The 20th Annual Utah Native American Summit took place from July 29th to July 31st, 2026, at Utah Valley University in Orem. The event served as a forum for dialogue between Tribal leaders, state officials, and community partners to discuss solutions for health, education, and economic development.
The summit featured three dedicated program tracks. A closed Government-to-Government Tribal Leader Summit was held during the first two days, allowing Tribal governments to engage in one-on-one meetings with state agencies and legislators to discuss unique tribal needs.
A public conference track was available for community partners, educators, and the general public. This track included breakout sessions led by subject-matter experts covering topics such as cultural education, economic development, education, health and wellness, and state tribal liaison training.
The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program was also a component of the summit, designed for Indigenous youth and young leaders ages 14-24 to foster leadership skills and cultural identity.
Featured speakers included rodeo athlete and entrepreneur Doungie Hall, as well as Eric Michael Hernandez, a Native American hoop dancer and filmmaker who spoke for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
The event also included the presentation of the 2026 Changemaker Award. This award recognized six Indigenous youth, ages 14 to 24, who demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service, cultural preservation, and academic growth.
The summit was hosted at the Sorensen Center at Utah Valley University. The Utah Division of Indian Affairs was one of the entities involved in shaping Utah's culture through service and education.
