December 16th - 20th 2025
RAMKOTA INN
2111 N. LACROSSE ST.
RAPID CITY, SD
For information
[email protected]
December 16th - 20th 2025
RAMKOTA INN
2111 N. LACROSSE ST.
RAPID CITY, SD
For information
[email protected]
The Navigation menu is located across the top of this page. To see the flyers and information on the conference keep scrolling to the bottom of this page. Please read and scroll all the way to the bottom of this homepage to see all the information on the conference.
To register online go to "more" above and click on registration. You may register with a credit card there, or you may download the LNEC registration flyer found below and mail or email it to the addresses on the form.
To register online go to "more" above and click on registration. You may register with a credit card there, or you may download the LNEC registration flyer found below and mail or email it to the addresses on the form.
2026 Lakota Nations Education Symposium Theme
"Weaving Together Our Past, Present, and Future"
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2026 Lakota Nations Education Conference Book Festival
December 18th, 1-4 AM and December 19th, 8-12 AM a book festival will be held at the Ramkota Motel in Rapid City, SD. Anyone interested in being a part of this Book Festival in any capacity, as an author or as a volunteer, may contact Terrie Jo Gibbons at
605-407-0667 or [email protected]
for more information.
Calling all Authors wishing to participate in the Book Festival may fill out a Authors Registration form and submit it to the Book Festival Committee for approval. The booths are free to authors but the Festival does ask for a free-will donation if your booth does well. If you would like to do a small 15 minute presentation on your book you may sign up on the day of the Festival and a time will be assigned to you. If you would like to do a 45 minute presentation on a subject pertaining to your book, or a topic pertaining to publishing a book, please note on the Authors form so we can contact you and discuss it. The form can be found below in a print out paper version, or it can be filled out digitally by clicking on "Authors Form", above and fill it out there. It will come to us directly.
What We Know So Far About 2026 Lakota Nations Education Conference
We have some wonderful plans made for the 2026 LNEC conference. The theme for this year, "Weaving Together Our Past, Present, and Future" . The LNEC committee gave this much thought when planning for 2026. We have to learn to live with the past in our hearts, the present in our minds, and the future in our vision. I hope the conference this year helps participants find those skills. We are honored to have Dr. Joe Graves and Billy Mills joining us as the two Keynote Speakers this year and we are thrilled to have both of them. Dr. Joe Graves is the South Dakota Secretary of Education and has a lifetime of experience in the trenches of education as a teacher, principal and Superintendent. Billy Mills needs little introduction, he is also known by his Oglala Lakota name Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla, is an American Oglala Lakota former track and field athlete who won a gold medal in the 10,000 metre run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Although these two gentlemen are highlights of the conference we also have several others joining us. Rebecca Clarren from Oregon is the author of "The Cost of Freedom", a wonderful book that she relates to the history of the Native Americans. We will have many sessions pertaining to High School this year and many pertaining to Lakota language and culture. Please join us and keep an eye out for more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your interest.
If you would like to present at the 2026 LNEC conference
please fill out the presenters form above.
please fill out the presenters form above.
Memory wall for past Educators or People who have contributed to the education of youth and have passed away.
Please remember the Memory wall of contributors to education for 2026. Bring a picture of an educator or someone who contributed to the education of youth, and a short paragraph about them to display on the wall.
We appreciate all of the participation from attendees and presenters.
Discussion on 2025 LNEC conference
We would like to thank everyone who attended or helped with the 2025 Lakota Nations Education Conference this past December 16-20, 2025. We had some obstacles as we do every year. We had horrific winds that prevented some of our presenters from attending. We had turmoil in Washington that prevented the BIE from attending and presenting some of their sessions. But overall we got by pretty good. We had an abundance of workshops going at one time so there is always something to learn. We encourage you to reach out to us and help guide us with the topics you would like us to offer at the conference for next year. We strive to provide the training that you need most. We have some exciting new ideas for next year that we are planning which include a large Book Festival on Friday and Saturday during the conference. We are also jazzing up our drawings to include some other activities. Please stay tuned for what's to come.
