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Event overview

The 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.

Event overview

The 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.

National Tribal Health Conference 2027

National Tribal Health Conference 2027

June 28 - July 2, 2027

Venue: Gaylord Rockies 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, High Point at Denver International Airport, CO

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Join us in Colorado

 

Registration Rates

Attendee Registration Opens Soon!
  • Flash Sale Registration 11/2/2026 – 11/30/2026 – $1,000*
  • Early Bird Registration 12/1/2026 – 2/12/2027 – $1,100*
  • Online Registration 2/13/2027 – 6/25/2027 – $1,250
  • On-Site Registration- $1,350
  • Early Career Registration (18 to 26 years old)  – $850**

*For flash sale and early-bird rates, payment must be made during the discount window or your registration will be converted to the prevailing rate.

**For early career, please submit any document that shows your birth date.

Tentative agenda
NTHC Community Standards of Conduct
Travel & lodging

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center: Upscale Resort & Water Park Convenient to Majestic Denver

Standing at the edge of the Front Range, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is a premier resort in Aurora, CO near Denver International Airport, showcasing the state’s alpine charm while offering a unique alternative to traditional mountain getaways. From the exciting Arapahoe Springs Water Park to a wide variety of activities and entertainment, this family-friendly Rockies resort offers something for guests of all ages. Relax on the beautiful Grand Lodge Lawn with stunning mountain views, or enjoy five exceptional restaurants and bars, the world-class Relâche Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. With a water park, seasonal events, entertainment, and easy access to local attractions, Gaylord Rockies Resort is the perfect destination to enjoy more of everything you love.

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Host Hotel

Gaylord Rockies Resort
6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019

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Overflow Hotel

Gila River Resorts & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226

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Additional Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Chandler
7475 W Chandler Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85226

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Call for Workshop Proposals Now Open

We invite Tribal leaders, health and public health professionals, policy specialists, advocates, and allies to submit workshop proposals for the 2026 National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) on August 16-21, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona.

Each year, NTHC brings together more than 1,500 Tribal leaders and health professionals to share practical strategies that improve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health.

This year’s theme, “Sovereignty in Health: Our Nations, Our Health,” emphasizes Tribal self-determination in health systems, public health, and policy.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking workshops that:

  • Address a clear health, public health, or policy issue affecting AI/AN communities.
  • Share practical strategies, programs, or policy solutions.
  • Reflect Tribal or Indigenous perspectives and approaches.

Proposals that elevate underrepresented voices are prioritized.

Content Areas:
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • Advocacy: Law, Policy, and Federal Relations
  • Strengthening Health Care Delivery in Indian Country
  • Data and Epidemiology
  • Tribal Public Health Workforce

Learn more about the requirements and submit your proposal below.

Submit workshop proposal
Tradeshow & marketplace

Discover the heart of innovation and culture at our Annual Tradeshow and Marketplace, a vibrant centerpiece of our annual conference.

With more than 100 vendors showcasing Native health initiatives, exquisite jewelry, unique crafts, and more, this is a must-visit experience for all attendees. Last year’s highlights included a Veterans Affairs Mobile Unit offering essential services and a beading area that brought tradition to life. What exciting features will this year hold? Join us to find out and connect with the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Indian Country! For questions regarding the exhibit hall, please email [email protected].

***Exhibit Hall Registration is now open!***

The Arts & Crafts Section is sold out.

Exhibitor Registration

Meet the 2025 Speakers

Lacey Wind 3

Lacey Wind 2

Lacey Wind

Conference Documents

View the 2025 Conference Agenda

See workshops

View the 2025 Conference Agenda

See workshops

View the 2025 Conference Agenda

See workshops

American Indian & Alaska Native (AIAN) HealthCare WorkFORCE Development Summit

PRESENTED BY THE INDIGENOUS HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES TASKFORCE (IHEART) SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 CHANDLER, AZ

CURRENT STATE OF AIAN HEALTHCARE

  • Stagnant or declining workforce.

  • Additional burden to areas already facing disproportionate access.

  • AIAN community shortages will only intensify as shortages are faced across the nation.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
  • Join us at the IHEART Summit!
  • Share your wisdom with other attendees via our
    Poster Presentation opportunity.
  • Learn about current state of policy and legislative
    affairs impacting AIAN healthcare and education.
  • Set goals to break down problems facing the
    healthcare workforce.
  • Brainstorm with healthcare educators and professionals from across the US about ways to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for AIAN students.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION!IHEART SUMMIT SEPT 2025
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Sunday, September 7

3:00pm – 5:00pm – Registration Open
Full Agenda
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Monday, September 8

8:00am – 5:30pm – Registration Open
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Exhibit Hall Move-In
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Behavioral Health Listening Session
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Institute: Emergency Management
8:30am – 12:00pm Government Relations Institute
10:45 AM – 12:45 PM Indian Health Service Listening Session
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Institute – Tribal MMRC Planning and Hear Her Community Sharing Institute (Invitation Only)
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Data Modernization & Surveillance Institute – Afternoon Session: Tribal Data Modernization Implementation Center Engagement Session
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Strategic Storytelling: Media, Messaging, and Design for Tribal Health Advocacy
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM CMS Listening Session
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Real Lives: Cancer Stories of Indigenous People 
6:00pm – 7:00pm – Tradeshow Grand Opening and Welcome

Agenda
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Tuesday, September 9

8:00am – 5:30pm – Registration Open
8:00am – 6:00pm – Tradeshow Open
9:00am – 11:30am – Opening General Assembly “Honoring Our Roots”
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Workshops
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Cultural Night hosted by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

agenda
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Wednesday, September 10

