The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance hosted the National Tribal Technical Assistance Meeting in Sacramento, California on June 4 and 5, 2024. Themed “Indigenized by Design: Centering Culture and Building Connections to Better Serve Families,” this meeting brought together over 140 Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Federal representatives, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to share strategies for amplifying Indigenous culture within the context of TANF and Native Employment Works programs while ensuring compliance with federal rules and guidelines to better address the needs of Native families and communities. Over the course of the meeting, participants attended presentations from experts and program administrators, participated in topical table discussions, and facilitated audience-centered conversations.

The National Tribal TANF Institute will bring together Tribal TANF staff from across the country for an in-person educational experience from July 15-18, 2024 in Davis, California. The theme, “Forever Native: Preserving Our Culture for the Next Generation,” will emphasize the importance of honoring tribal values, cultures and traditions while also embracing new ideas, practices and innovations to make native communities stronger for future generations. Participants will explore programs, opportunities and resources for tribal youth and young adults to help them transition into thriving adulthood. There is a registration fee for participation.

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center is hosting an in-person specialty institute on August 13-15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Presentations will address the complex intersections of intimate partner violence (IPV) with substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges that survivors experience. Survivors of domestic violence and IPV are challenged with many obstacles, especially navigating systems, finding safety, and accessing services. Additionally, survivors face increased abuse, violence, and sabotaging of recovery by current or former partners when they reach out and access resources. This specialty institute highlights promising practices that showcase the critical need for: 

• Trauma-informed advocacy;
• Resilience-informed advocacy; and
• Culturally relevant advocacy. 

There is a fee for participation.

The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals will be hosting their annual conference from May 20 to May 22, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. This conference will offer invaluable insights, cutting-edge strategies, and collaborative opportunities for the following learning tracks:

• Artificial Intelligence and Technology;
• Expanding Opportunities for Vulnerable Workers and Communities;
• Leadership in Workforce Development;
• Utilizing Data and Labor Market Information;
• Fiscal, Programmatic and Operational Strategies;
• Improving Access to Good Jobs;
• Developing Strategic Partnerships; and
• General Workforce Topics.

This event will bring together leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts in the field, providing a unique platform to share knowledge and explore emerging trends. There is a fee for participation.

The Brookings Institute is hosting an event in Washington, D.C. on May 6, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET to highlight the findings of a congressionally mandated report by a committee of the National Academies on reducing intergenerational poverty. Presenters will provide evidence-based insights on the pivotal role that certain policies and programs play in curbing long-term cycles of poverty. They will examine key drivers of long-term, intergenerational poverty, including the racial disparities and structural factors that contribute to this perpetual cycle of economic strife.

The Research and Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (RECS) is a forum for researchers, state and local administrators, practitioners, and federal officials and policymakers to discuss cutting-edge research on programs, policies, and services that support families on the path to economic self-sufficiency and well-being. RECS will take place from May 29 to May 31, 2024 in Washington, D.C with the option of participating virtually.

The 44th National Indian and Native American Employment and Training (NINAETC) for WIOA Section 166 and Public Law 102-477 will take place in Orlando, Florida from May 13 to 17, 2024. This conference is dedicated to promoting heritage and culture. There is a fee for registration.

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is hosting their annual gathering to discuss American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) child advocacy issues. The conference will take place from April 7 to April 10, 2024, in Seattle, Washington with an option to join the general sessions virtually. NICWA develops and provides programming to attendees, creating a space where participants can learn about the latest developments and best practices from experts in the field and from one another. Participants represent a cross-section of fields and interests including child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice service providers; legal professionals; students; advocates for children; and tribal, state, and federal leaders. There is a fee for registration.