If you have question please contact Terrie Jo Gibbons at: 605-407-0667
We would like to thank everyone who attended or helped with the 2025 Lakota Nations Education Conference this past December 16-20, 2025. We had some obstacles as we do every year. We had horrific winds that prevented some of our presenters from attending. We had turmoil in Washington that prevented the BIE from attending and presenting some of their sessions. But overall we got by pretty good. We had an abundance of workshops going at one time so there is always something to learn. We encourage you to reach out to us and help guide us with the topics you would like us to offer at the conference for next year. We strive to provide the training that you need most. We have some exciting new ideas for next year that we are planning which include a large Book Festival on Friday and Saturday during the conference. We are also jazzing up our drawings to include some other activities. Please stay tuned for what's to come.
If you have question please contact Terrie Jo Gibbons at: 605-407-0667
Last year we were pleased to have:
December 18th, 2025
Mo Brings Plenty
Brent Gish
Dr. Berry Dunn
as Keynote Speakers
Pre-Conferences - A - B - C
December 15TH, 2026
December 15TH, 2026
Pre-Conference "A" - December 15th 2026
Washington Room
School financial and Funding Needs
This all day training will address the financial funding available to Schools. Experts in many different programs will be available to answer questions and provide valuable information on the most current programs and funding available to educational facilities. Lunch is provided by Stronghold Education.
Pre-Conference "B" - December 15th 2026
Badlands Room
Special Student Needs Training
Anxiety - Mental Health- Autism
The Regulated Classroom-Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-IDEA
Children's Therapy Services and What They Have To Offer
Special Education Programs
Education Significance of Hearing Loss and Accommodations for Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Pre-Conference "C" - December 15th 2026
Bear Butte Room
Early Childhood Training
This training program will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to work with young children, typically from birth to age 8. It will cover topics like child development, developmentally appropriate practices, health and safety, Parents role, ASD in Early Childhood, and program management. They will discuss how important it is to teach children to get in touch with their feelings.
Bear Butte Room
Early Childhood Training
This training program will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to work with young children, typically from birth to age 8. It will cover topics like child development, developmentally appropriate practices, health and safety, Parents role, ASD in Early Childhood, and program management. They will discuss how important it is to teach children to get in touch with their feelings.
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December 17th 2025Brett Garland - Wednesday ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING 1:00-3:45 PM - Washington Room
In the Washington Room at 1:00 PM on Wednesday the 17th we will have Brett Garland presenting "Active Shooter" Training. Brett Garland is the director of the South Dakota School Safety Program, which is part of the state Office of Homeland Security. This training will prepare you to keep you and your students safe. Don't miss this informative session.
December 18th 2025
Thursday Security Training In 2025 LNEC will offer Security Training.
The "I Love You Guys Foundation" provides trainings that cover Security Training. Stacy Avila discusses the events of the September 27, 2006 Platte Canyon High School shooting, the loss of Emily Keyes, and how the final words communicated to her family have led to over 65,000 schools, businesses, organizations, and departments to adopt common terminology and response during a crisis. More information under Speakers |
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December 19th, 2025-Friday
All Day Training
Positive Indian Parent Training
The Positive Indian Parenting curriculum goal is to help Indian Parents explore the values and attitudes expressed in traditional Indian child rearing practices and then apply those values to modern parenting skills. This includes oral tradition, storytelling, the spiritual nature of child rearing and the role of extended family. Another goal is to help parents develop positive and satisfying attitudes, values and skills that have roots in their cultural heritage. Promoting the growth and wellbeing of the Indian child through Positive Indian Parenting.
Training Provided by: Jennifer Martin and Keaton Widow
Connection with our Youth-GPTCHB
Training Provided by: Jennifer Martin and Keaton Widow
Connection with our Youth-GPTCHB
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
December 19th All Day in the Legion II room
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (ages 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. This class requires one complete day.
The Oceti Sakowin Writers will be meeting in the Sylvan II room all day Friday, December 19, 2025.
What happened on Saturday you ask???
Well we had some fun!
December 20st, 2025
LAKOTA NATIONS EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM OFFERED A MAKE N TAKE IN the Rushmore Room-
SATURDAY MORNING 9:00-11:45 AM.
