Protecting Our Children Conference
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) proudly hosts the 44th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, the largest national gathering focused on Native child advocacy issues each year. Our multi-day conference is the leading event dedicated to Tribal child welfare and well-being, attracting over 2,000 attendees annually—and growing! It’s the go-to place for anyone engaged in this critical work.
In 2026, we are taking our in-person conference to Oklahoma City, home to the 39 Tribal Nations. This is going to be the event of the year, and we can't wait to see you there! Make sure to register early and secure your spot.
If you can’t attend in person, no problem! We’re offering a hybrid option, giving virtual participants access to our three general sessions, featuring nearly a dozen amazing speakers and over five hours of impactful content. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others committed to Native child welfare.
View our conference schedule now! We are looking forward to experiences familiar and new with our community; from returning workshops to our new regional convenings and a variety of wellness activities, we hope to make this conference a unique, innovative, and comforting experience for professionals across Native communities.
NICWA's 44th Protecting Our Children conference will take place March 29–April 1, 2026, in Oklahoma City. We look forward to seeing you there!