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NIWRC Specialty Institute 2026 has ended
Tuesday, July 28
 

7:00am EDT

Registration, Breakfast & Check-In
Tuesday July 28, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
Welcome to the NIWRC Specialty Institute! Enjoy a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, croissants, fruit danishes, muffins, bagels, coffee, and a selection of hot teas while you check in, pick up your name badge, and get settled before the day’s sessions begin.
The Upper Courtyard is also open if you would like to enjoy your breakfast outdoors or connect with fellow attendees.

Tuesday July 28, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Plenary Session

9:00am EDT

Cultural Welcoming & Opening
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom
Begin the NIWRC Specialty Institute with a meaningful cultural welcome featuring a live performance and a welcome from the Triangle Native American Society.
We invite all attendees to join us as we come together in a spirit of respect, reflection, and community to open the Institute!


Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session

9:30am EDT

Introductions and Housekeeping
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session

9:45am EDT

Keynote Address
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Grand Ballroom
Join us for the Keynote Address featuring Dr. Crystal Cavalier.

Dr. Cavalier will share insights to inspire meaningful dialogue and set the stage for the learning and community-building.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session

10:30am EDT

Break
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
Grab a fresh cup of coffee or tea, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees. The Upper Courtyard is open for additional seating and networking.
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Break

11:00am EDT

Corn Necklace Workshop: Honoring Tradition Through Hands-On Creativity
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Oak Room
Step into the rich traditions of Native American culture and discover the many remarkable ways corn has sustained Indigenous communities for generations. More than a staple food, corn has long been regarded as a sacred gift—providing nourishment, inspiring teachings, and demonstrating the importance of using every part of what the Creator provides.Participants will explore how Native peoples...
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Speakers
avatar for Sharon Berrun

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Oak Room
  Wellness

11:00am EDT

Yoga: From Doing to Being: A Nervous System Reset
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Dogwood Room
This 90-minute wellness experience invites participants to reconnect with themselves through movement, music, breath, and rest.We will begin with an accessible, feel good yoga practice set to a thoughtfully curated playlist featuring diverse musical influences. Through gentle movement, mindful stretching, and breathwork, participants will release tension, improve circulation, and create space...
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Speakers
avatar for Kierra Woods

Kierra Woods

Yoga Practitioner, MSW, Thai Masseuse, Twisted Yogi


Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Dogwood Room
  Wellness

12:30pm EDT

Building the Warrior Within: Empowerment Through Self-Defense and Prevention
Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Dogwood Room
Violence prevention begins with education, awareness, and empowerment. This interactive session explores how self-defense and personal safety education can serve as tools for building confidence, strengthening boundaries, and fostering resilience in individuals and communities. Participants will examine how movement-based learning and practical self-defense concepts can support prevention efforts...
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Speakers
avatar for Jessica D. Newton

Jessica D. Newton

Warrior Heart


Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Dogwood Room
  Wellness

12:30pm EDT

Plate Shattering: Intentional Somatic Release
Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Oak Room
In this immersive session participants will release what no longer serves them through intentional plate shattering. This empowering activity will deepen participants connection to self through personal reflection and mindful release. Please note closed toe shoes will be required to participate in this activity. Other safety equipment will be provided. This session will meet in the Oak room to...
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Speakers
avatar for Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Director of National Training and Resources, NIWRC
Paloma Hąąpnąąžįwiiga Sánchez, MSW, MA (Ho-Chunk/Xicana Indígena), currently serves as the Director of National Training and Resources at the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Paloma holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, where their studies focused on... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Oak Room
  Wellness

2:00pm EDT

Cultivating Seeds of Healing - Session 1
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Camellia Room
The Cultivating Seeds of Healing activity was developed to strengthen our interconnections of community and land, and how it can support strategies for healing. It is based on Indigenous teachings that understand healing as a reciprocal process between these interconnections and that we do not heal or grow alone; all living things depend on each other and land.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Zahne

Kim Zahne

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Kim Zahne or “Sah-Povi” is Tobacco clan (Sah-Towa/ Pipwungwa) from the Village of Tewa, and a member of the Hopi Tribe. Kim is currently the Program Specialist for the National Indigenous Resource Center. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in American Indian Studies, with an emphasis on Federal... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Camellia Room
  Wellness

2:00pm EDT

Basket Weaving
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Oak Room
Basketweaving as a form of connecting to Indigenous ancestry. Using your hands to make something, like a basket, can give a person a real sense of accomplishment. We will be making a crossbody gathering basket that can be used for a number of things, especially encouraging use as a vessel to gather more things that connect us to the earth. Connections can bring balance and healing.
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Locklear

Cindy Locklear

As a child and young adult I found that I was drawn to using baskets for everything.
Picking berries or flowers, sorting vegetables, storing clothes and shoes and the more I
used them the more I wanted to learn. Almost like a bucket list item, but more intense,
and the hankering gre... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Oak Room
  Wellness

