certificate upon completion. We are currently hosting both in-person trainings in various locations across Indian Country and virtual trainings on Zoom. The instructor will implement instructional design created specifically for effective adult learning. Participants will experience large and small group learning, participate in facilitated discussion groups, and work through case-based exercises. This approach is made possible virtually by video conferencing which allows breakout groups and live chat sessions. For virtual training you will need a computer, internet access, speakers, and a microphone (or telephone) in order to access the virtual training. 

Trainings are led by professionals with an extensive experience working with tribal communities. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to network with other attendees from tribal, state, and national agencies located throughout the country. Contact training@nicwa.org for registration information. 

See below for modules offered at this training institute. 

Our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) prepares tribal and non-tribal child welfare personnel to train American Indian and Alaska Native parents using a culturally specific approach. The materials presented during this training draw on the strengths of historic Indian child-rearing practices and blend traditional values with contemporary skills. Storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise are discussed. 

This three-day training provides participants with information about the basic legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) and the practice issues involved with ICWA’s implementation. A brief history of U.S. Indian policy as it relates to Indian children and families sets the stage for an examination of the specific provisions of ICWA and practice tips for both tribal and state social workers. Participants will also learn how to successfully integrate other federal and state policies with ICWA—such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act—and support developing tribal and state agreements and other systems changes. This training includes information about the recent Bureau of Indian Affairs ICWA regulations and guidelines. 

Establishing PIP in Your Community (one day) 

This one-day supplement to our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) was developed for tribal and non-tribal child welfare or tribal social services personnel who will lead efforts in establishing PIP in their community and work to support trainers to assist in successful implementation in their community. While our three-day Positive Indian Parenting course will prepare attendees to train the curriculum, this one-day class is perfect for supervisors, administrative teams and logistical supporters of the PIP trainers. Topics covered will include securing funding, organizing a training, supporting trainers and how to approach common issues. 

NICWA April Training Institute 

The Washington State Indian Education Association (WSIEA) was established in the late 1960’s. This organization has grown to serve Native American students enrolled in 295 school districts and 8 tribal schools statewide in WA State.

2025 WA State Indian Education Association Conference

The largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is both the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas and a cultural celebration of success, strength, and selfreliance. Entering its 39th year, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention has established itself not only as the premier event for the Indian Gaming Industry but as the figurative heartbeat of Native American success.

 The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) is a non-profit organization of sovereign tribal nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and business engaged in tribal gaming enterprises around the country. As the go-to resource for the community on education, legislation and public policy issues, National Indian Gaming Association works to advance the social, economic, and political success of its members and the Indian community, at large.

2025 IGA Indian Gaming Tradeshow and National Convention

Each year, NICWA hosts the largest national gathering on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) child advocacy issues. With over 1,600 attendees—and growing every year—this three-day conference has become the premiere national event addressing tribal child welfare and well-being. Keynote speakers range from federal officials at the highest level of government to youth with lived experience in child welfare systems. 

For those who can’t make it, we have a virtual option. All three of our amazing general sessions with over a dozen wonderful speakers will be broadcast virtually. If you can’t make it in person, consider being a virtual attendee. 

NICWA provides meaningful programming to conference attendees, creating a space where participants can learn about the latest developments and best practices from experts in the field and from one another. Participants represent a cross-section of fields and interests including child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice service providers; legal professionals; students; advocates for children; and tribal, state, and federal leaders.

NICWA 43rd Annual Protecting our Children Conference 

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is seeking public comments and testimony regarding the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 

Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK Treaty)

, which was adopted in May 2024. The Treaty aims to establish global rules for the protection of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and genetic resources, particularly requiring patent applicants to disclose the origin of such resources when they are essential to an invention.

A virtual webinar for the Native Hawaiian community, their representatives, and Pacific Islanders will be held on:

Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET.

A virtual webinar for state-recognized and non-recognized Tribal Nations, as well as tribal and inter-tribal organizations (including those representing Indigenous Peoples based in the U.S.), will be held on:

Friday, March 28, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET.

Tribal Consultation on the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge

wáan Tribe/Sitka Tribe of Alaska hosts an annual conference focused on the development, evolution and sustainability of cultural and heritage tourism. The event includes presentations, workshops, tours, and training for certification as an Alaska Native Cultural host.

