Indigenous Language Institute Symposium (ILIS)
Beginning in 2010, the annual Indigenous Language Institute Symposium is our flagship event, bringing together language revitalization leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country. This multi-day gathering is a powerful platform for sharing ideas, showcasing best practices, and inspiring collective action. Key features of the ILI Symposium include workshops, panels, a research showcase, cultural events, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The symposium underscores the critical importance of language preservation and serves as a catalyst for energizing efforts across Indigenous communities.
About This Year's Theme
This year’s theme focuses on a key shift many communities are working through right now, moving from learning language to actively speaking and using it in daily life. Creating more speakers and building environments where language is used consistently in homes, schools, workplaces, and community spaces is more urgent than ever.
This theme emphasizes that language use begins with each individual. When people choose to speak, practice, and use the language in everyday situations, it creates momentum that extends into families and communities. This is how language grows.
Through workshops, interactive activities, presentations, and sessions, the symposium will focus on practical ways to strengthen speaking, support daily use, and learn from communities that are already creating spaces where language is used regularly. ILIS 2026 will highlight what it looks like when language is not only taught, but actively spoken and shared across personal journeys and communities.
Registration Now Open
Please fill out the registration form below to attend this year’s ILIS 2026 Symposium. Each attendee must complete their own form. If you require a group invoice, email us at ili@ilinative.org, however, each participant is still required to submit an individual registration form.
Early Bird Rate
Until July 15th
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General: $425
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Senior/Elder (65+): $350
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College/Student: $250
Regular Rate
July 16th - September 30th
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General: $525
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Senior/Elder (65+): $425
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College/Student: $325
Late/On-Site Rate
October 1st - October 21st
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General: $575
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Senior/Elder (65+): $465
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College/Student: $365
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
After completing the registration form, you will be prompted to choose a payment method. You may pay immediately with a debit or credit card or request an invoice via email. ILI will send a confirmation once your registration is received. For check payment, please make out to Indigenous Language Institute, and mail to: PO Box 742, Santa Cruz, NM 87567.
All cancellations requests must email ili@ilinative.org. Any cancellations made prior to September 30th will be refunded minus a $100 processing & administrative fee.
Cancellations made after the September 30th deadline will NOT be refunded, no exceptions.
Symposium Location
This year's Symposium will be held at the Mystic Lake Center on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota.
The Mystic Lake Center is attached to the Casino & Hotel.
The Symposium programming will be in the Waconia Ballroom.
Hotel Information
Take advantage of our discounted room block at the Mystic Lake Hotel! Special Symposium rate at $159/night plus taxes. The hotel offers free parking. Rates are guaranteed until September 30, 2026, or until sold out.
If you call to make your reservation, please mention that you are with the Indigenous Language Institute room block to receive the discounted rate.
Address: 2400 Mystic Lk Blvd, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Phone: 1-800-262-7799
Symposium Speakers & Presenters
COMING SOON...
Cultural Night
COMING SOON...
Vendor Information
Apply to Be a Vendor at ILIS 2026
Showcase your work at the 14th Annual Indigenous Language Institute Symposium, October 21-23, 2026, at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, MN. We're now accepting applications for Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses. Spaces are limited and fill quickly!
DEADLINE: FRIDAY APRIL 24TH
Questions? Email us at ili@ilinative.org
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to the tribal nations, businesses, and organizations whose generous support makes this year’s Indigenous Language Institute Symposium possible. Your sponsorship helps strengthen language revitalization efforts and empowers Native communities across generations. For those that are looking to sponsor ILIS 2026, please reach out to Raul at raul.aguilarjr@ilinative.org.
Platinum Sponsor
Coral Sponsors
Turquoise Sponsors
Lapis Sponsors
