2026 Tribal Executive Leadership Forum

For generations, Indian tribes in the United States have demonstrated remarkable resilience in responding to changing federal administrations and policies. However, the current political landscape presents unprecedented challenges that extend beyond Indian Country, affecting the very foundations of democratic institutions and the federal trust relationship. The Indigenous Futures Society and American Indian Resources Institute recognize the urgent need for tribal leaders to convene, share perspectives, and engage in strategic dialogue about the path forward. This Forum will create space for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaborative action in response to: Uncertainties within the Executive Branch and implementation of significant policy changes; Congressional dysfunction and threats to the social safety net; Impacts of federal budget cuts and workforce reductions on Indian Country; Long-term implications for tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and trust obligations.