2025 Women Are Sacred Conference

Women are sacred 2025 logo with information about the conference below. July 29-31 in milwaukee, wisconsin

The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center is thrilled to announce the 2025 Women Are Sacred (WAS) Conference will take place July 29-31, 2025, at the Baird Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! One of the nation’s most inspiring and impactful gatherings, the Women Are Sacred Conference is a cornerstone in the movement to end violence against Native women and children. This powerful event brings together advocates, survivors, Tribal domestic and sexual violence programs, Tribal leadership, law enforcement, and Tribal court personnel—all united in the shared mission of creating safer, stronger Tribal communities.

 

Under this year's theme, "Committed to Our Relatives: Tradition in Our Hearts, Future in Our Hands," attendees will experience transformative training sessions, engage in meaningful networking opportunities, and learn from some of the most respected leaders, advocates, and experts driving change in Indian Country. 

 

Register Now


 

About the Women Are Sacred Conference

Every two years, NIWRC proudly hosts the Women Are Sacred (WAS) Conference, one of the largest gatherings of advocates, survivors, Tribal domestic and sexual violence programs, Tribal community members, Tribal leadership, law enforcement, and Tribal court personnel dedicated to ending violence against Native American women and communities. WAS offers state-of-the-art training and networking opportunities designed to increase the capacity of Tribal Nations, Tribal domestic violence, and community-based programs to address violence in Tribal communities.

Committed to Our Relatives: Tradition in Our Hearts, Future in Our Hands 

This year’s theme, “Committed to Our Relatives: Tradition in Our Hearts, Future in Our Hands,” reflects the heart of NIWRC’s mission: honoring the sacred role of Native women as changemakers and protectors in leading efforts to build safer, stronger Tribal communities.

 

In a changing world, we draw strength from our traditions and reaffirm our commitments as relatives. As the world shifts, we respond with integrity, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to one another that has defined us for generations.

 

Through expert-led sessions, events, and deep connections, WAS attendees will gain tools to strengthen Tribal programs and create lasting change. Together, we will honor our traditions, advance the movement for healing and justice, and reaffirm our shared mission to restore safety and sovereignty for Native women and communities throughout Indian Country.

 

We are stronger together.

Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference, taking place July 29–31, 2025, at the Baird Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To register, please select the appropriate registration option below:

Agenda is Now Available

Please note this is a working draft and may be updated as additional details are confirmed. We encourage you to check back for the most up-to-date information.

 

View the Agenda

Hotel Options for Conference Attendees

NIWRC has secured a primary room block for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, which is directly connected to the Baird Convention Center. This full-service hotel is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee and offers modern rooms, onsite dining, and easy access to the RiverWalk, local attractions, and public transit.

 

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Rate:
$192/night
Address: 333 West Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 276-1234
Email: concierge@hyatt.com
Distance from Venue: Connected to the Baird Convention Center


Book Your Room


“Native women have survived, Indian Nations have
survived, because of our beliefs and teachings.”
–Tillie Black Bear


The Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Award

Tillie Black Bear, Wa Wokiya Win, Sicangu Lakota, is widely known as the Grandmother of the Movement to end violence against women. For nearly four decades, her leadership shaped the national movement to end violence against Native women, playing a key role in advancing the Violence Against Women Act from 1994 through 2013. Tillie’s legacy lives on through her powerful vision of social change, grassroots organizing, and movement building—guided by a Native lens and grounded in traditional values.

 

Raised on the lands of her people, the Sicangu Lakota Nation, Tillie lived her life according to the teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman, who taught the Lakota people that, even in thought, women are to be respected. This understanding was integral to her lifeway and work. Her relationships with women, survivors, and advocacy were rooted in Lakota culture. The understanding that we are all related guided her life and advocacy to end violence against Native women and their children.


Honoring Tillie’s Life Work 

To carry forward Tillie’s life work, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center presents the Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Award every two years. This award honors an advocate who embodies the spirit and teachings Tillie brought to the movement—someone who leads from a survivor-centered, community-driven approach and is dedicated to creating lasting change within Tribal communities. We invite you to nominate someone who demonstrates:

  • Community-driven, grassroots advocacy

  • Leadership in survivor-centered social change

  • Commitment to restoring safety and honoring relationships among relatives

Nominees should be individuals whose work centers Native women and survivors in Tribal communities or organizations, and who reflect the spirit of matriarchal leadership that Tillie embodied. Please note: NIWRC staff and members of the Board of Directors are not eligible for nomination.


Nomination Process

Nominations must be received by Friday, June 20, 2025.
 

Nomination Form

Exhibitor registration for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference is officially open! We invite partners, organizations, and artisans to join us in creating an engaging, meaningful exhibitor experience. To secure your space and participate as an exhibitor, please complete the Exhibitor Registration Form by July 1. Booths are limited and assigned on a rolling basis following the close of registration.

Exhibitor Timeline:

  • Registration Deadline: July 1, 2025

  • Booth Assignments & Confirmations Sent: July 7, 2025

 

Register Now


Questions about the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference? Contact us.