Migratory birds are not only environmental connectors but also cultural messengers. Indigenous communities share ancestral stories tied to the same birds that traverse thousands of miles, connecting distant lands, cultures, and Peoples.  Children of the Sky Summit is the first-ever Indigenous-led, global migratory bird conference. Children of the Sky Summit will convene in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand in November 2026.

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This groundbreaking event will bring together hundreds of attendees including traditional Indigenous and Western scientists; Indigenous knowledge-keepers; Indigenous and Western bird organizations; conservationists; philanthropic organizations; and more.

This diverse bunch will represent Tribes, programs, universities and global organizations centered around work for our bird relatives in Alaska, Hawaii, the contiguous United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Asia, etc.  This summit will honor those connections-combining Indigenous ecological wisdom with contemporary science to inspire innovative conservation practices and sustainable opportunities