Virtual Conference | February 2026
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“Feeding the Fire: Advancing the Movement” builds on the momentum of past Repatriation Conferences and calls us to act. As Native Nations reclaim what was taken and protect what remains, the Association on American Indian Affairs’ 11th Annual Repatriation Conference will provide a virtual space to exchange strategies, sharpen skills, share tools, build community, and chart clear pathways forward. From strategizing for legal reforms to trainings, we are not just reacting—we are advancing.
The 11th Annual Repatriation Conference celebrates the Fire Keepers who tend to the return of Ancestors, belongings, and lands. For many Native Nations, the spirit of fire is central to ceremonies, and so too are those who care for them. Fire Keepers stay up all night with the fire, feeding it and keeping it alive in rain, wind and snow. Without support, Fire Keeping can be challenging but is made easier because of those who care for our Fire Keepers—bringing them food, water and offering support when they need rest. We call on all Relatives who care for our Fire Keepers to share what they have gathered to nourish us in times of need and give strength to those Native Nations and allies who need support to keep the fire going. This year’s Conference offers practical support to strengthen the capacity of Native Nations, allies, and institutions to move the work forward with clarity, conviction, and collaboration. In a time of shrinking budgets, limited staff, and compounding responsibilities, this work often falls on the shoulders of a few who do more with less. Together, around the fire, we will develop long-term strategies and build shared frameworks for institutional change, repatriation of cultural heritage, and appropriate public education. Repatriation is a responsibility, a Sacred obligation, and a promise to honor Native sovereignty, past, present, and future. Whether you are a Native Nation leader, museum professional, student, advocate, or ally, this is a time to feed the fire. Let’s continue to tend the fire that will carry our Ancestors home and reshape how repatriation is understood, practiced, and honored as a living movement grounded in justice, healing, and self-determination. |
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The fire has been ignited—now we feed it.
The Association welcomes all Conference attendees to this fully virtual interactive training that will provide educational opportunities through keynote speakers, small group interactive workshops, and special cultural events. The Conference is intended for Native Nation and Native Hawaiian Organization leaders, practitioners, Elders and representatives, museums, institutions, government agencies, academics, attorneys, collectors, artists, cultural preservationists and others engaged or interested in the return of diverse cultural heritage.
Without culture, we cannot exist as distinct and sovereign peoples, and we lose our way. The vision of the Association is to create a world where diverse Native cultures are lived, protected and respected. The Association has been a leader in protecting Cultural Sovereignty – the things that make us who we are as Indigenous Peoples – through our targeted initiatives in repatriation and sacred relationships initiatives, as well as ensuring that culture is passed on through our youth initiatives. The Association has advocated for the protection and repatriation of Ancestors, cultural items and sacred lands for more than 100 years, including the development of the National Museum of the American Indian Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and the Safeguarding Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act, and other policies and regulations that support the return and protection of our cultural heritage. The Association also provides training and technical assistance to Native Nations and others and is involved with repatriation of private collections both domestically and internationally from institutions, individuals and auctions.
The Association welcomes all Conference attendees to this fully virtual interactive training that will provide educational opportunities through keynote speakers, small group interactive workshops, and special cultural events. The Conference is intended for Native Nation and Native Hawaiian Organization leaders, practitioners, Elders and representatives, museums, institutions, government agencies, academics, attorneys, collectors, artists, cultural preservationists and others engaged or interested in the return of diverse cultural heritage.
Without culture, we cannot exist as distinct and sovereign peoples, and we lose our way. The vision of the Association is to create a world where diverse Native cultures are lived, protected and respected. The Association has been a leader in protecting Cultural Sovereignty – the things that make us who we are as Indigenous Peoples – through our targeted initiatives in repatriation and sacred relationships initiatives, as well as ensuring that culture is passed on through our youth initiatives. The Association has advocated for the protection and repatriation of Ancestors, cultural items and sacred lands for more than 100 years, including the development of the National Museum of the American Indian Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and the Safeguarding Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act, and other policies and regulations that support the return and protection of our cultural heritage. The Association also provides training and technical assistance to Native Nations and others and is involved with repatriation of private collections both domestically and internationally from institutions, individuals and auctions.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
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