Event Date
Twenty Years of Tradition: Celebrating Today and Tomorrow Together
Now in its 20th year, the National Tribal TANF Institute brings together Tribal TANF staff from across the country for a unique educational experience. Our 2025 theme, Twenty Years of Tradition: Celebrating Today and Tomorrow Together, will emphasize the importance of honoring Tribal values, cultures and traditions while also embracing new ideas, practices and innovations to make our native communities stronger for future generations. We’ll also explore programs, opportunities and resources for Tribal youth and young adults to help them transition into thriving adulthood.
Support Tribal Programs - Become an Event Sponsor!
Join us in preserving Native culture and uplifting Native American communities by becoming an event sponsor . Your support strengthens the impact of our event and reflects your commitment to cultural heritage, community development and social responsibility. Sponsors may receive visibility in promotional materials, the opportunity to host an informational table, the chance to connect with representatives from over 40 Tribal agencies across the country, and more! Every contribution helps expand the space where culture, community and connection thrive.
Learn how to become part of our growing circle of supporters by visiting our event sponsorship page.
What to Expect at the 2025 Institute
I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive all the knowledge and skills presented by the facilitators. Thank you.Christine Moliere, 2024 National Tribal TANF Institute Attendee from the Shingle Springs Tribal TANF Program
- Gain culturally responsive professional development skills
- Foster and encourage collaboration and interaction between Tribal communities
- Learn best practices in service delivery to community members.
- Celebrate the diversity of our attendees and their Tribal communities.
Who Should Attend
We welcome case managers, case assistants, employment counselors, training coordinators, intake specialists, wellness and prevention staff, youth development coordinators, supervisors, community partners, program managers, directors, Tribal council members and elders. We can all find opportunities for professional development and organizational growth at the Institute and can't wait to spend three days of learning and sharing with you.
We have new sisters...we have new brothers...we are ONE.Roseanna Lukes, Tulalip Tribe, at the close of the 2023 National Tribal TANF Institute
2025 Institute Program Agenda
Access the Full Program Agenda
- In a rush? View the "Agenda at a glance"
Keynote Speakers
Meet the speakers for this year's 2025 National Tribal TANF Institute!
Program Highlights
- Opening Keynote from Grant Bruno – July 15
- Town Hall - Two Decades of Tribal TANF: The Road Traveled and the Road Ahead – July 15
- This town hall brings together Tribal TANF professionals and partners for a meaningful dialogue reflecting on two decades of growth, resilience and innovation. Grounded in the theme of honoring the past while shaping the future, the conversation will explore key issues impacting Tribal TANF programs today—such as cultural preservation, economic development and holistic approaches to community well-being. Let's celebrate the path that brought us here and imagine the next chapter of Tribal TANF—rooted in tradition, strengthened by community and guided by hope for what lies ahead.
- Annual Welcome Dinner and Address from Karalee Joseph – July 15
- Cultural Exchange Night – July 16
- Join us for an evening of connection, creativity and celebration at Cultural Exchange Night! This special event invites you to share and experience the richness of our cultures through traditional song, dance, regalia, jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sketches, poetry, storytelling, food and other creative expressions. Come as you are and participate at your own comfort level—whether you choose to share or simply enjoy the experience, all are welcome. Tables will be arranged in a fair-style format to showcase your contributions and invite conversation. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided.
- If you’re interested in showcasing your talents and/or sharing aspects of your heritage at the Cultural Exchange Night, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at Tribal@ucdavis.edu.
- Join us for an evening of connection, creativity and celebration at Cultural Exchange Night! This special event invites you to share and experience the richness of our cultures through traditional song, dance, regalia, jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sketches, poetry, storytelling, food and other creative expressions. Come as you are and participate at your own comfort level—whether you choose to share or simply enjoy the experience, all are welcome. Tables will be arranged in a fair-style format to showcase your contributions and invite conversation. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided.
- Closing Keynote from Jackie DeLaCruz – July 17
- Beading Tables Daily!
- July 15 - 11:30-5:00
- July 16 - 10:30-5:00
- July 17 - 8:00-3:00
- Additional Speaker Announcements and Cultural Activities: Details coming soon!
Workshop Tracks
- 101 Track - Provides new Tribal TANF staff with an introductory level understanding of policies and practices.
- Advanced Case Management Track - Provides experienced case managers with an advanced level understanding of policies and practices.
- Cultural Track – Provides Tribal TANF staff with ideas and methods to support the integration of cultural components in general practice and community initiatives.
- Supervision Track – Provides supervisors with strategies to successfully lead teams towards improved effectiveness and efficiency.
- Leadership Track – Provides managers, directors, Tribal council members, elders and other community leaders with skills and strategies for program and organizational development, management and continuous quality improvement.
- General Track – This track is open to all attendees. It provides Tribal TANF staff with current events, inspiring meaningful ideas and discussion. Sessions include the Opening Keynote Address, Town Hall – Open Forum, Welcome Dinner, Cultural Exchange Night, and Closing Keynote Address.
Enrollment Information
Registration is now open! The final day to register if July 8.
- The cost of registration is $1275 this year. The enrollment fee for this event includes most meals but does not include lodging.
- Please note that late/walkup registration is not available for the 2025 event.
Enroll Online
Enroll by Phone
- To enroll by phone, please call the Student Services office at 1-800-752-0881 during business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (PST).
Venue and Lodging
We are so excited to celebrate the National Tribal TANF Institute's 20th year at the outstanding Pechanga Resort Casino located in Temecula, CA. Pechanga Resort is one of the largest resort-casinos in the U.S., owned by the Pechanga Tribe. Guests can stay in 1,100 rooms and suites with modern amenities. The resort offers a 25,000-square-foot spa, a 4.5-acre pool complex (The Cove) with pools, waterslides and cabanas, and multiple dining options. Journey at Pechanga is a championship 18-hole golf course. The resort is easily accessible from I-15 and near Southern California’s wine country.
To Reserve Your Room
Please call Pechanga Resort at 1-877-711-2946. Our group name is UC Davis National Tribal TANF.
Pechanga Resort is prepared to assist by phone and excited to welcome you!
For additional support, please contact us at Tribal@ucdavis.edu.
Transportation
Airport Options
- Ontario International Airport (ONT): 55-mile drive to the resort
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): 57-mile drive to the resort
Driving Options from Airports
- Vehicle Rental
- Lyft/Uber
- Get Driving Directions
For More Information
Watch your email inbox for details as they become available. Please be sure to get on the email list to receive updates about the Institute as it approaches.
If you have an immediate question, feel free to reach out to us at Tribal@ucdavis.edu.