23rd Annual Construction in Indian Country Annual Conference 2026
October 22 – 23, 2026
Chandler, Arizona
Conference Theme: Connect, Collaborate, Construct: Elevating the Indigenous Construction Industry
The 23rd Annual Construction in Indian Country Conference brings together tribal leaders, construction professionals, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen opportunities across Indigenous communities. Centered on the theme, “Connect, Collaborate, Construct: Elevating the Indigenous Construction Industry,” the conference will foster meaningful partnerships, share innovative solutions, and highlight strategies that support sustainable growth, workforce development, and economic advancement in Indian Country. Attendees will engage in discussions that empower Indigenous voices and build a stronger future for tribal construction and infrastructure development.
Venue | Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass | Chandler, Arizona
About our conference
The CIIC National Conference is the only Indigenous construction industry national conference and trade show in the United States hosted by a higher education institution. It brings together a diverse community of Architects, Engineers, Planners, Lawyers, Contractors, and Tribal Government Officials to share the latest industry trends, policies, and best practices.
Our collective expertise supports industry practitioners, tribal government agencies and divisions, and tribal enterprises engaged in building in Indian Country.
The conference offers valuable opportunities to network, exchange stories, and learn from each other’s successes. Above all, we emphasize the importance of tribal sovereignty, nation-centered development, and honoring the wisdom of the past as we build for the future.
Pre-Conference Workshop
Join us on October 21, 2026 from 9am-4pm at Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino.
Construction 101 & 102 provide participants with a practical understanding of the construction process—from turning an initial idea into a shovel-ready project through successful project completion. Construction 101 introduces the three major phases of development: preconstruction, construction, and post-construction, covering land acquisition, financing, design, budgeting, permitting, team selection, site preparation, building, inspections, and project handover. Construction 102 builds on these fundamentals through a real-world case study, exploring project coordination, scheduling, procurement, communication, risk management, and problem-solving. Both courses emphasize the unique considerations of construction on Tribal lands, including regulatory requirements, cultural awareness, stakeholder coordination, and community engagement.
Conference registrants will receive a code to receive 25% off. Lunch is included. This workshop requires a separate registration. See link above.
CIIC 2019 Highlight Video
Our 2019 theme, “Trailblazing in the Built Environment,” showcased INNOVATIVE ideas, projects, practices, and technologies that set themselves apart from traditional methodologies. We highlighted individuals and organizations leading the way—those at the forefront of blazing new trails to strengthen tribal economies and foster sustainable development.
Conference sessions focused on addressing challenges and presenting solutions for rural areas and tribal lands across five key areas:
- Leadership and Governance
- Economic Development
- Planning, Development, and Infrastructure
- Construction and Design Best Practices
- Certification and Training
Together, we explored groundbreaking approaches to building in Indian Country—led by those shaping a bold and sovereign future.