CWI to Host 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit

Published: May 9, 2025

College of Western Idaho (CWI), in proud partnership with the Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho Indian Education Committee, will host the 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit on June 12 – 13, at CWI’s Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB). This year’s summit centers around the theme “United Voices Through Indian Education,” reflecting a continued commitment to collaborative efforts that support student learning and honor the history and contributions of Idaho’s five Tribal Nations.

 The summit will welcome K–20 educators, school administrators, tribal education leaders, and advocates from across the state and surrounding regions. This two-day event will feature plenary sessions and a wide array of concurrent breakout workshops designed to equip attendees with practical strategies, cultural insights, and classroom-ready tools.

Participants will engage in in-depth conversations about student achievement, Tribal sovereignty, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge and history into Idaho’s education system. Tribal representatives from the Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Shoshone-Paiute Tribes will play a central role in shaping and leading discussions.

Dr. Justin Vance, CWI’s representative on the Idaho Indian Education Committee remarked, “We are honored to welcome educators, Tribal leaders, and community members from across Idaho and beyond to the 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit here at the College of Western Idaho. This summit is an opportunity to listen, learn, and collaborate as we work together to uplift students and amplify Indigenous voices in education. We’re proud to be part of this meaningful gathering that celebrates culture, builds understanding, and supports a stronger future for all learners.”

Event Details

Event: 2025 Idaho Indian Education Summit

Theme: United Voices Through Indian Education

Dates: June 12 – 13

Location: College of Western Idaho, Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)

Cost: $100 per participant

Registration: Indian Education Summit

CWI point of contact: Justin Vance, Ed.D. justinvance@cwi.edu

Teacher-In-Service: Credit for the Summit is also available!

Social Exhibition Dances

In addition to the daytime programming, a Social Exhibition Dances event is scheduled for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. on the back lawn of NCAB. This event is open to the community and will showcase traditional dances and cultural expression, offering all participants a meaningful opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Tribal communities firsthand.

Visit the Indian Education Summit / Events / Idaho Department of Education for further updates and detailed programming information.

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