8:00am – 5:30pm – Registration Open
8:00am – 6:00pm – Tradeshow Open
9:00am – 11:30am – General Assembly “Building Strong Systems for Sovereignty and Sustainability” 
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Workshops
6:00pm – Gala VIP Reception
6:30pm – 9:00pm – Gala “Voices of Our Tribes” featuring DJ Tribal Touch and  Rezzalicious 

agenda
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Thursday, September 11

8:00am – 12:30pm – Registration Open
8:00am – 6:00pm – Tradeshow Open
9:00am – 11:30am – Workshops
2:30pm – 5:00pm – Closing General Assembly “Future Directions and National Strategies”

agenda
Tentative Agenda at a Glance

Friday, September 12

9:00am – 5:00pm – American Indian & Alaska Native (AI/AN) HealthCare Workforce Development Summit hosted by the Indigenous  Health, Education, and Resources  Taskforce (IHEART)

Register now

NTHC 2026 Outstanding service awards

Nominations Now Open!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is proud to recognize individuals, organizations, and programs whose work has gone above and beyond in advancing the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

This year, we will celebrate the recipients of the Annual NIHB Outstanding Service Awards during the 2026 National Tribal Health Conference. Our four national awardees will be honored at the NIHB Gala on Wednesday, August 19—a powerful evening where we celebrate the incredible work being done across Indian Country. Regional award recipients will also be recognized during the event.

These awards highlight excellence in health policy, healthcare delivery, education, prevention, public awareness, and advocacy—especially among Tribal members and frontline champions improving Native health every day.

Our 2026 Award Categories: 

Area/Regional Health Warrior Award

(Maximum of two awards per IHS Area)

Recognizes an individual or organization whose work has improved AI/AN health care and/or advanced meaningful change at the Area or regional level. Examples include leadership within a Tribal Area Health Board, implementation of impactful programs, or advocacy resulting in Tribe or regional policy improvements.

National Sovereignty in Action Award

Community Health

Honors an individual or organization whose work has had a significant national impact on AI/AN health care or public health, including innovative approaches or programs adopted across Indian Country. (One Community Health award will be presented.)

Advocacy

Honors an individual or organization whose national advocacy efforts have advanced AI/AN health care or public health through legislative, regulatory, or policy changes. (One Advocacy award will be presented.)

National Next Generation Award

Recognizes a young American Indian or Alaska Native leader (age 18 – 26 years of age) whose outstanding contributions have improved Tribal health outcomes, increased Tribal health awareness, or strengthened Tribal health advocacy among peers or within their community at the national level. (One award will be presented.)

 

Jake Whitecrow Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes an individual whose lifetime of service has advanced AI/AN health care, public health, and health advocacy at the national level. Nominees may have demonstrated long-term leadership through Tribal governance, national advisory bodies, Native-serving organizations, academia, or public service. Their work should reflect a lasting impact on policy, health systems, or public health initiatives benefiting Indian Country. (One award will be presented.)

Submit a Nomination

Join us for an unforgettable evening

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Join us August 19, 2026, for the Heroes in Health Awards Banquet, an inspiring evening celebrating the leaders, healers, advocates, and changemakers who are advancing Tribal health across Indian Country. Standard tickets are $275 and include banquet admission, a commemorative gift, and access to the after party. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $425 and include guaranteed seating in the first two rows, an enhanced VIP gift, access to a private pre-event reception featuring an exclusive pre-event concert, and entry to the VIP lounge at the after party. Tables are available for $4,000 and include reserved seating within the first three rows, supporter recognition, personalized table signage, and a special supporter gift package.

Purchase tickets

Need help getting approval to attend NTHC?

We understand securing approval and funding for conferences can be a challenge so we have created a template justification letter to share with your supervisor. This letter briefly describes the conference's purpose and the benefits of attending and allows for additional information regarding how this conference will benefit you and your work. 

We encourage you to use the linked document to build a compelling letter so that you may represent your organization or office at the 2026 National Tribal Health Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Download Justification Letter

Interested in hosting an event or meeting at NTHC?

The National Indian Health Board would like to allow partners and supporters to take advantage of the gathering of hundreds of tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, and both Tribal and Federal government representatives and host a small event or meeting during NTHC; typically, these can be a breakfast, luncheon, or evening reception or event. If your organization is interested, please download our External Meeting Request Form and return it to NIHB. These forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on availability of time and meeting spaces.

Download External Meeting Request

NTHC 2026 Sponsors

Presenting Partner in Health

Leadership Partner in Health

Impact Partners in Health

Advocate Partners in Health

Tribal Partners in Health

Connection Partners in Health

Journey Partners in Health

Allies in Health

Consilium Staffing, Dr. Charlotte Huntley, Essentia Health, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Southern Indian Health Council, Sky Advanced Solutions

Friends in Health

Eisner Amper, University of Phoenix, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Walmart

If you would like to sponsor NTHC 2026, email Rod Jacobs at [email protected].

Sponsor Package: 2026 NTHC Sponsorship Packet

The NIHB National Tribal Health Conference is a week-long gathering dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in all areas of health, including behavioral, public, and environmental health.

This event highlights the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and best practices in Indian health. Attendees can engage in Tribal listening and consultation sessions, hands-on training, plenary sessions, and workshops covering critical topics like health equity, Indigenous determinants of health, Tribal public health, behavioral health, climate change, and funding for Indian Health. With specialized programming for Native youth, Tribal veterans, and elders, the conference also features a fitness event, exhibit hall and marketplace, culture night, poster sessions, and the prestigious Heroes in Health Awards Banquet. Join us to celebrate culture, share knowledge, and advance health in Indian Country!

Register now

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