NGC at MCN & MCF Joint Annual Conference
2024-10-10 10:00 - 2024-10-11 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Native Governance Center invites you to connect with us at the MCN and MCF’s 2024 Joint Conference. This event brings together nonprofit leaders, innovators, and community advocates to explore new ideas and strategies for impactful work. In collaboration with the Blandin Foundation, our staff will present on “Building Meaningful Partnerships with Native Nations and Organizations” on Friday, October 11th at 10:45 AM. We hope you can join our sessions to engage in vital discussions and discover ways to strengthen your organization’s engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate with fellow change-makers.

NGC at Owamni Falling Water Festival
2024-10-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Mill Ruins Park, Water Works and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Native Governance Center is tabling at the Owamni Falling Water Festival during Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend! Stop by our table and be sure to check out the other vendor and music options. Indigenous food will also be available. See you there!

NGC at RES 2025
2025-03-10 - 2025-03-13 | Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) from March 10-13, 2025, in Las Vegas. We will be presenting on “Strengthening Financial Governance” and hosting a booth throughout the event.

NGC at Minnesota Indian Education Association Annual Conference
2025-03-19 - 2025-03-21 | Mystic Lake Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
Native Governance Center will be presenting on “Honoring and Understanding Sovereignty in Education” at the Minnesota Indian Education Association’s Annual Conference. We will also have a booth there throughout the week. The conference will be held at the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN March 19th – 21st, 2025.

Sacred Voices: Learning from Indigiqueer and Two-Spirit Leaders Webinar
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
Are you interested in learning more about supporting Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer relatives? Join us for our Sacred Voices: Learning from Indigiqueer & Two Spirit Leaders event!
This webinar will explore the role of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer identities in Indian Country – their importance, history, and current realities. We’ll learn from leaders working across Turtle Island who are making contributions to their communities in various ways. At NGC, we acknowledge and uplift Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer leaders in our work, and we are honored to be joined by some of them during this event. Register today!
Event Information
Thursday, March 27, 2025
12:00-1:00 PM CT
Event Schedule
12:00 PM: Welcome + event basics
12:10 PM: Panel discussion
12:45 PM: Q&A
1:00 PM: Event concludes

Indigenous Leaders in Governance: Foundations Workshop
2025-04-02 12:00 - 15:00 | MN
Are you interested in learning more about the core Rebuilding Native Nations principles? Join our Indigenous Leaders in Governance: Foundations virtual workshop on April 2, 2025!
Through real-life examples, workshop participants will see the Native Nation Rebuilding principles in action during this three-hour virtual event. The workshop will also feature opportunities to engage with other individuals interested in strengthening their Native nations’ governance.
The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the Rebuilding Native Nations principles and NGC’s Indigenous Leaders in Governance program. Register today!

NGC at Green Lands Blue Waters Conference
2025-04-07 - 2025-04-08 | Pyle Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 702 Langdon St., Madison, WI, 53706
Native Governance Center staff will be facilitating two sessions at the Green Lands Blue Waters Conference! Join us on Monday, April 7, from 2:45 – 4:30 PM on the topic Developing Research Partnerships with Indigenous Partners and Native Nations. We will also lead a keynote presentation on Tuesday, April 8, from 1:15 – 2:30 PM.

NGC at Marketing Matters Conference
2025-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 | MN
Native Governance Center staff will be attending the Marketing Matters Conference in Eagan, MN on Wednesday, May 14! While there, we will be facilitating a session on the topic Building Bridges – How to Talk About Native Nations in Your Co-op from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.

NGC at American Indian Day on the Hill
2025-05-19 09:30 - 14:00 | 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155-1601, United States, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55155, United States
Native Governance Center (NGC) will be joining local Minnesota leaders and community members for American Indian Day on the Hill on May 19! NGC Executive Director Amber Annis, PhD will speak at the event, and our staff will be hosting a table throughout. Be sure to stop in and say hi!

Tribal Finance Essentials
2025-06-05 12:00 - 15:00 | MN
This crash course in Tribal Finance Essentials will cover five key financial governance areas that newly elected leaders need to know. These key financial governance areas will help you to make more informed decisions and communicate those decisions with interested parties, such as Tribal membership and financial institutions. Register today!
Event Schedule
12:00 PM: Welcome + Agenda
12:10 PM: Kinship Building Activity
12:30 PM: Discussion on financial reporting, budgeting/budget process, policies and procedures, external audit/audit process and communication.
2:35 PM: Q&A Discussion
3:00 PM: Event Concludes
Two 10-min breaks are also included.

