2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit
The 2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit, to be held September 11 and 12, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska (Ancestral Land of the Umonhon Nation) is convened to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) on September 13, 2007.
The Summit serves as a platform to advance the implementation of Indigenous rights, particularly the right to self-determination and self-government, as affirmed in UNDRIP.
The Summit is grounded in the methodology of Native Nations Rebuilding (NNR), developed by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona. This approach emphasizes sovereignty, institution-building, strategic direction, and culturally aligned governance as the foundation for sustainable economic and community development.
Building on the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Summit Outcome Document, which established a Memorandum of Understanding among Indigenous governments, organizations, and partners, the 2026 Summit represents a transition from vision to implementation. Additionally, this event serves as a celebration of Indigenous cultures from across Turtle Island.
We unite in solidarity for Sacred Connections: Indigenous Wisdom, Food Sovereignty, and Cultivating Collective Liberation.
¤ Summit Day 1: Friday, September 11, 2026 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
¤ Summit Dinner: Friday, September 11, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
¤ Summit Day 2: Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location for both days (including dinner):
Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement 1115 Dodge St Omaha, NE 68102
Smaller adjacent events will be held September 10, 13, and 14.
Your attendance wil support our mission and ensure proper witness of this important work.
Please register today. This event is open to all. Indigenous People may register through a "Pay What You Can" Ticket.
Speakers
Speakers and panelists at this event will include Spiritual and Political Authorities of Native Nations, policy makers, renowned individuals in academia, farmers, entrepreneurs and members of the philanthropic community.
Focus
This event aims to highlight the importance of Indigenous Peoples as strategic alliances in finding the solution to the local-global problem of climate change and food sovereignty we face as a human family.
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2026 Summit Vision
The primary objective of the 2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit is to build upon the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Summit Outcome Document by moving from shared commitments to collective implementation.
The Summit will serve as the Annual Assembly of Indigenous Nations and Partners to honor agreements, strengthen relationships, and carry forward shared work rooted in Indigenous self-determination.
Parking Options
The 2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit will take place at the brand-new Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which is located in a busy urban area. Therefore parking garages will be necessary for guests who arrive by car. Below is a list of parking lot options within walking distance of the Center. ADA parking information is available onsite and that information is listed below these non-ADA parking options.
ADA Parking Contact:
Alexis Dragon, CPP, Account Specialist Supervisor
402-444-PARK(7275) // 402-444-1901
Out-of-town guests: Where to Stay
As of July 7, 2026, Indigenous Peoples Summit Planning Committee is still working with local hotels to find the most affordable rates possible for guests. We hope to share that information soon.
Summit Schedule
Thursday, September 10
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Welcome Dinner - Mammel Hall
Friday, September 11
8:00 a.m. - Registration - Lobby
9:00 a.m. - Summit Day #1 Begins - Event Hall
12:00 noon - Lunch - Event Hall
1:00 p.m. - Summit Afternoon Session - Event Hall
4:00 p.m. - Summit Concludes for the Day
6:00 p.m. Summit Dinner - Mammel Hall
Saturday, September 12
8:00 a.m. - Registration - Lobby
9:00 a.m. - Summit Day #2 Begins -Event Hall
12:00 noon - Summit Day #2 concludes
Event Planning Committee
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Speakers and panelists at this event will include Spiritual and Political Authorities of Native Nations, policy makers, renowned individuals in academia, farmers, entrepreneurs and members of the philanthropic community.
Focus
This event aims to highlight the importance of Indigenous Peoples as strategic alliances in finding the solution to the local-global problem of climate change and food sovereignty we face as a human family.
S
2026 Summit Vision
The primary objective of the 2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit is to build upon the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Summit Outcome Document by moving from shared commitments to collective implementation.
The Summit will serve as the Annual Assembly of Indigenous Nations and Partners to honor agreements, strengthen relationships, and carry forward shared work rooted in Indigenous self-determination.
Parking Options
The 2026 Indigenous Peoples Summit will take place at the brand-new Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which is located in a busy urban area. Therefore parking garages will be necessary for guests who arrive by car. Below is a list of parking lot options within walking distance of the Center. ADA parking information is available onsite and that information is listed below these non-ADA parking options.
- "Park One" - 1516 Douglas St. - $1.00/hr with a $10.00 max
- "Park Eight" (available after 5:00 pm) 1215 Capitol Ave - $1.00 flat rate paid at the kiosk during entry if no attendant is present
- "Park Six" - 321 N 17th St - $1.00/hr with a $10.00 max
- "Interstate Two" (surface lot) - 1604 Chicago St. - $0.50/hr, no max
- "Mercantile" - 899 Farnam St. - $1.00/hr with a $10.00 max
- 2+ zones (purple meters) - first two hours free before a payment needs to be provided with a valid ADA placard visible
- 3+ zones (orange meters) - first three hours free before a payment needs to be provided with a valid ADA placard visible
- E zone (green meters) - all day free with a valid ADA placard visible
ADA Parking Contact:
Alexis Dragon, CPP, Account Specialist Supervisor
402-444-PARK(7275) // 402-444-1901
Out-of-town guests: Where to Stay
As of July 7, 2026, Indigenous Peoples Summit Planning Committee is still working with local hotels to find the most affordable rates possible for guests. We hope to share that information soon.
Summit Schedule
Thursday, September 10
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Welcome Dinner - Mammel Hall
Friday, September 11
8:00 a.m. - Registration - Lobby
9:00 a.m. - Summit Day #1 Begins - Event Hall
12:00 noon - Lunch - Event Hall
1:00 p.m. - Summit Afternoon Session - Event Hall
4:00 p.m. - Summit Concludes for the Day
6:00 p.m. Summit Dinner - Mammel Hall
Saturday, September 12
8:00 a.m. - Registration - Lobby
9:00 a.m. - Summit Day #2 Begins -Event Hall
12:00 noon - Summit Day #2 concludes
Event Planning Committee
- Brandon Cobb (Citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), The Nature Conservancy
- Jacob Davis, MPH (Citizen of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Nation), Native Governance Center
- Nathan Galaviz, Agrarian Trust
- Jenny E. Fimbres-Gonzalez, Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
- Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin (Maya), Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
- Colleen Hanley, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
- Aletha Kuhn, Omaha Performing Arts
- Luis Marcos (Q’anjob’al Maya); Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
- Dr. Rudi Mitchell (Umonhon), Ambassador to the Maya Nation
- John Pappan (Umonhon),The River Sidon Peace with Justice Project
- Tim Pendrell, Community Ally
- Ilse Ramirez (Q’anjob’al Maya), Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
- Timothy Rhodd (Iowa Tribe of KS & NE), USHANA NAWE, LLC
- Renee Sans Souci (Umonhon), Educational Consultant
- Chef Anthony Warrior (Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma), NE Indian Community College
- Jill Wells, The Nature Conservancy
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Thank you to our 2026 Committed Sponsors
Douglas County Visitors Improvement Fund
The Nature Conservancy
ACLU Nebraska
Verdis Group
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Regenerate Nebraska
Additional sponsor support will be crucial to the event's success.
Sponsorship opportunities are available until Monday, August 31, 2026. Contact [email protected] for details.
