Summary - 2026 National Tribal Health Conference. Online registration by Cvent

The NIHB National Tribal Health Conference is a week-long event that serves American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health - behavioral and public health. The conference will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and Indian health best practices. Programming includes tribal listening and consultation sessions, hands-on training opportunities, plenary sessions, and workshops that cover timely topics such as funding for Indian Health, the business of medicine, health equity, Indigenous determinants of health, Tribal public health, behavioral health, culture, environmental health, and climate change. The conference also includes focus areas on Native youth, Tribal veterans, and elders, a fitness event, exhibit hall and marketplace, culture night, poster sessions, and gala celebration.

Throughout the day on Monday, there will be several experiential learning opportunities, including Institutes, Site Visits, and more to consider attending. Capacity is limited for each, so please consider registering for them as soon as possible to ensure you're able to attend your preferred selection.

Register for the Extreme Heat Safety and Tribal Disaster Preparedness Institute, the Site Visits, or the PHICCS Session here.

Extreme Heat Safety & Tribal Disaster Preparedness Institute
August 16 | 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Additional Registration Required

This interactive institute equips participants with practical tools to strengthen Tribal extreme heat preparedness through emergency planning, culturally responsive strategies, and a facilitated tabletop exercise. Attendees will gain hands-on experience developing or updating a Tribal extreme heat response plan and learn from a field visit to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Wellness Center's cooling center operations.

Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS)
August 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Additional Registration Required

The Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS) is a national scan conducted by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) every three years to assess the capacity of Tribal health and Tribal public health organizations to deliver public health services. PHICCS helps Tribes, Tribal organizations, partners, and policymakers better understand Tribal public health infrastructure and plan for future improvements. Join our team for an overview of the dashboard and discussion.

Behavioral Health Institute
August 16 | 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Join us for this pre-conference learning opportunity focused on strengthening Tribal behavioral health systems through promising practices and culturally grounded, Tribally driven approaches. This year's institute will explore ways to better support providers, program staff, and behavioral health advocates serving Tribal communities, while addressing topics including grief, substance use disorder, and strategies that promote the health and well-being of Native communities.

Site Visits to Hau'pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
August 16 | 12:30 - 4:30 PM | Additional Registration Required

Celebrate 30 years of Tribal Self-Governance in health for the Gila River Indian Community by touring Gila River Health Care's Hau'pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center. Throughout the tour, participants will have the opportunity to hear more about successful programs and promising practices as well as conduct peer-to-peer learning and exchange knowledge.

Join us for one of the most inspiring evenings of the National Tribal Health Conference as we honor the leaders, healers, advocates, and changemakers who are advancing Tribal health across Indian Country.

The 2026 Heroes in Health Awards Banquet celebrates those whose dedication, vision, and service are improving the lives of Tribal communities today while creating a stronger future for generations to come. Throughout the evening, we will recognize recipients of NIHB's highest national honors, including the Jake WhiteCrow Lifetime Achievement Award, the Next Gen Award, and the inaugural Sovereignty in Action Awards for Advocacy and Community Health. We will also recognize our regional award recipients from across the country.

Guests will enjoy a special performance by an exciting local independent band and remarks from one of Arizona's biggest names in civic engagement before joining colleagues and friends for an unforgettable celebration.

Continue the Celebration

Following the banquet, join us for the Heroes in Health After Party featuring an exciting local guest DJ, food, drinks, dancing, and an opportunity to connect with Tribal leaders, health professionals, partners, and friends from across Indian Country.

This is more than an awards banquet. It is a celebration of service, leadership, culture, and the people working every day to strengthen the health of Tribal communities.

We understand securing approval and funding for conferences can be a challenge so we have created a template justification letter to share with your supervisor. This letter briefly describes the conference's purpose and the benefits of attending and allows for additional information regarding how this conference will benefit you and your work.

We encourage you to use the linked document to build a compelling letter so that you may represent your organization or office at the 2026 National Tribal Health Conference.

The National Indian Health Board would like to allow partners and supporters to take advantage of the gathering of hundreds of tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, and both Tribal and Federal government representatives and host a small event or meeting during NTHC; typically, these can be a breakfast, luncheon, or evening reception or event. If your organization is interested, please download our External Meeting Request Form and return it to NIHB. These forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on availability of time and meeting spaces.

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