About This Year’s Conference
Our Local Host Committee is co-chaired by Dr. Robin Minthorn (an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Umatilla, Nez Perce, Apache, and Assiniboine Nations) and Dr. Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche-Kiowa and past Vice Chairman of the Comanche Nation, 2021-2024), both esteemed scholars deeply committed to Indigenous education and advocacy.
The University of Oklahoma hosted NAISA’s very first exploratory gathering in 2007, making this return to Oklahoma particularly meaningful. Oklahoma is home to 39 Native Nations, providing a vibrant and culturally rich homecoming for this upcoming NAISA conference. The region’s deep Indigenous history and presence will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and collaborations.
Conference Theme: “Roots and Origins”
As we gather in the region where NAISA was conceived, our 2025 conference will explore the theme of “Roots and Origins.” This theme invites participants to reflect on the foundational aspects of Native American and Indigenous Studies, to consider the origins of our field, and to engage with the deep-rooted histories and traditions that shape Indigenous Peoples locally and globally today.
Oklahoma City and Indigenous Homelands
We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which Oklahoma City is situated in the ancestral and contemporary homelands of numerous Indigenous nations. The first peoples of the Oklahoma City region include several Indigenous nations, primarily the Plains Apache, Wichita, and Caddo peoples, including the Taovaya and Tawakoni of the Wichita confederation.
Oklahoma is home to 39 Native Nations, and many others who have stewarded and lived in these lands for generations. We honor the enduring connection that these nations have to the region, their sovereignty, and their ongoing contributions to life in Oklahoma. We recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and commit to supporting Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
Oklahoma City, a dynamic and welcoming city, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and various attractions. For more information on local attractions, dining, and accommodations, please visit the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Conference registration information and discounted room rates will be announced in February 2025.
