The Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights (CIPR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost legal services and critical nation-building technical assistance to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples and nations exercising their inherent rights to self-governance and cultural, social, and economic development. The CIPR also engages in policy research and development to address the challenges impacting Indigenous peoples and Indigenous nations and to advance the policy interests of Indigenous peoples. CIPR held their third annual gathering at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, on June 5, 2026. Click here for a 28-minute summary of the conference offerings offered by CIPR Executive Director Raymond “Two Hawks” Watson.

(Above, left) Aquinnah Wôpanâak elder David Two Arrows Vanderhoop, and his spouse, Saskia, and co-founder of Sassafras Earth Education, applauded Watson and Dean Gregory Bowman as they welcome participants and outline the conference offerings.

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(Above, left) CIPR Co-director Jennifer Rawlings welcomed everyone after Ray Watson and CIPR Administrator Valerie Bataille spoke with attendees as they signed in at the registration desk.