2nd Annual Indigenous-Led Public Health Summit
Dear Participants,
We are saddened to share that the Indigenous-Led Public Health Summit, originally scheduled for October 1–2, 2025 at Salish Kootenai College, will need to be postponed. The delay of promised funding has left us unable to confirm vendors, finalize travel support, or honor speaker commitments in the way our partners and participants deserve.
The Summit will now be rescheduled to Spring 2026. Our hope is to carry forward all of the planning, partnerships, and commitments into this new date, ensuring that the event reflects the full care, respect, and community strength it was designed to uplift.
We know this change may be disappointing, and we share that disappointment deeply. At the same time, we are committed to doing this in a way that does not bring harm or shortchange the communities we serve. With this additional time, we are confident the Summit will be even stronger and continue the sense of connection and momentum we experienced last year.
If you are planned to attend the pre conference session, held separately, you can contact Nona and Desiree here: restaddesiree@gmail.com
We will provide updated dates and logistics as soon as they are confirmed. In the meantime, thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most importantly, your commitment to Indigenous-led public health. We are truly grateful for each of you and hope you will still join us in 2026.
In Health & Gratitude,
Drew, Niki, and Chelsea
Important Dates & Registration
Important Links!
Indigenous Art/Craft Vendor Application: Click Here
Call for Speakers/Content: Click Here
Information Tabling Application: Click Here
General Registration Click Here
Hotel Room Block
We have secured a hotel room block for Summit attendees at Kwataqnuk Resort, located in Polson, MT, approximately 14 minutes from Salish Kootenai College.
Hotel Details
🏨 Kwataqnuk Resort
📍 49708 US-93, Polson, MT
📞 (406) 883-3636 (mention Public Health Summit or Block ID: BKG571)
💲 Room Rate: $131.75 – $144.50 per night (plus tax)
🗓 Room Block Dates: September 30 – October 1
📍 49708 US-93, Polson, MT
📞 (406) 883-3636 (mention Public Health Summit or Block ID: BKG571)
💲 Room Rate: $131.75 – $144.50 per night (plus tax)
🗓 Room Block Dates: September 30 – October 1
For those traveling long distances or attending the pre-conference Honoring Our Lifeways, a limited number of rooms have been set aside for September 29 and October 2.
Please note that the room block is available until September 5th or until all rooms are booked. We encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure your accommodation.
If you have any questions about lodging or the Summit, please feel free to reach out to Drew Babcock at drew.babcock@mso.umt.edu.
Empower Indigenous Health-Join Us!
Are you ready to make a lasting impact? Your organization can help shape the future of public health by supporting the Second-Annual Indigenous-Led Public Health Summit. This transformative event is powered by generous donations and sponsorships, ensuring that Indigenous voices lead the way in innovative health solutions.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Every contribution fuels community-led change.
- Sponsor: Gain valuable exposure while championing a vital cause.
Connect with Drew Babcock at drew.babcock@umt.edu to explore sponsorship and donation opportunities.
Join us in empowering Indigenous leadership and transforming public health – act now!
A Look at 2024