Booths will be set up with activities for attendees to participate in and make different materials. A "make and take" is a hands-on activity where participants create something and then take it home. It's a popular format for workshops, craft events, and some educational programs. Essentially, it's about making a tangible item and then being able to keep it as a souvenir or a finished product. Christmas and cultural items and crafts will be available to make and take home.
and there's more!
In the Washington Room in Convention Center I
LAKOTA NATIONS EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM WILL OFFER THE FIRST ANNUAL
LAKOTA NATIONS BOOK FESTIVAL
IN the Rushmore Room-
SATURDAY MORNING 9:00-11:45 AM.
Local authors will be set up at table to talk about and sign their books. The authors will be presenting every 15 minutes about their books, and in some cases doing readings of their books. These books will cover a large area but mainly Children's books, History, South Dakota, Western and Native Culture, Folklore, and Literary fiction. Please join us and enjoy this opportunity to visit with the authors and find out the reason for the book.
There is no charge to the public to attend this Book Festival.
Well we had some fun!
December 20st, 2025
LAKOTA NATIONS EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM OFFERED A MAKE N TAKE IN the Rushmore Room-
SATURDAY MORNING 9:00-11:45 AM.
Booths will be set up with activities for attendees to participate in and make different materials. A "make and take" is a hands-on activity where participants create something and then take it home. It's a popular format for workshops, craft events, and some educational programs. Essentially, it's about making a tangible item and then being able to keep it as a souvenir or a finished product. Christmas and cultural items and crafts will be available to make and take home.
and there's more!
In the Washington Room in Convention Center I
LAKOTA NATIONS EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM WILL OFFER THE FIRST ANNUAL
LAKOTA NATIONS BOOK FESTIVAL
IN the Rushmore Room-
SATURDAY MORNING 9:00-11:45 AM.
Local authors will be set up at table to talk about and sign their books. The authors will be presenting every 15 minutes about their books, and in some cases doing readings of their books. These books will cover a large area but mainly Children's books, History, South Dakota, Western and Native Culture, Folklore, and Literary fiction. Please join us and enjoy this opportunity to visit with the authors and find out the reason for the book.
There is no charge to the public to attend this Book Festival.
All Flyers are Available Below
REGISTRATION TO THE SYMPOSIUM COVERS ALL ITEMS OFFERED AT THE TRAININGS *EXCEPT* THE PRE-CONFERENCE. THE PRE-CONFERENCE (December 16th, 2025) IS A SEPARATE REGISTRATION OF $150.00 AND INCLUDES LUNCH AND SNACKS.
Lakota Nations Education Pre-Conference
December 16th, 2025
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Washington Room @ Ramkota Inn
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Washington Room @ Ramkota Inn
2025 Pre-Conference "A"
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2025 Pre-Conference "B"
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2025 Pre-Conference "C"
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The pre-conference meetings are in addition to, and take place prior to the regular conference.
The separate registration for these meetings can be completed at the registration area on this website by clicking on the orange button below.
The noon meal is catered for the Pre-Conference meetings and is furnished by Stronghold Education Development.
The separate registration for these meetings can be completed at the registration area on this website by clicking on the orange button below.
The noon meal is catered for the Pre-Conference meetings and is furnished by Stronghold Education Development.
To register for the Lakota Nations Education pre-conference, regular conference, as well as all added trainings, please use the button below!
Returning LAST year to the symposium we had something for everyone:
Sessions to cover the educational, whole child, and special education needs of students
(In the Pre-Conference B and throughout the main conference this year we are focusing on the special student needs )
Several special trainings including:
Parent Training
Secretarial/Office Skills training
School Board training
Security/Active Shooter Safety training
2025 Great Plains Tribal Education MeetingsTHE 2025 GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT/AGENCY
DIRECTORS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE SHERIDAN ROOM THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE |
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To register for the Lakota Nations Education pre-conference, regular conference, as well as all added trainings, please use the button below!
LAKOTA NATIONS CONFERENCE 2025 FORMS AND MATERIALS
If you're interested in the Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament which coincides with our conference, click here.