Call for 2026 Indigenous Media Conference program proposals open through March 20
The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront will be the venue for the Indigenous Journalists Association’s 2026 Indigenous Media Conference, July 22-24 in Portland, Ore., on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and present-day Grande Ronde, Siletz and Cowlitz.
Opening night reception will be held at The Redd on Salmon Street on Wednesday, July 22, and the Indigenous Media Awards banquet will be on Friday, July 24.
“The time for us to come together for this highly-anticipated event is just around the corner, and I look forward to welcoming attendees to the Pacific Northwest for what I believe will be an inspiring reunion of Indigenous journalists and confidants,” said IJA President Sunnie Clahchischiligi. “Our conference committee has been working assiduously to prepare for yet another successful event.”
Conference registration will open in March 2026 with discounted early-bird rates for current members.
“We’re excited to bring the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference to Portland. As someone from the Pacific Northwest, it’s especially meaningful to help bring our community together on these lands. This year’s program will spotlight innovation, mentorship, and collaboration — strengthening the impact of Indigenous media for years to come,” said conference committee co-chair Alyssa London.
Propose a Session
IJA is now accepting session program proposals through March 20, 2026. In addition to breakout sessions, sponsors may propose an exclusive plenary session available to all attendees. To submit a program proposal for a breakout session or workshop, click the button below.
View the Schedule-at-a-Glance
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
8:30 – 10 a.m. – Welcome Breakfast and Opening Ceremony
10 – 11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
11 – 11:30 a.m. – AM break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
12:30 – 2 p.m. – Lunch Break / Sponsor Appreciation Lunch
2 – 3:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
3:30 – 4 p.m. – PM Break
4 – 5 p.m. – Breakout sessions
5:30 – 8 p.m. – Opening Night Reception at the Redd on Salmon (transportation provided)
Thursday, July 23, 2026
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
9:30 – 10 a.m. – AM Break
10 – 11:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Membership Luncheon and Business Meeting (ticket required)
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
2:30 – 3 p.m. – PM Break
3 – 4:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
Friday, July 24, 2026
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
9:30 – 10 a.m. – AM Break
10 – 11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
11 – 11:30 a.m. – AM Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
5 – 6 p.m. – President’s Reception and Silent Auction (ticket required)
6 – 8:30 p.m. – Indigenous Media Awards Banquet (ticket required)
Stay tuned for more schedule details!
Reserve Your Room at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
IMC attendees can reserve rooms at a group rate starting at $216 USD per night, available July 20-26, 2026. Guestroom reservations must be made by June 29, 2026, to receive the discounted group room rates. After this date, guestrooms are at the best available rate.
Hotel reservations at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, located at 1401 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97201, can be made by clicking here to book online.
Indigenous Media Expo and Sponsor Opportunities
For branding and sponsorship opportunities, see our sponsorship guide. For any questions about sponsorships and the 2026 Indigenous Media Expo, contact the IJA Fund Development Director, Shirley LaCourse Jaramillo, at shirley@indigenousjournalists.org.
Volunteer
IMC volunteers help make the conference a success, and we encourage you to sign up to help with special events, registration and the silent auction. Slots are flexible, and staff will work with volunteers to coordinate the assignment schedule closer to the event. Volunteers can indicate their interest by completing the form below.
