Call for Session Proposals
Session proposals
Connect, Collaborate, Construct:
Elevating the Indigenous Construction Industry
Construction in Indian Country (CIIC) 2026 National Conference
Call for Presentations & Educational Sessions
We invite proposals that highlight completed, ongoing, or innovative solutions designed to support tribal communities. Sessions should focus on research, emerging technologies, and best practices that align with CIIC’s principal focus areas and theme.
Workshop sessions are 60 minutes (Introductions – 5 mins, Presentation – 45 mins, Q&A – 10 mins).
Presentations should contribute to actionable knowledge, meaningful dialogue, and real-world impact in one or more of the following track areas:
Economic Development and Nation Building – Explore how construction drives long-term economic growth, infrastructure resilience, and nation-building in Tribal communities through strategic investment, procurement, and Indigenous-led development initiatives.
Residential and Tribal Housing – Address innovative approaches to Tribal housing, including affordability, culturally responsive design, housing shortages, and sustainable residential development in Indigenous communities.
Workforce Development, Capacity Building, and Business Growth for Indigenous Communities
Highlight strategies for building Indigenous talent pipelines, strengthening Tribal enterprises, supporting apprenticeships, and expanding Native-owned construction businesses.
Tribal Leadership, Tribal Sovereignty, and Construction Governance –
Examine the role of Tribal leadership and sovereignty in shaping construction priorities, governance frameworks, project oversight, and community-centered development.
Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Drones –
Discover how emerging technologies, including AI, drones, BIM, and digital project management, are transforming construction efficiency, planning, safety, and data-driven decision-making in Indian Country.
Cultural Preservation in Design and Construction –
Explore how architecture, planning, and construction can preserve Indigenous identity, honor cultural traditions, and integrate community values into the built environment.
Infrastructure Gaps and Funding Opportunities –
Discuss critical infrastructure needs in Tribal communities and identify federal, state, private, and Tribal funding opportunities to advance essential development projects.
Safety, Risk, and Compliance Innovation –
Learn about evolving safety practices, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance innovations that improve project outcomes while protecting workers and communities.
Legal, Insurance Trends, Tribal Law, and Governance –
Examine emerging legal issues, insurance trends, Tribal jurisdiction, and governance considerations impacting construction projects across Indian Country.
Modular, Prefabrication and Industrialized Construction –
Explore how modular building, prefabrication, and industrialized construction methods can accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and improve housing and infrastructure access in remote regions.
Partnership, Collaboration Models, Community Engagement, and Trust Building –
Highlight successful partnership models between Tribes, governments, industry, and communities that foster transparency, engagement, and long-term trust.
Indigenous Led Sustainability, Land Ownership, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) –
Discover how Indigenous stewardship, sustainable development practices, land management, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge are shaping resilient and environmentally responsible construction approaches.
Navigating Federal, State, and Tribal Regulations –
Gain practical insight into coordinating across federal, state, and Tribal regulatory systems to streamline project delivery, permitting, compliance, and intergovernmental collaboration.
Help us drive progress and inspire change by sharing your expertise and stories of innovation. Together, we build the future of Indian Country.
We welcome presentations that reflect the current state of the construction industry in Indian Country, offer insights into construction markets, share lessons learned, or highlight the impact of landmark legislation that has delivered millions of dollars in funding to tribal communities.
Whether your project was supported by federal, state, tribal, or private funding sources, this is a platform to share stories of success, resilience, and breakthrough achievements.
Let’s learn from one another—through experience, innovation, and the collective wisdom that strengthens our communities.
Proposal format
The conference session proposal form is divided into 5 sections. You may go back to edit your responses after you have submitted. All session proposals will be reviewed after July 10, 2026. We suggest you make your final edits to your proposal no later than the deadline, August 24, 2026. We reserve the right to extend the proposal deadline and adjust the selection schedule if the Selection Committee deems it necessary.
Section 1: Primary Contact Information – Please provide the contact details for the individual who will serve as the main point of contact for this presentation. This person will be notified of any important updates or sudden changes to the program schedule (e.g., room location, date, or time adjustments). This ensures we can reach you promptly with any time-sensitive updates related to your session.
Section 2: Scope & Topic – This section collects details and information about your session.
Type of session (panel, presentation, workshop)
Audience level (novice, intermediate, expert)
Track selection
Session Title (10 words max limit)
Abstract (300 words max limit)
Session Description (500 word max limit)
File upload (optional, must have Google account)
Section 3: Rationale – This section assists the Conference Session Proposal Selection Committee with the rationale behind the proposal.
Why is the topic current and important?
Why may the session attract a large number of attendees?
How does the session differ from others, i.e., related workshops and conferences on a similar topic?
Section 4: Presenters – Please provide details for each session presenter. You may list up to three (3) presenters per session.
Required for Each Presenter:
- Full Name
- Job Title
- Company/Organization
- Tribal Affiliation (if applicable)
- Biography (50 words max) – A brief summary highlighting the presenter’s relevant background, expertise, or experience related to the session topic.
- Headshot – Email picture to [email protected]
This information will be used in the conference program and promotional materials (including social media), so please ensure accuracy and clarity.
Section 5: Preferences & Survey – This section will collect your preferences and a short optional survey.
- Technical requirements: Does your session have spatial requirements or need the following: Laptop, projector, sound, etc.?
- Preferred session times (responses are not a guarantee of a date/time assignment)
- Survey (optional)
Process of Selection
The CIIC Conference Session Selection Committee will give special consideration to interactive, skills-building workshops with experienced and knowledgeable presenters. Workshops and presenters must appeal to one or more of the following groups (but not limited to): Tribal Enterprises, Tribal Officials, Tribal Leaders, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers, Architects, Planners, orEngineers.
The Mission of Construction in Indian Country (CIIC) is to support construction management education to benefit American Indian and Indigenous communities as they increase their capacities to manage their own affairs while determining their own destinies. Our Vision is that all Indigenous communities shall have the technical capabilities and personnel to manage construction activities at industry-best standards.
Session Proposal Timeline
- July 10, 2026: Session Proposals Due
- August 7, 2026: Notification of selection or rejection.
- August 14, 2026: Deadline for Session Acceptance and Confirmation-Please register for the conference by this date (Speaker rate is $520).
- August 17, 2026: Agenda announcement on website and social media.
- August 24, 2026: Final edits, abstracts, title, biographies, and headshots are due for those selected for the digital program and website.
- If your proposal is not selected, you will have time to register at the early bird rate- the early bird deadline for the discounted price is September 18, 2026.
Contact
For questions or more information about our call for proposals, contact Program Manager Shawna Begay-Cowdell.