Institute
Specialty Institute: Skills for Engaging Tribal Leadership on Domestic Violence Prevention and Response
Join the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) for a comprehensive three-day, in-person convening designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance communication between Tribal leadership and key organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) survivors of domestic violence (DV). Effective engagement with Tribal leadership is critical to the effectiveness and sustainability of DV programs in Indian Country. Visible leadership support, consistent communication, and ongoing education not only enhance program capacity but also reinforce community trust and collective prioritization of survivor safety.
Limited to 100 participants, this collaborative learning experience will feature expert-led presentations and an interactive workshop focused on building practical skills for meaningful engagement on survivor safety and family wellness. Tribal DV programs, advocates, Tribal Coalitions, and Native nonprofit organizations will gain actionable knowledge and strategies to improve their collaborative responses with Tribal leadership, ensuring AI/AN survivors and their families receive traditionally grounded, healing-centered support.
OVW Prior Approval
OVW Tribal Coalitions Program, OVW Tribal Governments Program, and OVW Tribal Jurisdiction Program grant recipients are authorized to use grant funds originally set aside for OVW training and technical assistance to support registration and travel costs for this non-OVW event. Recipients may use grant funds to support up to two (2) persons to attend the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center’s Specialty Institute: Skills for Engaging Tribal Leadership on Domestic Violence Prevention and Response, July 28, 2026 - July 30, 2026, in Durham, NC. Additional authorization, from an OVW Grants Management Specialist through submission of a Grant Award Modification (GAM) in JustGrants, is not required as long as a copy of this notice is maintained with the grant file records for audit purposes. Grantees should ensure sufficient travel funds remain in their approved budget to cover the costs and that all travel policies are adhered to.
Who should attend
- Tribal domestic violence programs,
- Advocates
- Tribal Coalitions
- Native non-profit organizations
Location
- Durham, North Carolina
Hotel Information
DoubleTree Raleigh Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham, NC 27703
919-941-6000
For reservations, call 1-800-445-8667 and reference "NIWRC 2026 Specialty Institute" or visit this link. All reservations should be made to the Hotel no later than Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Agenda-At-A-Glance
Preview the 2026 Specialty Institute agenda, featuring sessions on tribal leadership engagement, funding strategies, advocate storytelling, legislative updates, and more. This agenda is subject to change.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event? NIWRC welcomes the opportunity to partner with organizations that want to support this important convening. Your sponsorship helps create space for education, collaboration, and leadership while advancing safety for Native women and communities. It is a meaningful way to stand alongside Native-led advocacy and national change efforts. To learn more, please contact advancement@niwrc.org.
