Culture Keepers Gathering

May 13-15, 2026

Join us in Lac Du Flambeau, May 13-15!

The Culture Keepers Convening is a gathering rooted in community, connection, and knowledge-sharing. The gathering is designed for tribal librarians, archivists, museum staff, and cultural workers of Wisconsin Tribal Nations to come together in spaces that honor Indigenous traditions.

The 2026 Gathering will be hosted by the Lac du Flambeau Tribe from May 13-15, 2026. Chi-Miigwech to Lac Du Flambeau and the staff at the Gikendaasowigamig Lac du Flambeau Public Library and the George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center for hosting us!

Review the program for the 2026 Culture Keepers Convening

Learn more about the history of Culture Keepers Gatherings

About Our Logo

Chi-Miigwech to Mary Ann Wildcat for her beautiful logo design!

The design (above) transforms a bandolier bag into etched birch bark, because in Waaswaaganing we use birch bark so much–our canoes, our containers, our tools, even the way we pass on teachings. Etched into the surface are otter tracks and manoomin, symbols of the lakes we navigated in birch bark canoes while harvesting rice and spearing walleye by torchlight. The logo brings these stories together in a way that reflects who we are.

Attendees at the 2025 Culture Keepers Convening explore the Red Cliff Ginanda Gikendaasomin Tribal Library

Registration & Waitlist

Registration is now closed for our 2026 Convening! If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please please contact the planning committee at CKGathering@wils.org

Lodging Information

Hotel rooms are available at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, where conference sessions will also take place.

Please note: The lodging process is different from last year!

📞 Attendees must book your room directly by calling the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino at 1-888-599-9200 and use the group code CULTURE KEEPERS.

The reservation deadline was Tuesday, April 28, 2026. If you did not book a room by the deadline, please make your own lodging arrangements or contact the planning committee at CKGathering@wils.org for assistance.

Booking Details:

This year, attendees are responsible for booking your own hotel rooms.
If you plan to share a room, please coordinate with your roommate in advance to avoid duplicate reservations.
You do not need to provide a payment card when making your reservation.
We will cover the cost of lodging for all attendees who book using our group code: CULTURE KEEPERS
A payment card will be required at check-in to cover any incidental charges (e.g., room service or other personal expenses).
Accessible rooms are available. If you have specific accessibility needs, please indicate them to the hotel when booking.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact the planning committee at CKGathering@wils.org.

Social media fundraising graphic with a thermometer showing that $25,000 of $30,000 has been raised. Help Native Cultures Thrive. We are so close to reaching our goal of $30,000 to support the 2026 Culture Keepers Convening. The convening brings together Indigenous cultural workers, artists, and community leaders to share ideas, strengthen networks, and sustain cultural heritage. Your support helps make this gathering possible, from ensuring equitable access for participants to providing meals and lodging that nurture connection and creativity. Become a sponsor: bit.ly/CKC26Sponsor Advertise in our program: bit.ly/CKC26Advertise

Sustain Our Gathering

Is your organization able to sponsor this year's gathering? Learn more about sponsorship tiers and become a sponsor today!

Can't contribute financially? Share our fundraising appeal on social media

Your support directly sustains the Culture Keepers Convening and ensures that Indigenous knowledge, cultural practice, and community connection can thrive. Every contribution helps make the event more accessible and meaningful for participants.

Chi-Miigwech to Our Culture Sponsors!

Office of Tribal Relations University of Wisconsin-Madison

Division of the Arts University of Wisconsin Madison

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