Join the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium (VTEC) for Resilient Roots: Building Our Future Through Education! Our two-day conference continues to bring together Tribal communities, educators, students, community partners, leaders, and advocates to celebrate the strength of Tribal roots while exploring the possibilities of our collective future.
Rooted in the understanding that education extends beyond the classroom, our two-day program will create space for meaningful and engaging discussions surrounding the relationship between legislation and Tribal education, educational sovereignty for Tribal students, leadership, community partnership, cultural preservation, and the continued advancement of Tribal students and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our event will also invite attendees to experience culture through Native drums and dance, artisans, hands-on cultural activities, and opportunities for fellowship and community engagement. Together, these experiences remind us that building the future does not require leaving our roots behind, but rather drawing strength from them.
Whether you are a student, educator, Tribal citizen, community member, organizational partner, or advocate for Tribal education, we invite you to join VTEC as we learn from one another, strengthen relationships, honor the knowledge carried forward through generations, and continue building our future through education.
This event will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, October 14-15, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM each day. Complimentary parking and lunch will be provided for each attendee.
This event is held in-person only, with no virtual attendance or live stream options available.
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What attendees can expect on Day One: On Day One, we will explore how education, leadership, institutional partnership, and community collaboration can strengthen opportunities for Tribal students and communities, all while celebrating Tribal cultural knowledge and traditions at the center of that work.
Day One Agenda
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
9:00–9:30 AM | Registration
9:30–9:50 AM | Conference Commencement
9:50–10:05 AM | Opening Keynote
Dr. Cristina Stanciu
10:05–11:00 AM | Pathways Panel
Chris Martinez • Dr. Michelle Wallace • Jessica Stewart
11:00–11:10 AM | Morning Break
11:10 AM–12:00 PM | Shaping Panel
Delegate Paul Krizek • Dr. Michelle Wallace • Dr. Katina Otey
12:00–12:30 PM | Culture in Motion: Native Dance & Drums
12:30–1:30 PM | Lunch & Fellowship
1:30–2:30 PM | Partnership Panel
Dr. Cristina Stanciu • Emily Jones-Green • Dr. Melissa Faircloth • Kody Grant
2:30–3:30 PM | Culture in Motion: Interactive Experiences
- Mini Cultural Class: Corn Husk Doll Making
- Quality Information Project (QIP)
- ODU's 'We Remember, We Speak: Voices of Virginia’s Tribal Citizens' Story Moments at the 2026 VTEC Conference
- Native Artisan Engagement
- Museum Within a Museum (MWM)
3:30–3:45 PM | Closing Remarks & Giveaway
All-Day Experiences
Native Artisan Booths
Meet and engage with Native artisans throughout the conference day and explore works reflecting creativity, culture, tradition, and contemporary expression. Attendees are encouraged to connect with participating artisans and learn more about their work.
Dedicated time to engage with Native artisans is included in the agenda; however, attendees are welcome to visit the artisan booths throughout the day.
Museum Within a Museum (MWM)
Explore a collection of artifacts and artwork spanning pre-historic times through contemporary Virginia Native culture. MWM offers attendees another opportunity to experience the histories, artistry, and living cultures represented throughout Resilient Roots.
Dedicated time to experience the Museum Within a Museum is included in the agenda; however, attendees are welcome to visit and explore the exhibit throughout the day.
We Remember, We Speak: Voices of Virginia’s Tribal Citizens
Story Moments at the 2026 VTEC Conference
An inviting storytelling experience offering Tribal citizens an opportunity to share brief memories, teachings, reflections, experiences, and community knowledge in their own words.
Sponsors
