The 9th Annual HIPT Food Summit was held February 11-12, 2026 at the Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston, ID. This year's theme was "Reflecting on the Past, Co-Creating Our Future". Participants got and inside look at the ongoing food sovereignty efforts across the Nez Perce Reservation.

The 9th Annual HIPT Food Summit brought together Tribal partners, community members, and leaders committed to strengthening food sovereignty across Native homelands. The summit provided an opportunity to learn from ongoing initiatives, share knowledge, and continue the collective work of shaping a food system rooted in our values, teachings, and community priorities.

This year’s Food Summit included a Youth Track offering cultural learning, hands-on activities, and leadership engagement for young participants. Also included was a Mini Weaving Conference centered on the practice, teachings, and artistry of traditional weaving.

Day one started in the evening with a reception and a film screening of "These Sacred Hills".

Day two started with a welcome breakfast before Panel I: "Food Sovereignty & Cultural Continuity", Panel II: "Climate CoalitionYouth & Nimiipuu Youth Salmon Protectors Updates" and
community updates. These panels filled the morning until lunch. The traditional foods lunch consisted of buffalo steaks, Indian Rice, mashed sweet potatoes and baked squash.

After lunch & networking, the adult track moved into Panel III: "From Data to Development:The Nez Perce Tribe Opportunities for Producing Food Related Businesses". The remainder of the afternoon was filled with breakout focus groups, reflections and outcomes of the focus groups and ended with an onsite tour of the Nimiipuu Farm.

On the youth side, a traditional food teachings followed lunch. They then moved to Northwest Indian College for a gathering field trip summary, a local produce presentation by the Nez Perce Tribe Enterprise and a Camas research presentation. The remainder of the afternoon was hands on fish and game processing of Salomon and two deer. They ended the day with cooking with traditional foods session.

At the end of all sessions a mini master weaver's gathering was held at the casino for the summit participants. Regional weavers set up tables and offered the opportunity for folks to receive lessons & weaving kits.

This year’s summit is presented in partnership with:

• University of Idaho Extension, Nez Perce Reservation – Danielle Scott

• University of Idaho Extension, Coeur d'Alene Tribe - Laura Laumatia

• Nez Perce Tribe Economic Development Planner – Ann McCormack

For additional information, please contact:

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/yujXFmuB2K2SqsLCA