Oyáte Kiŋ Wóuŋspe Uŋ Philáič’iyapi
The People Have Benefited Themselves Through Education
TCU Capacity for Student Success Conference
June 22-24, 2026 | Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND
Lakota Title Pronunciation
The American Indian College Fund is proud to be co-hosting the 2026 TCU Capacity for Student Success Conference (formerly Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) conference) in Fort Yates, North Dakota with Sitting Bull College.
Attendees will explore innovative strategies and proven practices that support Native students from enrollment through graduation, employment, and beyond.
Introducing our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Alayna Eagle Shield
Dr. Alayna Eagle Shield (Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta, Isáŋyathi Dakota, Bdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ Dakota, Pȟaláni) is a proud mother of five, a devoted partner, and a language warrior from the Standing Rock Nation and the Three Affiliated Tribes. Born and raised in the Long Soldier District, she carries deep ties to her ancestors and homelands. Dr. Eagle Shield holds a Master of Public Health from North Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in Culturally Sustaining Education from the University of Washington–Seattle. Her life’s work centers on revitalizing Indigenous languages, uplifting community health, and reclaiming traditional parenting through radical love.
Alayna is a Research Scientist for Seven Directions at the University of Washington. She is also the co-founder and co-Executive Director of Ancestral Sisterhood, serving the Seattle urban Native community, and the visionary co-founder and CEO of Iyotanla, a business that blends healing, art, and activism to honor Indigenous family systems. With Iyotanla, she was previously a lead consultant supporting the development of an American Indian Birth Center project, weaving together traditional birth work, culture, and community design to transform Indigenous maternal and family health. Alayna also co-founded the Mní Wičhóni Nakíčižiŋ Wóuŋspe (Defenders of the Water School), Mni Wichoni Health Circle, and the Native Family Learning Lodge, grassroots and community efforts focused on education and healing through cultural teachings serving the Standing Rock and Seattle areas.
Agenda at a Glance
Take a quick look at what’s planned across all three days and start mapping out your conference experience!
Save the date and start planning your travel!
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Register for The Conference
Organizing Your Travel
We encourage all participants to mark their calendars now and begin preparing for travel to Fort Yates, North Dakota.
A dedicated hotel room block for this event has been established with Prairie Knights Casino & Resort to support your travel planning. When you call, please be sure to mention you are booking under the American Indian College Fund room block. Provided room rate is $110 + tax.
Call the hotel at and reserve your rooms:
(701) 854-7777
Hotel address and location:
7932 ND-24, Fort Yates, ND 58538
Distance from host hotel to conference site:
14.3 miles | approximately a 16 minute vehicle commute
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. Please contact Taylor K. at tkeplin@collegefund.org if you have any specific requirements to fully participate.
What to Expect
At the 2026 convening, attendees will engage in cultural events and:
- Inspiring keynote sessions from Native higher education experts
- Interactive workshops and breakout sessions featuring practical tools and emerging best practices for Native student success.
- Collaborative discussions focused on supporting the Native student journey
- Explorations of strategic enrollment management, data‑informed storytelling, and the evolving higher education landscape
- Networking opportunities that strengthen partnerships and uplift the TCU community
- Discussions on TCUs’ workforce and economic development roles and efforts to “Grow Your Own”
Please bring your latest TCU swag for exchange!
Together, we will continue to expand the pathways that ensure Native students thrive in college, career, and community.
Who Should Attend
TCU Faculty and Staff
Student Support Professionals
Enrollment and Communication Staff
Higher Education Partners and Advocates
Submit a Conference Proposal
We invite you to submit a proposal sharing effective practices, ideas and activities centering culture, wellness, and Indigenous knowledge at your tribal college or organization focusing on Native student success strategies that support enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation.
We believe that peer-to-peer holistic learning is important in Indigenizing strategic enrollment management (SEM) practices and creating SEM plans. We want to ensure that TCU staff and organizations supporting TCUs have an opportunity to share these practices with one another.
In sharing these practices, we hope that TCUs in the Cultivating Native Student Success Initiative and Building Pathways for Rural and Tribal Employment will build a stronger community toward continued resilience in the work done within our tribal communities and with Native students.
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Submit a Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the event located?
Sitting Bull College, 9299 Hwy 24. Fort Yates, ND 58538
Will transportation be provided?
Yes, transportation will be provided from Prairie Knights Casino & Resort to Sitting Bull College. Please indicate on your registration form that you will need transportation.
Where is the host hotel?
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort is the host hotel. Please reserve your room under the following room block: View here.
Is there an overflow hotel?
Yes, an overflow hotel is available. It is located at Comfort Inn Mandan, 1516 27th St N, Mandan, ND 58554. Please reserve your room under the following room block: View here.
Is there a conference agenda?
An agenda at a glance is now available! View here.
What meals will be provided?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Sitting Bull College will host a Cultural Night, June 24th with games and a meal.
What is the dress code?
Business casual
What is the expected weather?
The weather may be colder with the morning temps and warm up throughout the day. There is also a chance for rain. Please dress accordingly.
Is there a room to keep my luggage?
Yes, we understand that traveling home may require you to bring your luggage. We will have a room to house your luggage.
Is there a room to have a separate meeting?
Yes, we will have a room available for personal or separate meetings. We will have a sign on the door to reserve the room for your convenience.
Is there a room to decompress?
Yes, we will have a decompression room available.
Additional Questions?
For general conference questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Taylor K. at tkeplin@collegefund.org.
