Structures for Inclusion Conference 2026

STRUCTURES FOR INCLUSION CONFERENCE 2026

October 8–10, 2026 | Portland State University | Portland, Oregon

We are excited to announce the Structures for Inclusion (SFI) Conference 2026. This year's theme is Indigenous Public Interest Design: Cultural Knowledge and Practices. Over three days, speakers, practitioners, researchers, and community members will share built works, strategies, and practices that center Indigenous wisdom in design and the built environment.

Co-organized by Design Corps, the SEED Network, the Center for Public Interest Design (CPID), and the ITECK Program at Portland State University.

We look forward to gathering in October to share Indigenous knowledge, celebrate exemplary design and shape positive futures together.

Register on Eventbrite → 

Call for Papers

Abstract Deadline: June 19, 2026

CPID, ITECK, and Design Corps invite scholars and practitioners to submit abstracts for 20-minute presentations on topics in Indigenous Public Interest Design. We welcome work across eight thematic areas: Food Sovereignty; Land Rights / Reclaiming the Land; Land as Pedagogy and Sacred Connection; Urban Indigenous Experiences and Spatial Justice; Indigenous Design Methodologies and Community Engagement; Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Relationality, and Practice; Storytelling as Collaborative Past and Futures; and Open Session. Papers selected will be presented by authors at the Structures for Inclusion conference.

Proposals must include contact information, a 250-word abstract, and four keywords. Selected presenters will be notified in July; full papers are due September 10, 2026, with publication to follow in Fall 2026.

Submit Your Abstract →

Indigenous SEED Awards: Call for Entries

Deadline July 1, 2026

The 2026 Indigenous SEED competition is open. Five Awards for Excellence in Indigenous Public Interest Design will be selected by a jury of seven Indigenous leaders to honor projects that exemplify excellence in Indigenous design. Each winner will receive a $1,500 honorarium and present their work at the SFI Conference. The award and conference are co-organized by Design Corps, the SEED Network, CPID, and ITECK. Entries are free of charge.

• Application deadline: July 1, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

• Winners announced: August 21, 2026