NC Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) Conference 2026

Each year the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) hosts an annual leadership conference at a college or university across the state of North Carolina. The conference is usually held the third or fourth weekend in June and lasts for 3 nights and 4 days. It is a transformative weekend focused on leadership, cultural identity, and community wellness. Organized by NCNAYO’s youth advisory committee, the conference offers a dynamic mix of workshops, general assemblies, and cultural activities. Participants explore critical topics such as Indigenous agriculture practices, art as a form of activism, and the unique histories of North Carolina's tribal nations. These sessions encourage youth to strengthen their sense of identity while developing practical skills for advocacy and leadership. The conference also features vibrant expressions of culture, including traditional powwow dancing and drumming, fostering strong relationships and a shared sense of purpose among youth from a wide range of tribal backgrounds. The event aims to nurture the next generation of culturally grounded Native leaders in North Carolina. NCNAYO supports all American Indian youth in North Carolina through this annual conference for cultural leadership and post-secondary planning.