CANAR’s celebration of diversity and unity takes center stage during a ceremonious gathering in the main hall, where attendees from various tribes proudly display their flags. It’s a visually striking spectacle that embodies the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and voices within the Native American rehabilitation community. As each vibrant flag is hoisted high, representing the unique heritage and resilience of its respective tribe, the atmosphere brims with a palpable sense of pride and solidarity. This tradition not only pays homage to the diverse backgrounds of conference participants but also serves as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and shared commitment to advancing Native American rehabilitation efforts. Witnessing this stirring display is an unforgettable experience that underscores the inclusive spirit and unity at the heart of CANAR’s mission.
Attending a CANAR (Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation, Inc.) conference is an invaluable opportunity that presents a multitude of advantages and compelling reasons for individuals passionate about Native American rehabilitation, disability services, and allied fields. This gathering serves as a dynamic platform where professionals, scholars, advocates, and stakeholders converge to exchange groundbreaking insights, foster meaningful connections, and explore innovative approaches to address the unique challenges faced by Native American communities in the realm of rehabilitation and disability services.
• 2020–No Conferences
• 2021–No Conferences
• 2022
Mid-Year–No Conference
Annual–Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hosted by Oklahoma TVR Programs
• 2023
Mid-Year–Niagara Falls, New York, Hosted by Seneca Nation and St. Regis
Annual–Costa Mesa, California Location Conference
• 2024
Mid-Year–Chandler, Arizona, Hosted by Seneca Nation and St. Regis
Annual—Las Vegas, Nevada
• 2025
Mid-Year–Spokane, Washington
• 2010
Mid-Year–Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Hosted by Lumbee TVR
Annual–San Diego, California, Hosted by Sycuan TVR
• 2011
Mid-Year–Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hosted by Wisconsin TVR Programs
Annual–Orlando, Florida, Hosted by Lower Muscogee Creek TVR
• 2012
Mid-Year–Niagara Falls, New York, Hosted by Seneca Nation TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Washington TVR Programs
• 2013
Mid-Year–Billings, Montana, Hosted by Montana TVR Programs
Annual–Portland, Oregon, Hosted by Oregon TVR Programs
• 2014
Mid-Year–Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hosted by New Mexico TVR Programs
Annual–Panama City Beach, Florida, Hosted by Lower Muscogee Creek TVR
• 2015
Mid-Year–Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Hosted by Lumbee TVR
Annual–Salt Lack City, Utah Location Conference
• 2016
Mid-Year–Baltimore, Maryland Location Conference
Annual–Alpine, California Hosted by Sycuan TVR
• 2017
Mid-Year–Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hosted by Oklahoma TVR Programs
Annual–Las Vegas, Nevada, Hosted by Nevada TVR Programs
• 2018
Mid-Year–Prior Lake, Minnesota, Hosted by White Earth TVR
Annual–Scottsdale, Arizona, Hosted by Arizona TVR Programs
• 2019
Mid-Year–Mashantucket, Connecticut, Hosted by Mashantucket Pequot TVR
Annual–New Orleans, Louisiana, Hosted by Louisiana TVR Programs
• 2000
Mid-Year–Choctaw, Mississippi Hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2001
Mid-Year—Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Hosted by Oklahoma TVR Council
Annual—Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2002
Mid-Year—Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hosted by Wisconsin TVR Programs
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2003
Mid-Year–Savannah, Georgia, Hosted by Lower Muscogee Creek TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2004
Mid-Year–Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Hosted by Coeur d’Alene TVR
Annual—Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2005
Mid-Year–Rapid City, South Dakota, Hosted by Standing Rock TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2006
Mid-Year–Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hosted by Wisconsin TVR Programs
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2007
Mid-Year–Savannah, Georgia, Hosted by Lower Muscogee Creek TVR
Annual–Washington, DC Location Conference
• 2008
Mid-Year–Niagara Falls, New York–Hosted by Seneca Nation TVR
Annual–Phoenix, Arizona, Hosted by Navajo Nation OSERS
• 2009
Mid-Year–Anchorage, Alaska–Hosted by Alaska TVR Programs
Annual–Norman, Oklahoma, Hosted by Oklahoma TVR Council
• 1989
1st Annual 130 VR Directors’ Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah
• 1993 – CANAR Formed in January 1993,
Mid-Year, Polson, Montana Summer Institute for Section 130 American Indian Vocational AIVRS
• 1994
Annual–Polson, Montana Summer Institute for Section 130 AIVRS
• 1995
Mid-Year Conference Begins
Annual–Bellevue, Washington, Hosted by Region 10 RSA
• 1996
Mid-Year–Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hosted by Region 8 RSA
Annual–Bellevue, Washington, Hosted by Region 10 RSA
• 1997
Mid–Year–Choctaw, Mississippi, Hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians TVR
Annual–Bellevue, Washington Hosted by Region 10 RSA
• 1998
Mid-Year–Choctaw, Mississippi Hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 1999
Mid-Year—Choctaw, Mississippi Hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
• 2000
Mid-Year–Choctaw, Mississippi Hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians TVR
Annual–Seattle, Washington, Hosted by Western WA University
Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, there’s the exciting prospect of being honored with awards that acknowledge exemplary contributions to the Native American rehabilitation community. These awards not only recognize individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the collective efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of Native Americans with disabilities. So, beyond the enriching experience of the conference itself, there’s the added anticipation of being celebrated for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.