Event Date
Hilton Sacramento Arden West – 2200 Harvard St., Sacramento, CA
July 14-15, 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and July 16, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Registration is now closed
If you have not yet registered but would still like to enroll, please contact us at [email protected]. While we cannot guarantee enrollment, we will do our best to accommodate late registration if space and time permit.
Already Registered? Join us on Whova!
Igniting Hearts, Inspiring Futures
The National Tribal TANF Institute returns to Sacramento July 14–16, 2026, for its 21st year, bringing together Tribal TANF staff and partners from across the country for a powerful and inspiring educational experience.
The 2026 theme, Igniting Hearts, Inspiring Futures, celebrates the strength of Tribal values, cultures and traditions while embracing new ideas and innovations that build resilience and opportunity for generations to come. We warmly 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. Everyone who attends will find opportunities for professional growth, collaboration and renewal – and we can’t wait to spend three days of learning and sharing with you.
What To Expect at the 2026 Institute
The Institute brings together Tribal TANF agencies, partners and communities to support Native families and children while celebrating culture and strengthening connections across Indian Country.
Over three days, participants will engage in interactive training, peer learning and collaboration to address key Native social issues. It’s a time to honor Tribal TANF values, renew our shared commitment and uplift programs that serve with integrity, compassion and cultural strength. Together we will ignite hearts and inspire futures.
Program Agenda
- Access our full program agenda
- In a rush? Try our agenda at a glance
Keynote Speakers
Program Highlights
- Opening Keynote from Matt Franklin – July 14
- Town Hall — The Power of Expertise: Advancing Tribal Sovereignty in Today's Policy Landscape — July 14
- This town hall will spotlight how Tribal sovereignty can be further advanced in today’s policy environment through the power of expertise within Tribal TANF programs. Centered on sovereignty in action, the discussion will highlight how Tribal TANF professionals can strengthen self-determination by building internal capacity to confidently understand, interpret, and apply statutes, regulations, and guidance.
- Annual Welcome Dinner — July 14
- Attendees are invited to gather for an evening of connection after a full day of learning. The dinner provides space to strengthen relationships across Tribal agencies and to continue meaningful conversations. Use this time to sit with friends - old and new - and enjoy shared company. The evening begins with a cultural presentation from the Host Tribe, featuring traditional dancers.
- Cultural Exchange Night — July 15
- Attendees are invited to an evening of connection, culture and community that past participants have cited as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of the event. Taking place on the second night of the Institute, the event will open with a welcome from the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento County's only federally recognized Tribe and a Tribe of Miwok and Nisenan descent, followed songs and dances from the Sacramento Pow-Wow Dance Group and remarks from a Tribal ally, community leader and scholar. We will then open the space for our popular community spotlight.
- 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 [email protected].
- Attendees are invited to an evening of connection, culture and community that past participants have cited as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of the event. Taking place on the second night of the Institute, the event will open with a welcome from the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento County's only federally recognized Tribe and a Tribe of Miwok and Nisenan descent, followed songs and dances from the Sacramento Pow-Wow Dance Group and remarks from a Tribal ally, community leader and scholar. We will then open the space for our popular community spotlight.
- Closing Keynote from Karalee Joseph — July 16
- Beading Tables — Days 2 and 3!
Workshop Tracks
101 Track: Introduces new Tribal TANF staff to the core policies, procedures and practices that guide effective service to families and communities. Learners gain a solid understanding of program operations, eligibility, case documentation and communication skills that build relationships and strengthen support systems.
- Meet Our 101 Track Instructor: Charlene Milton
Advanced Case Management Track: Expands the skills of experienced case managers through deeper exploration of Tribal TANF policy, best practices and data-informed approaches. Learners enhance their ability to manage complex cases, engage families and communities and support long-term growth, wellness and resilience.
- Meet Our Advanced Case Management Track Instructors: Derrin Ford | Karalee Joseph
Supervision Track: Provides supervisors with tools and strategies to lead with respect, balance and accountability. Learners strengthen their ability to guide teams through effective communication, coaching and collaboration, fostering workplace environments rooted in trust, growth and shared purpose.
- Meet Our Supervision Track Instructor: Carl Rabun
Leadership Track: Supports managers, directors, Tribal council members, elders and community leaders in advancing organizational strength and community well-being. Learners explore leadership practices grounded in cultural values, systems thinking and sustainable development to enhance impact and empower future generations.
- Meet Our Leadership Track Instructors: Glenn Basconcillo | Matt Franklin
Cultural Track: Centers the vital role of culture in community well-being and service delivery. Learners explore ways to integrate traditional values, teachings and practices into daily TANF operations, supporting holistic approaches that nurture identity, connection and healing.
- Meet Our Cultural Track Instructors: Matt Franklin | Karalee Joseph
In addition to the specific workshop tracks, general sessions include the opening keynote, town hall open forum, welcome dinner, cultural showcase, exchange night and closing keynote and ceremony. These are open to all attendees and offer shared learning experiences that inspire collaboration, reflection and community connection.
Enrollment Information
Registration is now closed.
If you have not yet registered but would still like to enroll, please contact us at [email protected]. While we cannot guarantee enrollment, we will do our best to accommodate late registration if space and time permit.
The enrollment fee is $1425.
Venue and Lodging
The 2026 Institute will take place at the beautiful Hilton Sacramento Arden West located at 2200 Harvard St—just across the street from the popular Arden Fair Mall and a short drive from Midtown and historic Old Town Sacramento.
To Reserve by Phone
- Please call the reservation number at (800) 559 4299
- If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact us at [email protected].
Expressing Gratitude to Our Hosts Tribe
We are honored to recognize the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians as the Host Tribe for this year’s event. We respectfully acknowledge that this gathering takes place within their ancestral homelands, and we extend our gratitude for their generosity in welcoming us to hold this event in the Sacramento region. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, gather and build relationships in a way that honors Tribal sovereignty, culture and community.
Stay Connected
Watch your inbox for updates and make sure you’re on our email list to receive the latest information!
For immediate questions, contact us at [email protected].