2026 WIEA Annual Conference
Balancing Our Cultural Evolution
April 9th-10th, 2026
Pre-Conference April 8th
Ho-Chunk Gaming - Wisconsin Dells
“Balancing Our Cultural Evolution” invites us to explore how tradition and innovation can move together in harmony. This year’s conference highlights the ways cultural identity grounds us while education and technology propel us forward. From revitalizing language and community practices to integrating digital tools like gaming, 3D imaging, and new teaching methods, we will examine how balance creates strength. Rooted in the wisdom of our cultures and open to the opportunities of change, this gathering is a space for educators, leaders, and learners of all ages to connect, share, and envision a future where culture and technology evolve side by side.
Please check back regularly for updates
Have questions about the conference? Contact us at: contactus.wiea@gmail.com
The conference offers an opportunity to bring together community members, educators (both Indian and non-Indian), businesses, and organizations who are interested in Indian education. WIEA is the only state conference that specifically addresses Native American educational issues.
WIEA is a non-profit organization that was established in 1985 by a group of concerned Indian educators to promote educational opportunities for Indian people in Wisconsin. With a unified effort by both Indian and non-Indian members, it has evolved into a proactive organization that continually works on the issues that affect Indian education. WIEA works with Wisconsin’s state legislators and annually addresses the state’s governing bodies at the capitol.
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Conference Registration
Registration ends at 5:00 pm on March 27th.
No on-site registration.
No refunds or changes to registrations after 5:00 pm on March 27th.
No cash or checks are accepted. No invoices will be issued.
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Registration Prices
Click below to view the registration prices for the 2026 WIEA Annual Conference.
The Pre-Conference is a separate registration. The cost is $50 per person.
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Pre-Conference
Becoming Students of Fire
What is your relationship with fire? What stories, experiences, and histories shape it? How have the long, interwoven histories of people and fire shaped one another—and the land itself? In what ways might working with fire support healing for ourselves, our relatives, and the environments we call home? What does it truly mean to become a student of fire?
Join us for an interactive workshop that begins with an exploration of the resurgence of Indigenous Fire Stewardship across Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. From this foundation, we will collaboratively consider how thoughtful engagement with fire can enrich the lives of students, strengthen schools, and support communities.
Participants will leave with practical ideas for learning from the wisdom of traditional fire-tending practices and for embracing stewardship and reciprocity as living responsibilities that sustain our lands and relatives in a dynamic, ever-changing world.
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2026 Conference Lodging
Host Hotel:
Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells
Reservations Department: 1-800-746-2486
Reference the WIEA Room Block
Online reservations: https://gettaroom.b4checkin.com/hochunkwisconsin#groupSignIn
Group Code: 14836.
Room Block closes on March 31st
2nd Hotel
Great Wolf Lodge
Reserve online using Group Code: 2604WIEA
Or call the Central Reservations Team at 1-800-559-9653 and mention the group code.
Rooms must be booked by March 23
The guest room rate is $99 per night plus taxes and parking; the total is $134.88.
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Advertise in our Digital Conference Booklet!
You are cordially invited to advertise your school, business, organization or service in the 2026 WIEA Digital Conference Booklet. It will provide you with visibility, specific audience impact and effective communication to the people who will attend the conference. Your information will reach educators, students and parents all across Wisconsin.
Once this completed form is received, our team will reach out to you to confirm your advertisement and obtain the needed digital files.
DEADLINE for submitting Digital Advertising is March 27, 2025
Full page: 8.5 x 11 in
Half page: 8.5 x 5.5 in
Quarter page: 4.25 x 5.5 in
Format would be PDF or JPEG. At least 300 DPI resolution
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2026 WIEA Education Awards
Do you know a PreK-12 or college student who is excelling in Indian education? Do you know someone who is an elder, teacher or friend of Indian education who is doing great things within their family, school, tribe or community? Do you know of a Tribal Language Program that is making an impact in the community? Are they deserving of special recognition for their efforts? Nominate them today for one of WIEA’s annual awards!
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Draft Conference Agenda
This is a draft of the agenda. A finalized agenda will be made available at a later date.
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Youth Day Information
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Youth Day- Registration
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WIEA Academic Scholarship Application
In keeping with its continued commitment to higher education, the Wisconsin Indian Education Association is pleased to provide scholarship assistance to American Indian students attending institutions of higher education.
This scholarship is achievement-based, not based on financial need. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents. -
View our Digital Conference Booklet!
COMING SOON
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2026 WIEA Digital Conference Booklet with Agenda
COMING SOON
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Silent Auction
COMING SOON