Idaho State University to Host 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit

Idaho State University, in partnership with Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho Indian Education Committee (IIEC), will host the 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit on June 11–12, 2026, on the ISU campus in Pocatello, Idaho.

The annual summit brings together K–12 educators, higher education professionals, Tribal leaders, administrators, students, and community advocates from across Idaho and neighboring regions to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for Native students while honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Idaho’s five federally recognized Tribes.

Hosted in the Pond Student Union Building, this year’s summit will feature keynote presentations, plenary discussions, and concurrent breakout sessions focused on culturally responsive education, Native student success, Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership development, language and cultural preservation, and collaborative partnerships in education.

A featured component of this year’s summit is the Student Youth Scholar Exhibition hosted by the University of Idaho’s Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP) for Young People. The exhibition invites K–12 Native American students to participate in a student poster and table showcase celebrating Indigenous knowledge, culture, education, and community-based learning. The exhibition theme for 2026 is “Schools Need to be Ready for Native Youth as our Future Teachers.”

The Student Youth Scholar Exhibition is designed to elevate Native youth voice, leadership, and educational engagement while providing students the opportunity to share projects and experiences connected to their schools, communities, and Tribal families. IKEEP has funding available to sponsor registration for the first 40 participating K–12 students.

“Idaho State University is honored to welcome educators, Tribal leaders, students, and community members from across the region to our campus for this important gathering,” said Echo Marshall, ISU’s Director of Tribal Relations. “The Idaho Indian Education Summit provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and advance meaningful conversations that support Native students, families, and communities.”

The summit reflects ISU’s continued commitment to building strong relationships with Tribal Nations and supporting Native student success through partnerships, outreach, and culturally grounded educational initiatives.

Representatives from the Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are expected to participate in presentations and discussions throughout the two-day event.

In addition to educational programming, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and community engagement opportunities hosted on campus during the summit.

Event Details

• Event: 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit
• Dates: June 11–12, 2026
• Location: Pond Student Union Building, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
• Hosted By: Idaho State University, Idaho Department of Education, and the Idaho Indian Education Committee
• Registration Information: Available through the Idaho Indian Education Summit website

Additional details regarding the summit agenda, speakers, student exhibition participation, registration, and vendor opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit the Idaho Indian Education Summit webpage.