Better Together: Partnerships in Education Across NDN Country
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:30 | https://nativegov.org/event/better-together-education-partnerships/
This is one of a 3-part event series exploring positive partnerships across NDN Country by sharing stories of collaboration with Native nations, urban Native communities, Native-led organizations, and more.
As a follow-up to our 2024 event Partnering with Native Nations in a Good Way and its corresponding guide, we invite folks to learn more and expand upon this important topic; we will be hosting sessions focused on health, higher education, and government-to-government relations.
Attendees will learn best practices from a variety of Indigenous leaders and receive tips for taking action.
Better Together: Partnerships in Education Across NDN Country
In the first session of our event series focused on positive partnerships across Native nations and communities, we’ll explore the relationship between higher education and the Native students, staff, and communities they serve.
Many campuses offer land acknowledgement statements and some offer Native tuition benefits, but meaningful partnership goes beyond statements and minimal support. Native students and staff are often the ones pushing for and leading change at their campuses. While Native voices should be included, how can we shift this responsibility in higher education to campus leadership?
Join us for a conversation with Native changemakers who have experience working as advocates in higher education. We’ll examine how colleges and universities can center Indigeneity without overburdening their Native students and staff, shift away from optical allyship, and avoid tokenization so they can build authentic relationships with Native nations and communities.
This session will offer actionable ideas for campus leaders, staff, and faculty committed to moving from performative to transformative partnerships.
Register today!

Better Together: Partnerships in Health Across NDN Country
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:30 | https://nativegov.org/event/better-together-health-partnerships/
The second in our 3-part event series exploring positive partnerships across NDN Country by sharing stories of collaboration with Native nations, urban Native communities, Native-led organizations, and more.
As a follow-up to our 2024 event Partnering with Native Nations in a Good Way and its corresponding guide, we invite folks to learn more and expand upon this important topic; we will be hosting sessions focused on health, higher education, and government-to-government relations.
Attendees will learn best practices from a variety of Indigenous leaders and receive tips for taking action.
Better Together: Partnerships in Health Across NDN Country
In the second session of our event series on positive partnerships, we’ll focus on Native-led collaboration, reshaping health systems, and advancing community-driven wellness.
This session will highlight how Native values, knowledge systems, and relational approaches are strengths in building sustainable partnerships. We’ll hear from a group of Native leaders working across public health, education, research, and community advocacy.
This session will offer ideas for health professionals, educators, researchers, and partners hoping to support Native efforts and build strong partnerships. Tune in to learn more about cultivating partnerships that are rooted in community, culturally grounded, and led by Native people.
Register today!

NGC at WEWIN
2025-07-27 08:00 - 2025-07-30 17:00 | Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino Resort, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ, 85226, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending the Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) Conference on July 27-30! Throughout the week, NGC will have a table with information about our programming, some swag, and a giveaway. Stop by our table to say han, boozhoo, hi!
While there, we will also lead a session on Monday, July 28th from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM titled “Rooted in Values, Ready to Lead: Native Women Rebuilding with Purpose.” This interactive workshop is designed to empower Native women leaders through teaching the Rebuilding Native Nation principles, learning from Indigenous women leaders, and fostering confidence and community support.
Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world insights, participants will explore the five principles of Native Nation Rebuilding, develop actionable strategies, and build meaningful connections with other women leaders. We invite leaders to understand how the five principles of Native Nation Rebuilding, combined with their personal, cultural, and community values-based leadership, can support transformative learning and sustainable change for their communities.
Whether you’re an emerging leader or an experienced professional, this session will provide the tools and inspiration to amplify your voice, overcome barriers, and lead with authenticity and impact.

Better Together: Partnerships in Governance Across NDN Country
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:30 | https://nativegov.org/event/better-together-governance-partnerships/
This is the third session in our 3-part event series exploring positive partnerships across NDN Country by sharing stories of collaboration with Native nations, urban Native communities, Native-led organizations, and more.
As a follow-up to our 2024 event Partnering with Native Nations in a Good Way and its corresponding guide, we invite folks to learn more and expand upon this important topic; we will be hosting sessions focused on health, higher education, and government-to-government relations.
Attendees will learn best practices from a variety of Indigenous leaders and receive tips for taking action.
Better Together: Partnerships in Governance Across NDN Country
In the third and final session of our event series, we’ll focus on how local, state, and federal governments can build meaningful government-to-government relationships with Native nations and communities.
While consultation with Native nations is a legal requirement in some instances, it’s often not enough on its own. True collaboration means moving beyond checking the box and working towards shared power, mutual understanding with trust, and respect for Tribal sovereignty.
Join us for a conversation with Native leaders deeply experienced in government relationships and community leadership. Our panelists will share stories and strategies for navigating cross-government partnerships and co-creating solutions that benefit everyone.
This session will offer valuable information for government staff, elected officials, planners, and community leaders ready to move from performative to transformative relationship-building and support Native sovereignty in practice.
Register today!