The conferences is an exciting 3-days of learning, networking, and business building with top level tourism and cultural professionals from across the United States.

Sheet’ká Kwáan Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference 

Are you a community leader? Do you want to show your support for our young native women leaders? Are you looking to donate to a grassroots organization that has a proven track record of impact and a strong network across the Nation? We invite you to join us as a Gala Sponsor in 2025! The NAN Ambassador program is a leadership program for young Native womxn designed to develop skills, build networks, and prepare the next generation of Native womxn leaders. Mailing address: Native Action Network, 300 Lenora Street, Suite 151, Seattle, WA 98121. Email: info@nativeactionnetwork.org. Phone: 206-451-7298

4th Annual Native Action Network Fund Raiser GALA

This fund-raising event for our Native students and Teachers will include a “delicious” Dinner and Native Art auction organized all on behalf our college native students and teachers. The Northwest Indian College Foundation (NWICF) was approved by the Lummi Indian Business Council and established July 2, 1992. The NWICF is located on the original territories of the people of the Lummi Nation. The Foundation is a non-profit, public 501(cX3) organization that advances the mission of the NWIC which was established in 1983. The NW Indian College is the only regional tribal college in the USA and has seven (7) Northwest campus sites: Lummi, Swinomish Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and Nisqually Indian Tribe in Washington State. The sixth site is located on the reservation of the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho State. We have an average of 1,000 students attending NW Indian College Classes each year. 

This event will be held at the Silver Reef Hotel 1-360-383-0777. Ask for the NWIC Hotel Room Discount. For more information contact Barbara Lewis at 360-594-1501 or bjlewis@nwic.edu or Joal 360-815-8148 jlgalindo@nwic.edu.

Northwest Indian College Foundation Annual tl’aneq GALA.

 is the Summit to attend for those looking for high caliber networking, winning teaming opportunities, business development sessions, one-on-one consulting, all centered around American Indian Enterprise.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is embracing 

 for the 2025 Reservation Economic Summit. The event features tribal leaders, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, state and local officials, and top CEOs on a national platform.

NCAIED Res 2025 

Join us for a webinar on the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property , Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.

This session will explore the Treaty's implications for Indigenous Peoples, highlighting its potential impact on cultural heritage, sovereignty, and intellectual property rights. Experts will break down key aspects of the Treaty and provide guidance on how Indigenous leaders and community members can engage in upcoming USPTO Tribal consultations.

Protecting Traditional Plant Knowledge Consultation Prep Webinar

The 2025 Executive Council Winter Session is the annual meeting of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council, one of NCAI’s three main governing bodies. This meeting presents an opportunity for Tribal delegates to hear from members of Congress and the Administration and helps to further the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government.

NCAI Executive Council Winter Session 2025

Held during the National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session conference (ECWS), the Native Youth Leadership Summit (NYLS) is designed for youth leaders to meet and develop strategies for improving local and tribal communities through policy development and the resolution process. NYLS is a prime opportunity for Native Youth to learn how to become advocates for their communities while networking with their peers and tribal leaders from across Indian Country.

Native Youth Leadership Summit 2025

Cross-cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare 

Working effectively with Native youth and families in American Indian/Alaska Native child welfare requires knowledge and information on the diverse cultural nuances and history of tribal communities. Each tribe is diverse in nature, but there are common parallels shared among tribal cultures. Utilizing NICWA’s Relational Worldview Model as a framework, this training will provide guidance on how to build crosscultural skills and implement culturally responsive services to connect with tribal communities you serve. 

This two-day training covers judicial processes for the recognition and certification of customary law regarding the adoption of children. It sets out a culturally-based framework for conducting formal adoptions without the termination of parental rights. The Tribal Customary Adoption training is based on tribal customs and values that can be used by tribes to accomplish culturally-appropriate permanency for children in tribal child welfare programs. 

NICWA January Training Institute 

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM)

American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER)

, invites Tribal Nations, state environmental agencies, and the public to a two-part webinar series hosted by 

Institute for Environmental Sovereignty (IES)

The series will focus on the U.S. EPA's newly finalized Reserved Rights Rule, which revises 40 CFR Part 131 to require the EPA and states to consider tribal reserved rights—such as fishing, hunting, and gathering—when establishing or revising water quality standards. For a detailed overview of these regulatory changes, participants can refer to the EPA’s 2024 Water Quality Standards Regulatory Revisions to Protect Tribal Reserved Rights fact sheet, prepared by NCAI's Institute for Environmental Sovereignty. This fact sheet outlines key aspects of the rule and provides additional context for its implementation.

focuses on the rule’s key components and tribal-state collaboration, featuring insights from an EPA representative and the Fond du Lac Band’s Water Projects Coordinator. 

