10th Annual Repatriation Conference: Igniting Change

​The Association’s “10th Annual Repatriation Conference: Igniting Change” continued our longstanding legacy to provide comprehensive training and expertise at a grassroots level to strengthen our collective futures. The 10th Annual Repatriation Conference was hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe at their Paragon Resort in Marksville, Louisiana on February 25, 26 & 27, 2025. ​
The theme Igniting Change reflected the Association’s commitment to sparking meaningful progress in repatriation efforts. By addressing the harms of the past and pushing for accountability and collaboration, the Association inspired transformative change in the way institutions engage with Native Nations. This Conference focused on creating new pathways for collaboration, implementing updated laws and regulations, and ensuring the return of Ancestors, their burial belongings, and sensitive cultural heritage.

The Conference was an intensive training experience and called upon our collective courage to spark ​respectful and collaborative repatriation practices that recognize Native Peoples as the true holders and carriers of their own diverse cultures.

​​Together, we ignited profound change as we recognized the harms of the past and actively worked together to tend our new fire. ​

Thank you to our host!

Keynote Recordings

The recordings of the Remembering What Our Ancestors Gave Us: Building Kinship & Wellbeing, For the Children, and Looking Back, Looking Forward - The Wisdom of our Elders are now availble on our YouTube page under our 10th Annual Repatriation Conference playlist. ​

Media Coverage

The Conference is Igniting Change across the country! Our impactful discussions on NAGPRA and cultural sovereignty have gained national and local media attention. Check out Native America Calling for in-depth interviews and watch the KALB 5 TV segment highlighting the Conference. Don’t miss these important conversations—check them out now!

Volunteers

​Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped make this our most successful Conference to date! From the Elders greeting our attendees at the registration desk to the student guides leading the musuem tours and everyone in between, we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you!

Raffle Donors

Thank you to all our our raffle donors: Robert Romero, Beatrice Carson, Christianna Stavrondis, Gail Dabauluz, Alex Fimbres, Your Neighborhood Museum, Ellen Lofaro, Lyndee Hornell, Chi Maiingan, Merrelone Hammer, Radley Davis, Wilma Riger, Carly Treece, William Harjo, and Dragging Canoe Clothing Co. You helped us raise nearly $2,000 for the Association's programs. Your commitment to Native Rights and equity is exemplary. Thank you!

Vendors & Exhibitors

A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible vendors and exhibitors who joined us. Your artistry, education, and dedication helped create a powerful space for learning, connection, and action. Click on the vendors names below to visit their websites.

Music Playlist

Did you enjoy the music during our meals and breaks? Good news! You can now access the Association's Spotify playlist to listen wherever you are!

Photo Gallery

The Great Salish Heist

​When ceremonial items are removed from burial sites, bad things happen—no one knows this better than Steve Joe, a traditional archeologist for the Moquahat people. Once respected, Steve’s life fell apart after personal tragedies, and he believes the misfortune in his life and community stems from the theft of ceremonial items. Teaming up with a group of unlikely allies from the Rez, Steve plans a daring heist to reclaim the items from a museum with high-tech security. But complications arise when a dangerous Russian gangster offers to finance the mission, leaving Steve to navigate betrayal, redemption, and a clever double-cross to protect what is rightfully his people’s.

Support Our Repatriation Work

Purchasing this shirt demonstrates your commitment to human rights and equality!
Now offering two different options for the front! Explore the Conference shirts with options for everyone, including hoodies ($49.99), t-shirts ($29.99), and long-sleeve tees ($34.99) in a variety of colors and sizes up to 4X.​ Prices do not include shipping.

This limited-edition shirt was designed by an Ojibwe, Anishinaabe artist to represent the 10th Annual Repatriation Conference theme "Igniting Change." CC Hovie, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is the Association's Public Affairs and Communications Director.

Thank you to our sponsors!