20th Annual Utah native american summit

July 29th - July 31st, 2026 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

RANDY L'TETON - KEYNOTE SPEAKER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Randy'L Teton


Utah's native american summit


Save the date, Friday August 1, for our 2025 Native American Summit! Our division is hosting our annual event in partnership with Utah Valley University.

Utah’s Native American Summit uniquely brings together State and Tribal leaders, community stakeholders, and engaged citizens to delve into the pressing matters and challenges facing Utah’s American Indian population. Join us as we come together to explore, learn, and ignite change. 

Thank you to our partner, Utah Valley University, for providing this space to offer this impactful event. Continue to follow our website our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.


2025 Registration Closed

AGENDA


Join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and community connection! Attend Informative sessions with state and local organizations, inspiring speakers, engaging breakout sessions, cultural performances, and refreshments.

DATE: Friday, August 1

LOCATION: Utah Valley University - 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, UT

GENERAL AGENDA OF EVENTS:

General Adult Track | Sorenson Building

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program | Clark Building

7 a.m. - Rising with the Sun Session

7:30 a.m. - Check-In

8 a.m. - Opening Session

8:50 a.m. - Adult Track: Breakout Session 1 / Youth Program: Sharing Circle

10:20 a.m. - Adult Track: Breakout Session 2 / Youth Program: Breakout Session 1

11:45 a.m. - Luncheon

1:15 p.m. - Adult Track: Breakout Session 3 / Youth Program: Breakout Session 2

2:40 p.m. - Adult Track: Breakout Session 4 / Youth Program: Breakout Session 3

4:05 p.m. - Closing Session


Two girls in traditional Native attire and beadwork.

CHANGEMAKER AWARD FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH


Now accepting nominations for the Changemaker Award for Indigenous Youth!

Utah Division of Indian Affairs is proud to introduce the Changemaker Award — a new initiative to honor the powerful voices and actions of Indigenous youth leaders ages 14-24 who are making a meaningful impact across Utah’s Tribal Nations and communities. Nominate a Changemaker who is an American Indian/Alaska Native youth who are making impacts through:

• Community service and engagement

• Academic excellence and career growth

• Cultural preservation and promotion

Nominations can be submitted by tribal leaders, educators, mentors, or community members — self-nominations are also welcome! Fill out the nomination form and include supporting documentation. Video submissions of the form are also welcome. For further information, please contact Jacob at [email protected].

Deadline to apply: June 30, 2025

2025 Nominations Closed

Welcome & mission


For two decades, the Utah Native American Summit (UNAS) has served as Utah’s premier forum for meaningful dialogue between Tribal leaders, state officials, and community partners. Our Summit’s mission remains steadfast: to foster a space where culture is honored,we openly discuss roadblocks and collaborate on actionable solutions, and sustainable solutions for health, education, and economic development are forged.

Join us as we come together under this year's theme, Strengthen Sovereignty through CommUNITY, to collaborate, discuss, and inspire the future leaders of Utah's Tribal Nations, because when we work together, we can create greater impact.

CONFERENCE TRACKS

The 2026 Summit is structured to address specific community, legislative, and youth priorities across three dedicated program tracks.


Government-to-government

Tribal Leader Summit (Closed Session)

  • Audience: Tribal Leaders, State Agency Tribal Liaisons, and Legislative Officials.
  • Focus: Building Government-to-Government Relationships. These first two days are dedicated strictly to state-tribal relations and are not open to the general public. Tribal governments will engage in one-on-one meetings with state agencies to discuss unique tribal needs, enhance communication, and hear community priorities.

Public conference & Engagement

Adult Track (Open to the Public)

  • Audience: Community partners, educators, state-tribal liaisons, state and tribal leaders, and the general public.
  • Focus: Learning about tribal concerns, exploring collaborative efforts to address community priorities, and celebrating our rich, diverse cultures. Breakout sessions are led by subject-matter experts with experience working in Tribal communities.
  • Breakout Session Categories:
    • Cultural Education
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Health and Wellness
    • State Tribal Liaison Training

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP)

  • Audience: Indigenous youth and young leaders ages 14-24.
  • Focus: Fostering leadership skills, cultural identity, and career pathway discovery in a collaborative space designed specifically for the next generation of leaders.
Register (Attendee)

The 2026 Changemaker award

The Changemaker Award honors the powerful voices and actions of young Indigenous leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Utah’s Tribal Nations and urban communities. We are excited to recognize a new cohort of young people driving positive change throughout the state.
  • Eligibility: Indigenous youth (American Indian / Alaska Native) ages 14–24.
  • Recognition: A total of 6 awardees will be selected and celebrated during the Summit.
  • Criteria: Outstanding leadership, community dedication, and a demonstrated commitment to:
    • Cultural preservation and promotion
    • Community service and civic engagement
    • Academic excellence and career growth
    Nominate a Youth Changemaker Today
    The deadline for submission is Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

    Venue & accomodations


    Venue

    Utah Valley University, Sorensen Center
    800 W University Pkwy
    Orem, UT 84058

    Campus maps & parking information

    Stay tuned for updates

    Hotels near the venue

    • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orem-North Provo
      1290 W University Parkway
      Orem, UT 84058
    • Hampton Inn & Suites Orem
      851 W 1250 S
      Orem, UT 84058
    • La Quinta Inn & Suites Orem University Pkwy
      521 W University Parkway
      Orem, UT 84058

    Questions?

    Contact the Utah Native American Summit organizing committee: