Pack Your Bags for Portland!
This year's much-anticipated AISES National Conference is coming up in Portland, Ore., October 15 to 17. Throughout the three-day event, the conference theme — Weaving Innovation — will be playing out at lecterns, on stages, and in lively conversations.
If you've never been to an AISES National Conference, you are in for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Seasoned conference goers will tell you that spending this time with likeminded Indigenous people from across North America and the Pacific Islands will leave you feeling inspired by what you have learned, supported by the cultural affirmation all around you, and enriched by the new friends you have made. Put it all together — insightful speakers, informative sessions, and opportunities to network and socialize with other Indigenous STEM students and professionals — and you will be weaving your own innovative future from new thread. To register, click here.
Weaving Your Future
A conference highlight is always the largest College and Career Fair in Indian Country. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you explore the booths staffed by representatives from major corporations, government agencies, tribal enterprises, nonprofits, and colleges and universities. They want to talk to talented Indigenous people like you! At the Fair you can learn about organizations like Wondr Nation and the diverse STEM careers in the growing gaming industry. Or chat with representatives of schools like Stanford University, where the Stanford Native Immersion Program provides a welcoming six-day experience for incoming first-year transfer students.
The packed agenda of two days of National Conference sessions offers opportunities to explore multiple areas of interest with knowledgeable presenters in diverse STEM disciplines. Of course, while sessions like "Sovereignty Runs on Science: Native STEM and the Defense of Sacred Places" make the AISES National Conference unique, you might sit in on a computer science session like "Securing the Seventh Generation: AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Sovereignty in Indian Country," look into the future with "Engineering with Purpose: Carbon, Community, and the Future of Energy," or focus on professional development in "Elevate Your STEM Career: Mastering Leadership, Networking, and Advancement." Healthcare providers will have focused sessions to choose from, including "Indigenous Healers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." Students strategizing their academic path will want to hear about "Demystifying the College Admissions Process" from an actual admissions officer.
Speakers Weave Inspiration
At every AISES conference you can expect to hear from speakers who make attending well worth your while. The 2026 National Conference will be no exception, especially in the Plenary Discussion on Indigenous Futurism at the Opening Ceremony where you'll hear a spirited conversation with Dr. Daniel Wilson, author of Robopocalypse, and Josh Hammonds, a subject matter expert from Cisco Systems, moderated by Dr. Lee Francis (aka "Dr. IndigiNerd").
Weaving Opportunity with Special National Conference Activities and Events
In addition to the sessions, speakers, and expansive College and Career Fair, the AISES National Conference is packed with special activities like these.
Networking Suites
When it comes to weaving opportunity into your path, it's hard to overestimate the importance of networking. At the National Conference, networking is easy — just drop by the Networking Suites where prospective employers invite you to tell them about yourself while enjoying some refreshments. It's a great way to meet new people and get valuable advice, all while making career contacts.
Documentary Film
Maara'yam The Yuhaaviatam Story is a powerful documentary that captures the history of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation or "People of the Pines." At its heart, this is a story of survival, perseverance, and renewal. Saturday, October 17 at 1:30 pm.
Buffalo Bump Business Plan Challenge
Indigenous people are the first innovators — in the Buffalo Bump aspiring entrepreneurs take this opportunity to show us where they fit in. Drop by the presentations and see college students fielding their creative, culturally grounded ideas for a startup. They come away with valuable feedback from our judges — and compete for cash awards. For more information, click here.
Wellness Activities
Get ready for your busy conference day with an interlude that will energize your body and your brain. During the day, you can stop by the Good Medicine Room for a wellness break.
FIIRE Hackathon
Catch the robotics excitement at the FIIRE (Fostering Indigenous Innovation in Robotics Education) Hackathon where learners of all ages are challenged to build and code prototypes to solve actual problems.
Student Gatherings
Students are special at the National Conference with their own orientation, a study lounge, sessions and panels just for you, and the much-anticipated social dance with DJ Element. Here's where to find the broad range of student activities.
Canadian Members Meeting
AISES Canada invites members to come together at the National Conference to discuss the exciting prospects for this growing sister organization.
AISES Council of Elders' Lounge
Drop in for a one-on-one conversation with a member of the AISES Council of Elders.
Talking Circles
Come and find out why talking circles are the high point of the conference for so many members. There are the LGBTQIA2S, Men's, Women's, Pathways to Academic Careers, and Closing Talking Circles as well as College Sharing Circles for regional chapters.
Traditional Social Powwow
Rock you mocs at the popular AISES Powwow! This "grand finale" conference event is where attendees and local community members socialize, dance, and grab one last chance to take home artisan merchandise.
Explore Portland!
Portland is famous for its outdoorsy lifestyle, incomparable food cart scene, shopping (no sales tax!), vibrant neighborhoods, and overall quirkiness. The Convention Center is well served by public transit, and bike rental options, so hop on and explore when you are ready for a break. All registered attendees receive a free Tri-Met/MAX Light Rail Pass to get around the city. Pick yours up at check-in at the registration desk.
