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.”
Panels, screenings, workshops, and the people shaping the future of Indigenous media – all in one place this July in Portland. Whether you’re covering climate, MMIP, freelancing, or AI in the newsroom, your next great session is waiting. See everything on the schedule.
“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.
The IJA Indigiqueer Committee welcomes you to Portland – please join us for a happy hour hang on Thursday, July 23 at the Proof Reader Bar, located on the first floor of the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hotel from 5-6 p.m. PT. All are welcome!
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 July 6, 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.
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.
Donate to the IMC Silent Auction
Support the Indigenous Journalists Association with a donation to the Indigenous Media Conference silent auction.
Portland Timbers Discount for Attendees
IMC26 attendees can get discounted tickets to a Portland Timbers match. Grab yours below.
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.
Wampum
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Platinum
NBCUniversal
Gold
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Silver
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Bronze
The New York Times
Turquoise
AARP
ABC News
AP Fund for Journalism
Coquille Indian Tribe
Cultural Survival
Supported by:
MacArthur Foundation
Mvskoke Media
Other Sponsors
CNN/TNT Sports
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon – Networking Beverage Break
Cultural Survival – Student Travel Scholarship
Knight Foundation – Student Education Track
URL Media – Small Media Outlet Travel Scholarship
McKenna Stayner
Supporters
American Indian Magazine
Ecotrust
Thursday Evening Special Event Sponsors
Off the Record: A Welcoming Event Hosted by Your River City Relatives
Sponsors:
Confluence
Underscore Native News
Additional Sponsors
NAYA
Northwest Native Chamber