3:30pm EDT

Cultivating Seeds of Healing - Session 2
Tuesday July 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Camellia Room
The Cultivating Seeds of Healing activity was developed to strengthen our interconnections of community and land, and how it can support strategies for healing. It is based on Indigenous teachings that understand healing as a reciprocal process between these interconnections and that we do not heal or grow alone; all living things depend on each other and land.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Zahne

Kim Zahne

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Kim Zahne or “Sah-Povi” is Tobacco clan (Sah-Towa/ Pipwungwa) from the Village of Tewa, and a member of the Hopi Tribe. Kim is currently the Program Specialist for the National Indigenous Resource Center. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in American Indian Studies, with an emphasis on Federal... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Camellia Room
  Wellness
 
Wednesday, July 29
 

7:00am EDT

Morning Offering & Breakfast
Wednesday July 29, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
Greet the day with the NIWRC staff. During this time, we will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45 am to begin a wellness walk/run to begin our day. Come join us. Please dress comfortably in appropriate walking/running shoes and gear, and a water bottle. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and time to connect with fellow attendees before the morning sessions begin. Enjoy fresh fruit, bacon,...
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Wednesday July 29, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Wellness

9:00am EDT

Engaging Tribal Leadership through Advocacy and Strategic Communication
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Camellia Room
This highly interactive workshop is designed to strengthen program staff's capacity to navigate leadership spaces with confidence and intention. Frequently, domestic violence program staff operate at the intersection of community responsibility, advocacy, and policy engagement. Within tribal communities, advocates are often called to communicate directly with tribal leadership, federal partners,...
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Speakers
avatar for Jantzen Hale, MPP

Jantzen Hale, MPP

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Jantzen Hale, Diné, currently serves as a Program Specialist with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Previously, she worked with the National Congress of American Indians, supporting the development of communication strategies and sharing stories of impact and need about Tribal communities... Read More →
avatar for Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Director of National Training and Resources, NIWRC
Paloma Hąąpnąąžįwiiga Sánchez, MSW, MA (Ho-Chunk/Xicana Indígena), currently serves as the Director of National Training and Resources at the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Paloma holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, where their studies focused on... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Camellia Room
  Breakout Session

9:00am EDT

Sustaining Safety: Funding Strategies to Strengthen Domestic Violence Response in Tribal Communities
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Oak Room
Participants will explore practical and sustainable funding strategies that strengthen domestic violence response in Tribal communities. This session will focus on how to build long-term support for survivor services, prevention, and community-based response efforts. Attendees will gain insight into aligning funding with program priorities, strengthening partnerships, and creating diversified...
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Speakers
avatar for Cory Johnson

Cory Johnson

Development & Strategic Impact Officer, NIWRC


Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Oak Room
  Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Break
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Prefunction Area
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and take a moment to connect with fellow attendees. The Upper Courtyard is open throughout the break.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Break

11:30am EDT

OVW Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation Preparation
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) invites you to join an informational session on the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation. This session will give Tribal leaders, designated representatives, and advocates the space to reflect on and develop recommendations to guide federal agencies on administering Tribal funds and programs,...
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Speakers
avatar for Jantzen Hale, MPP

Jantzen Hale, MPP

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Jantzen Hale, Diné, currently serves as a Program Specialist with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Previously, she worked with the National Congress of American Indians, supporting the development of communication strategies and sharing stories of impact and need about Tribal communities... Read More →
avatar for Ryder Jiron

Ryder Jiron

Policy Specialist, NIWRC


Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Lunch On Your Own
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lunch is on your own. Take time to enjoy a local meal and connect with colleagues before afternoon sessions.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
  Break

2:00pm EDT

Conversations with Community: Advocate Storytelling
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Camellia Room
We invite Tribal domestic violence advocates, Tribal leaders, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) victim survivors to join us for an engaging session. This space is designed for open discussions where participants can share their personal stories and experiences. We will hold small group discussions to explore valuable lessons, challenges, successes, and the realities of victim survivors in...
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Speakers
avatar for Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Paloma Sánchez, MA, MSW

Director of National Training and Resources, NIWRC
Paloma Hąąpnąąžįwiiga Sánchez, MSW, MA (Ho-Chunk/Xicana Indígena), currently serves as the Director of National Training and Resources at the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Paloma holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, where their studies focused on... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Camellia Room
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Legislative Update
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Oak Room

Speakers
avatar for Kerri Colfer

Kerri Colfer

Director of Research and Policy, NIWRC


Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Oak Room
  Breakout Session

3:30pm EDT

Break
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Prefunction Area
Recharge with coffee and tea before the afternoon continues. The Upper Courtyard is open if you'd like to step outside and visit with others.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Prefunction Area
  Break

3:45pm EDT

Networking Mixer
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
Connect with peers, local community leaders, and NIWRC staff to exchange ideas, share resources, discuss the day’s sessions, and forge collaborative partnerships in an engaging setting over light refreshments. Enjoy vegetable crudité with hummus, artisan cheeses, spinach and artichoke dip, meatballs, Carolina pork sliders, chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls, tomato mozzarella skewers,...
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Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session
 
Thursday, July 30
 

8:00am EDT

Morning Offering & Breakfast
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
Greet the day with the NIWRC staff. During this time, we will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45 am to begin a wellness walk/run to begin our day. Come join us. Please dress comfortably in appropriate walking/running shoes and gear, and a water bottle.


Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Wellness

9:00am EDT

Tribal Leadership Panel: Exploring Effective Practices for Engagement and Collaborative Solutions
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom
Connecting with tribal leaders is vital for uncovering effective strategies that boost community engagement and foster cooperative solutions to tackle domestic violence. These leaders bring invaluable firsthand experiences and showcase successful initiatives that have catalyzed significant change within their communities. Participants will gain insights into targeted practices that not only...
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Speakers
avatar for Chantel Greene

Chantel Greene

Chief Executive Officer, Xexus Greene Energy LLC.
Chantel Greene is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xexus Greene Energy LLC. 100% Native American and woman-owned consulting company, and Founder of Non-profit GreeneLife Philanthropic. President of Sidney Resource Corporation, a publicly traded company, and a Nez Perce Tribal Member... Read More →
avatar for Nora Dial-Stanley

Nora Dial-Stanley

Chairperson, Guilford Native American Association
Nora Dial-Stanley is a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of NC. She has spent over 40 years as an Advocate and a Voice for her Native American People traveling across the country as a Native American Storyteller. She has served as a Speaker and Consultant where she addresses issues, myths... Read More →
avatar for Vice Chief Pamela Young-Jacobs, BIS-APS

Vice Chief Pamela Young-Jacobs, BIS-APS

Chief Mission Officer, Boys and Girls Homes of NC
Pamela Young-Jacobs is a dedicated leader, advocate, and community servant who currently serves as Chief Mission Officer for Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina and as Vice Chief of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. She is committed to advancing opportunities in education, economic development, and community wellness, with a strong focus on serving children, families, and tribal communities. Pamela holds an MBA from University of North Carolina... Read More →
avatar for Jantzen Hale, MPP

Jantzen Hale, MPP

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Jantzen Hale, Diné, currently serves as a Program Specialist with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Previously, she worked with the National Congress of American Indians, supporting the development of communication strategies and sharing stories of impact and need about Tribal communities... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session

10:30am EDT

Break
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
Take a quick break with coffee and tea. The Upper Courtyard is open for conversation, networking, or a breath of fresh air.
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Prefunction Area
  Break

11:00am EDT

Collaborative Frameworks with Tribal Leadership to Address Domestic Violence and MMIWR
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
The crises of domestic violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) are deeply interconnected and addressing them requires coordinated, community-driven approaches that include collaboration with Tribal leadership. This panel brings together advocates and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for building effective partnerships with Tribal leadership and...
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Speakers
avatar for Carmen O’Leary

Carmen O’Leary

Director, Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains
Carmen O’Leary is the Director of Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains.  She is a citizen and a resident of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe where she has gathered her experience and expertise to develop programs that serve native women experiencing violence.  Carmen is a trainer on advocacy... Read More →
avatar for Leanne Guy

Leanne Guy

Executive Director, Southwest Indigenous Women's Coalition
Leanne Guy is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and currently lives and works in the Phoenix area of Arizona. Leanne is the founding executive director of the Southwest Indigenous Women’s Coalition, the first statewide tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalition in Arizona. Prior... Read More →
avatar for Chantel Greene

Chantel Greene

Chief Executive Officer, Xexus Greene Energy LLC.
Chantel Greene is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xexus Greene Energy LLC. 100% Native American and woman-owned consulting company, and Founder of Non-profit GreeneLife Philanthropic. President of Sidney Resource Corporation, a publicly traded company, and a Nez Perce Tribal Member... Read More →
avatar for Kim Zahne

Kim Zahne

Program Specialist, NIWRC
Kim Zahne or “Sah-Povi” is Tobacco clan (Sah-Towa/ Pipwungwa) from the Village of Tewa, and a member of the Hopi Tribe. Kim is currently the Program Specialist for the National Indigenous Resource Center. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in American Indian Studies, with an emphasis on Federal... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session

12:30pm EDT

Lunch on Your Own
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lunch is on your own. Enjoy time with fellow attendees before we reconvene for the final sessions.
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
  Break

2:00pm EDT

Visualizing Statistical Data to Engage Tribal Leadership
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
The purpose of this presentation is to provide insight into how cloud visual platforms can be leveraged to visualize data that has been collected in spreadsheets (such as Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, etc) to effectively engage with Tribal leadership and communities. This presentation includes a live demonstration of taking data stored in a spreadsheet to diagram, depict, and create visuals in...
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Speakers
avatar for Celina Gutierrez

Celina Gutierrez

IT Support Tech, NIWRC


Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Breakout Session

3:30pm EDT

Closing
Thursday July 30, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Plenary Session
 

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Tuesday, July 28
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Camellia Room
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