Part 1 will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST.

 explores state implementation challenges and opportunities, with speakers—including state agency representatives and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF)—discussing legal considerations and fostering collaboration. 

Part 2 will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST.

Two-Part Webinar Series: Understanding the EPA's New Regulatory Revisions to Water Quality Standards for Protecting Tribal Reserved Rights

All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon is an educational event for Navajo leaders and change makers featuring insightful panels and discussion created to identify solutions to the pressing challenges facing the Navajo economy.

Your ticket fee includes:

▪ Two days of sessions and networking

▪ A list of conference attendees with contact information

▪ A post-conference website for additional resources, photos, and recorded videos

▪ Free WiFi at conference center

▪ Breakfast and lunch on both days, plus a drink ticket to the networking event on Thursday, November 7th

All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon: Reimagining Policies and Systems for a Healthy Navajo Economy 

REGISTER NOW for the 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace!

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Las Vegas, Nevada, for its 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace! From October 27 to November 1, 2024, we'll be at the iconic 

, celebrating more than eight decades of defending tribal sovereignty and advancing the rights of Tribal Nations.

With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, this convention is an essential moment for Indian Country to unite, amplify voices, and shape a powerful collective future. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and allies from across Indian Country will gather to tackle critical issues, strategize for the future, and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.

Additionally, attendees will be able to browse the NCAI Marketplace, which features a variety of booths ranging from Native artists to federal job recruiters and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing mission of NCAI.



The NCAI Marketplace is a unique opportunity for vendors and exhibitors to connect with tribal leaders, national Native organizations, and other key figures working in Indian Country. To showcase your products or services, apply to join our exhibitor lineup today!



Policy resolutions are the cornerstone of NCAI and help direct advocacy efforts and priorities. The resolutions portal is now open! Any individual member in good standing may submit a resolution using this 


Please note that NCAI is enforcing a hard deadline of 

. Any resolutions submitted after this deadline will only be accepted if the Resolutions Committee determines they are emergency in nature. Please submit your resolutions on time!



at the NCAI 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Las Vegas, Nevada, for its 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace! From October 27 to November 1, 2024, we'll be at the iconic MGM Grand Las Vegas, celebrating more than eight decades of defending tribal sovereignty and advancing the rights of Tribal Nations.



81st Annual Convention & Marketplace

Join NCAI on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the 

for a day of golf and networking at the 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Enjoy a 4-Person Team Scramble with trophies and prizes on the line.

The event kicks off with check-in at 9:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. Boxed lunches will be provided on the course, and the day wraps up with a Dinner and Awards Reception at 4:00 p.m. at the clubhouse.

Don’t miss this chance to play on one of Las Vegas’s premier courses while supporting NCAI's mission. Secure your spot by October 20, 2024!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SbMiFghWPvQeCyf4A

Join NCAI on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Las Vegas Golf Club for a day of golf and networking at the 81st Annual Convention & Marketplace Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Enjoy a 4-Person Team Scramble with trophies and prizes on the line.

81st Annual Convention Fundraiser Golf Tournament

Trainings are led by professionals with an extensive experience working with tribal communities. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to network with other attendees from tribal, state, and national agencies located throughout the country. Contact training@nicwa.org for registration information. See below for modules offered at this training institute. 

Our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) prepares tribal and non-tribal child welfare personnel to train American Indian and Alaska Native parents using a culturally specific approach. The materials presented during this training draw on the strengths of historic Indian child-rearing practices and blend traditional values with contemporary skills. Storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise are discussed.

NICWA October Training Institute-Online 

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 209 federally recognized tribes, 185 village corporations, 10 regional corporations, and 12 regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and compact to run federal and state programs. AFN is governed by a 38-member board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention held each October. Alaska Native people began as members of full sovereign nations and continue to enjoy a unique political relationship with the federal government. We will survive and prosper as distinct ethnic and cultural groups and will participate fully as members of the overall society. AFN’s mission is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic, and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community. 

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