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American Indian & Alaska Native Victim Services Resources

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National Indian Nations Conference

Register for the 18th National Indian Nations Conference

The 18th National Indian Nations Conference will be held December 10–13, 2024, at the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. This conference is the largest U.S. Department of Justice-sponsored conference for the Tribal community. 

OVC is pleased to announce that registration for the 18th National Indian Nations Conference is now open!

This longstanding event brings together a wide array of stakeholders who work with American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime, including Tribal leaders; Tribal victim advocates; victim service providers; community volunteers; prosecutors, judicial and law enforcement personnel; family violence and sexual assault specialists; medical providers; social services and mental health personnel; criminal and juvenile justice professionals; anti-trafficking advocates; elder abuse prevention and protective services representatives; and many others.

Register Now

Visit the conference website for more information about the event. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Conference Theme

This year, OVC introduced a theme and art initiative in support of a long-held tradition of showcasing Native artists and their work at this event. We are pleased to announce that the submission by Waylon Pahona has been selected for the 18th National Indian Nations Conference. The theme—Healing and Continuing to Stay Rooted—and corresponding artwork will be featured across the conference materials.

Thank you to Mr. Pahona for submitting a piece that soundly represents the depth and intricacy of the healing journey for crime survivors. We express our gratitude to everyone who submitted their artwork. We know every piece carries a story that is meaningful to the artist, and we were honored they were entrusted to our care. We are looking at opportunities to display all the submissions—for those who wish to participate—at the conference.

Subscribe to receive News From OVC for updates to include registration information, call for presentations, scholarship applications, and more.

Prior Conferences

17th National Indian Nations Conference

 

The 17th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 6–9, 2022 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Resilience. Unity. Empowerment.” 

 

 

Indigenous people wearing feather headdresses

The 16th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 5–7, 2018 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Braiding Strength, Hope, and Healing for the Path Forward.” Download the agenda.

 

 

 

Indigenous people gathered in a circle at night

The 15th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 8–10, 2016 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Harnessing our Collective Wisdom: Strengthening the Circle of Safety, Justice and Healing.” Download the agenda.

 

 

 

Eagle wrapping its wings around an Indigenous family

The 14th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 11–13, 2014 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Generational Voices Uniting for Safety, Justice and Healing.” Download the agenda.

 

 

 

Indigenous community around a fire

The 13th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 6–8, 2012 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Strength from Within: Rekindling Tribal Traditions to assist Victims of Crime.” 

 

 

 

12th National Indian Nations Conference Artwork

The 12th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 9–11, 2010 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Walking in Harmony: Honoring Victim Voices to Achieve Safety, Justice & Healing.” 

 

 

 

11th National Indian Nations Conference Artwork

 

The 11th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 11–13, 2008 on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Strengthening the Heartbeat of all our Relations.” 
 

 

 

10th National Indian Nations Conference Artwork

 

The 10th National Indian Nations Conference: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 7–9, 2006, on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Hope for All Generations: Weaving a Network of Safety, Justice and Healing.” 

 

 

9th National Indian Nations Conference Artwork

 

The 9th National Indian Nations: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 9–11, 2004, on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, “Reviving our Sacred Legacy: Lighting the Path to our Future.” 

 

 

 

8th National Indian Nations Conference Artwork

 

The 8th National Strengthening Indian Nations: Justice for Victims of Crime Conference was held December 5–7, 2002, on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California with the theme, "United Voices: Expanding the Circle of Safety, Justice and Healing."