Become a Rebuilder AMA Information Session
2025-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
These virtual sessions provide a high-level overview about the Native Nation Rebuilders program and how to apply. Ask us about program details, the application process, or for help applying.

Become a Rebuilder AMA Information Sessions
2025-08-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-02 19:00 - 20:00 | MN

Tribal Leaders Summit 2025
2025-09-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Bismarck Event Center, 315 S 5th St, Bismarck, ND, 58504, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending the Tribal Leaders Summit hosted by United Tribes Technical College and in partnership with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, in September. NGC will have a table with information about our programming, some swag, and a giveaway. Stop by our table to say han, boozhoo, hi!
Welcome to the 28th Annual Tribal Leaders Summit, an empowering and transformative gathering that unites tribes from across the nation! Hosted by United Tribes Technical College and in partnership with Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, the Summit will be in Bismarck, North Dakota from September 3 – 4, 2025.
Over the two days, our carefully curated program will feature thought-provoking keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities that will foster understanding, promote cultural exchange, and foster collective progress. Our diverse range of topics will touch upon vital issues such as healthcare, education, culture, economic development, and much more.
Whether you’re a tribal leader, community member, policymaker, or an ally in support of indigenous voices, the 28th Annual Tribal Leaders Summit is an event not to be missed.

A Constellation of Leaders: Celebrating 10 Years of Native Governance Center
2025-10-24 08:00 - 2025-10-25 15:00 | InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront, 11 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN, 55101, United States
We are A Constellation of Leaders
​​​​2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Native Governance Center’s founding. We’re celebrating our decade of life-changing programming, regional and national outreach, free-to-the-public educational offerings, and more.
In Indigenous star knowledge, the stars are our ancestors, our guides, and our teachers. They form constellations that reflect our sacred landscapes, our governance, and our way of life. Just as the stars are interconnected, so too are the leaders of Indian Country—shining brightly, guiding our people, and shaping the future together.
The event will convene Native leaders from across Mni Sota Makoce, North Dakota, and South Dakota, including past participants in our Leadership Development, Tribal Governance Support, and Tribal Finance programs. In addition to further fostering the friendships and networks that strengthen Indian Country, the celebration will feature talks where we will explore new trends and triumphs in the Native nation rebuilding movement.
Register today!

Online – Beyond Learning from Place: Featuring Native Governance Center
2025-11-13 12:30 - 15:00 | MN
Beyond Learning from Place: Action Planning and Engagement for Accomplices
Native Governance Center is proud to partner with the Minnesota Humanities Center to offer a Beyond Learning from Place online workshop designed to deepen understanding and inspire meaningful action.
This interactive session—Action Planning and Engagement for Accomplices—invites participants to move from awareness to action by building authentic, respectful relationships with Native Nations. Together, we’ll explore NGC’s action planning framework, a practical tool to help individuals and organizations create thoughtful next steps for engaging with Native communities.
Participants will learn how to prepare themselves and understand proper protocol before forming partnerships, while also gaining insights that can be applied to collaboration with other communities. Expect real-life examples, open discussion, and guidance in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.
Learning OutcomesParticipants will:

Learn how to approach partnerships with Native Nations through an informed, respectful lens
Develop personal or organizational action steps using NGC’s action planning framework.
Exchange ideas and inspiration with fellow learners to refine their plans.

Presenters:

Cree Rose Dueker (Chippewa Cree Tribe), Program Manager for Community Engagement
Jessica Glidden (Boise Forte Band of Chippewa), Program Manager for Leadership Development

Educators: K–12 teachers are eligible to receive 2.5 clock hours.
Learn more and register through the Minnesota Humanities Center →

NGC at MIEA
2026-03-17 - 2026-03-20 | Mystic Lake Event Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
Native Governance Center program staff are tabling and presenting at the Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) annual conference. Stop by our booth to say hello!
Tabling: March 17-20, 2026 (conference exhibitor hours)

NGC Presenting at RES 2026
2026-03-23 - 2026-03-26 | Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending and presenting at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) from March 23-26, 2026, in Las Vegas. Join our session and stop by to visit our booth and say hello!
Presentation: Empowering Citizens: Financial Literacy in Tribal Communities

