U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty
& Governance Summit 2026
“Coming Home: Indigenous Data Governance By Us For Us”
April 14-17, 2026 in Tucson, AZ • RECAP
Second U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty Summit Encourages Scholars, Leaders, and Data Warriors to ‘Come Home’
More than 500 individuals gathered online and in person on the lands of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the traditional homelands of the Tohono O’odham Nation for four days of programming and discussions on Indigenous data sovereignty and governance…
SUMMIT TEAM
Bringing together a gathering of this scale is made possible through the dedication, collaboration, and leadership of our Summit Planning Team. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge, care, and vision to help create a space grounded in relationship, learning, and community, and to support the growing movement for Indigenous-led data futures across our Nations and communities.
PLENARY SPEAKERS
The Summit featured panel and plenary discussions that brought together Indigenous youth, leaders, researchers, technologists, policymakers, scientists, and community practitioners working across Indigenous Data Sovereignty, governance, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, stewardship, and community-led innovation. Speakers were invited based on their leadership, expertise, and contributions to advancing Indigenous-led data futures across communities, organizations, and Nations.
SUMMIT BRIEF
Each year, the U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance Summit produces a Summit Brief that captures key themes, discussions, community priorities, and emerging pathways identified throughout the gathering. Developed through presentations, workshops, Rez Café sessions, and collaborative dialogue, the Brief reflects the voices, experiences, and leadership shared across the Summit. The 2026 Summit Brief will be released soon and will continue to highlight the evolving work, relationships, and future directions shaping Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance.
INDIGENOUS DATA WARRIOR AWARDS
The Indigenous Data Warrior Awards honor individuals advancing Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance in meaningful ways. These awards recognize students, community leaders, researchers, advocates, and allies whose work supports Indigenous communities, strengthens Indigenous authority over data, and helps create better futures for the next generations. Through leadership, education, advocacy, mentorship, and community-centered work, each award celebrates those who are helping build stronger Indigenous data futures grounded in relationship, responsibility, and care for community.
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors
Co-Produced By
Thank You VOLUNTEERS
We also extend our sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who supported the Summit throughout the week, including the 2026 Indigenous Data Champions Fellows and the 2026 Indigenous DataSET Fellows. From welcoming attendees and assisting with logistics to helping sessions run smoothly, your time, energy, and generosity helped create a meaningful experience for our community. Thank you for helping bring the Summit to life!