2024 Annual National Conference

2024 Annual National Conference

May 13 – 16, 2024 | Welch, Minnesota | Sovereignty to Sustainability – Echoing our elders and nurturing our next seven generations

The 2024 Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Annual National Conference, hosted by Prairie Island Indian Community, will be held from May 13 to 16, 2024 at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, Minnesota.

• Early Bird Registration Fees (Until April 12, 2024):
  • Non-member – $450 (includes membership)
  • NAFWS Member or Member Tribe Employee – $300
  • Student – $150 MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF ENROLLMENT BELOW
  • One day registration (Wednesday only) – $150
  • Additional banquet tickets – $50
• Regular Registration Fees (After Early Bird Registration):
  • Non-member – $550 (includes membership)
  • NAFWS Member or Member Tribe Employee – $400
  • Student – $150 MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF ENROLLMENT BELOW
  • One day registration (Wednesday only) – $150
  • Additional banquet tickets – $50

Up to date Individual Members and Member Tribe employees are eligible for discounted registration fees.

For accommodations and dietary restrictions, submit requests in the Additional Information field. Contact Heidi McCann (Contact Us) to verify membership or for assistance setting up an account. 

You have the option to download the Registration Form and bring it to the conference with your payment as well.

Conference Agenda

• 2024 NAFWS National Conference Agenda
  • Meals provided: Dinner (05/14), Lunch (05/15), Banquet Dinner (05/16). Morning/Afternoon breaks serve hors d’ oeuvres – see agenda for more details.
  • 2024 National Conference. Medical & Restaurant Info
• Monday Workshop Agendas
  • National Conference – Wildlife Disease & PPE Training Workshop Agenda

Lodging & Transportation:

• Room block open until April 12th – The conference will be located at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino at 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089.
  • Must call 1-800-222-7077 to make room reservations and tell the receptionist you are with the 41st Annual NAFWS Conference
  • Block room rates: $95/night
• There is no shuttle provided by the hotel to transport attendees from the airport to the hotel, conference attendees must organize transportation to and from the airport.
• Uber & Lyft will still be functioning at the time of the national conference, however finding rides from hotel to airport may be difficult to organize/reserve. NAFWS staff working on ride share options/communication. (updated 4/11/24)

National Award Nominations

Nominate individuals for their outstanding contributions to Tribal Conservation. Nominations for Chief Sealth, Biologist of the Year, Conservation Officer of the Year, and Emerging Professional of the Year are due April 17, 2024 at 10 PM MT (DEADLINE EXTENDED).

Volunteers

Interested in volunteering at the National Conference? Please download and fill out the Volunteer Form. National Conference. FILLABLE – 03.2024. Email form to Mitzi Reed at [email protected] with subject line: 2024 NAFWS National Conference – Volunteer Form. Due date for submitting volunteer forms is April 12, 2024.

• Volunteers are subject to a screening process. As a volunteer, you are responsible for your own travel expenses.
• Volunteer questions/concerns, contact Mitzi Reed. Contact Us.

Kéya Stampede 5K Fun Run & Walk

This year our 2024 Annual National Conference is hosting the Kéya Stampede 5K Fun Run and Walk on May 16, 2024! Participation is in-person. Members and Non-members will have to register and receive the flat rate price.  The proceeds will go towards funding our scholarships that are awarded to Native Scholars pursuing degrees in the Natural Resources and related fields. You can also make an additional online donations here.

• Race Day Details: Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Attendees will be back by the time for NR Tours, tours leave at 9:00 a.m.
• If you register by April 19, 2024, you will receive a Kéya Stampede tee shirt in your size! Registration after April 19th does not guarantee a tee shirt. Register in person at the on-site registration desk: cash, check and card are accepted forms of payment.
• If you have any questions, please contact: Thomas Hafen, Invasive Species Technician at 720-983-1010 ext. 214 OR Katie Schultz, ATBC Field Liaison at (720) 983-1010; ext. 211.

Donations for Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and Raffles

Each year NAFWS hosts a silent auction and raffles to raise money for our Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship program. Please consider bringing a donation.

Conference Sponsorship

We are welcoming sponsorships for this year’s conference. Tribes and Tribal Organizations, State and Federal Agencies, Corporations, and Partners are invited to sponsor. Sponsor registration link here.

Conference Vendor Registration

We are welcoming vendor for this year’s conference. Vendor registration link here.

Cancellations

Registrations are refundable with a $50 administrative fee until May 1. After May 1, conference fees are non-refundable, but substitutions are allowed.

For more information contact:

Heidi McCann
Office Manager/Membership Coordinator
303-501-9514

FOR CURRENT STUDENTS ONLY (IF REGISTERED UNDER STUDENT RATES )

Proof of enrollment for Spring 2024 needed to receive the student conference rate for the 2024 Annual National Conference. Student verification can be a signed letter from your university/college’s registrar’s office, “enrollment verification document” downloaded from your student class registration portal, or unofficial transcripts. – Student verification cannot be photo of your student I.D., college or graduate program acceptance letter, or class schedule.

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Student verification can be a signed letter from your university/college's registrar's office, "enrollment verification document" downloaded from your student class registration portal, or unofficial transcripts. - Student verification cannot be photo of your student I.D., college or graduate program acceptance letter, or class schedule.

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