When: 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. PDT, Thursday, March 26th
Where: Milano Ballroom I at Caesar’s Palace
Session Description: Financial literacy is a cornerstone of strong governance, civic engagement, and empowered citizens. Nearly all Native nations have boards, commissions, and governmental positions where financial knowledge is essential for effective decision-making and accountability. When community members and tribal government employees have tools to understand financial documents and principles, they’re better equipped to provide meaningful engagement, feedback, and oversight. Financial literacy helps shift from having transparency to true accountability. Ultimately, strengthening self-determination and effective governance. Using case studies from Native nations with successful financial literacy programs, we’ll share key strategies, challenges, and culturally grounded approaches to community financial education.

NGC at Native Land Conference 2026
2026-03-24 - 2026-03-25 | Mystic Lake Event Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s first Native Land Conference from March 24-25, 2026 at Mystic Lake Event Center. Stop by to visit our booth and say hello!
The Native Land Conference, presented by Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF), will bring together Tribal leaders, land office staff, tribal landowners, Native advocates, educators, and allies from across Indian Country. Together, we’ll engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative learning, rooted in ILTF’s mission to support American Indian Nations in reclaiming and controlling their rightful homelands through four primary strategies: Education, Cultural Awareness, Economic Opportunity, and Legal Reform.

Caring for our Relatives: Tribal Emergency Management Webinar
2026-04-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
Join us for a webinar on Tribal Emergency Management. Together, we’ll explore how Native nations strengthen preparedness and coordinate effective responses during severe weather events. Featuring speakers from a variety of roles in Tribal emergency management, the conversation will offer insight for Native leaders, Tribal citizens, and allies on Tribal crises and how Native nations respond.
Schedule

11:00 AM: Welcome + event basics
11:10 AM: Panel discussion
11:55 AM: Q&A
12:30 PM: Event concludes

Register today to reserve your spot in this free Zoom webinar! This event will be closed captioned.
Meet the Speakers
Ferin Davis Anderson, Moderator
Ferin Davis Anderson is an environmental scientist and an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa / Ojibwe / Anishinaabe / Mitchifs in North Dakota. She works as the Supervisor of Environmental Sciences for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Land and Natural Resources Department, where she is responsible for stewarding and restoring natural areas for the SMSC.
Ferin weaves traditional knowledge and western science together to make more holistic management decisions, including using fire as an ecological and cultural tool to achieve beneficial and healing outcomes. Witnessing Indigenous people revitalize and reconnect with this practice has been one of the greatest gifts of her career.
Jim Pearson, Panelist
Jim has had the privilege of working as the Sisseton emergency manager for 13 years and worked for FEMA as a Disaster Assistance employee and a Community Relations Officer. During that time, he worked with Disaster Declarations in North Dakota flooding, Colorado wildfires, and earthquake disasters in California.
Jim is a former Mayor of Sisseton, SD from 1996 – 2001, and was on the city council for six years prior to being elected Mayor. From 2003 to 2019, Jim was a high school golf coach. He has a small vineyard in his backyard with 250 plants and 6 different grape varieties and enjoys attending as many of his grandchildren’s activities as he can.
Jesse Big Crow, Panelist
Jesse Big Crow is the Planning & Coordination Specialist for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management.

NGC at Tribal Self-Governance Conference 2026
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-09 | Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino Resort, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ, 85226, United States
Native Governance Center will be attending the Tribal Self-Governance Conference from April 7-9, 2026 at Gila River Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino. Stop by to visit our booth and say hello!

Support NGC and Cheer for the St. Paul Saints!
2026-07-02 - 2026-07-26 | CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, Saint Paul, MN, 55101, United States
Come out to any St. Paul Saints home game in July and support Native Governance Center! With every ticket purchased, NGC will receive a $5 donation.
Directly purchase your tickets for any game through this portal. ⚾
Home games in July:

July 2 (Thursday): St. Paul Saints vs. Buffalo Bisons
July 3 (Friday): St. Paul Saints vs. Buffalo Bisons
July 4 (Saturday): St. Paul Saints vs. Buffalo Bisons
July 5 (Sunday): St. Paul Saints vs. Buffalo Bisons
July 17 (Friday): St. Paul Saints vs. Louisville Bats
July 18 (Saturday): St. Paul Saints vs. Louisville Bats
July 19 (Sunday): St. Paul Saints vs. Louisville Bats
July 21 (Tuesday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
July 22 (Wednesday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
July 23 (Thursday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
July 24 (Friday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
July 25 (Saturday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
July 26 (Sunday): St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
