Nov 23
Memorial March to Honor Lost Children
Date:
November 23, 2026
Time:
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
St. Francis Center
Memorial March to Honor Lost Children 2026
Who are the “Lost Children?”
Each year before Thanksgiving, the Memorial March to Honor Lost Children brings together community members, advocates, professionals, students, and families to honor Native American children who have been separated from their families, tribes, and communities through the child-welfare system.
The March raises awareness of the disproportionate involvement of Native American children in child welfare while honoring children and families impacted by separation, displacement, and loss. It also supports continued advocacy for culturally responsive systems, family preservation, and reunification with home tribes and families whenever possible.
The 24th Annual Memorial March to Honor Lost Children will take place in Sioux City, Iowa, during Thanksgiving week 2026.
Educational Workshop Conference
November 23–24, 2026 | Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University will host two days of educational workshops focused on human trafficking, child welfare, advocacy, policy, and survivor-centered community response.
Monday, November 23 | Legal Response & Human Trafficking Training Day
Martina E. Vandenberg, Founder and President of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, will provide training focused on human trafficking law, survivor rights, accountability, and systems response.
CLE will be available.
Tuesday, November 24 | Human Trafficking, Advocacy & Community Response
Faith Hurlbert and Heather Craig-Oldsen will co-present on human trafficking prevention, child welfare, trauma-informed response, advocacy, policy, survivor support, and community collaboration.
Additional Tuesday presenters and workshop topics will be announced as confirmed.
The conference is open to professionals, students, advocates, tribal communities, and members of the public interested in learning, advocacy, and strengthening protections for children and families.
Continuing Education Credit (CEU) are available for select workshops.