Monday, September 21, 2026
ATALM is hosting four focused, invitation- and interest-based Summits on Monday, September 21, prior to the opening of the main conference. These Summits are designed as working gatherings that bring together practitioners, leaders, artists, scholars, and partners to tackle complex issues through discussion, shared learning, and collaborative planning.
Participation is limited to ensure meaningful engagement.
How Summit participation works
- Summits take place Monday, September 21
- Participation requires separate registration and is not included in Full Conference Registration
- Registration is $100, which includes breakfast, lunch, breaks, and materials.
- Registration fee waivers are available for invited participants and others whose expertise or lived experience is essential to the success of the Summit
- Interested participants must request an invitation; selected participants will receive a separate registration form
Who should consider a Summit?
The Summits are ideal for participants who want to:
- Engage deeply with a specific topic
- Contribute expertise, experience, or community perspective
- Help shape national conversations, frameworks, and future work
- Collaborate with peers in a smaller, facilitated setting
Participants are generally expected to attend one Summit to ensure depth of engagement.
2026 Pre-Conference Summits
Artificial Intelligence, Data Sovereignty, and Indigenous Knowledge Summit
This Summit will explore how artificial intelligence intersects with Indigenous data sovereignty, cultural authority, ethical use, and community control of knowledge. Discussions will address risks and opportunities, governance frameworks, and practical strategies for Indigenous archives, libraries, museums, and cultural centers navigating AI technologies. This Summit is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Indigenous Knowledge Centers: A Master Plan for Tribal Libraries Summit
This Summit focuses on the evolving role of tribal libraries as Indigenous Knowledge Centers that support language revitalization, cultural programming, digital access, education, and community well-being. Participants will contribute to the development of a national master plan that strengthens tribal libraries and advances long-term sustainability. This Summit is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Ford Foundation BUILD program.
Shared Stewardship, Voluntary Returns, and Reclaiming Oral Histories Summit
This Summit brings together tribal representatives and institutional partners to advance shared stewardship practices, voluntary returns, and ethical approaches to reclaiming and revitalizing oral histories. Participants will work through real-world challenges, emerging models, and practical tools that support Indigenous sovereignty and community-centered stewardship. This information builds on previous work funded by the Doris Duke Foundation.
Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists Summit (SISNA)
This Summit centers on building stronger systems of support for Native artists, culture bearers, and tradition keepers. Conversations will focus on institutional practices, funding structures, intellectual property, equitable partnerships, and long-term strategies to improve how artists are supported by museums, libraries, cultural organizations, and funders. This Summit is sponsored by the Ford Foundation BUILD grant.
Important notes
- Space is limited for each Summit
- Participation will be confirmed based on capacity and alignment with Summit goals
- Selected participants will receive a separate registration link and additional details
For questions about the Summits, please contact conference@atalm.org.