Indigenous Nations Poets looking to fill spots for its annual poetry retreat

Indigenous Nations Poets is seeking applicants for its annual mentoring retreat taking place this year in Arizona.

Now in its fifth year, In-Na-Po’s mentoring retreat brings together younger, aspiring poetic voices with poet mentors. Retreats are a week long and create spaces for inspiration, dedicate time for participants to develop their craft, and foster mentorship on the practice and business of poetry.

Participants selected for the retreat, held from March 29-April 4, will be awarded a fellowship covering all costs of the retreat. The application window is now open and closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on January 4, 2026. Selected fellows will be notified by January 23.

This year’s retreat is in collaboration with The University of Arizona Poetry Center in Tucson, and Amerind Museum in Dragoon.

Applicants will be selected on the strength and promise of the work submitted, and the likelihood that the applicant will benefit from and contribute to the retreat community. 

All applications will be reviewed and judged by In-Na-Po Board members. 

The application window opens November 21st, 2025 with a January 4th, 2026 application deadline. Selected Fellows will be notified by January 23rd, 2026.

This year’s retreat will take place in Arizona, in collaboration with The University of Arizona Poetry Center in Tucson, and Amerind Museum in Dragoon.

Applicants will be selected on the strength and promise of the work submitted, and the likelihood that the applicant will benefit from and contribute to the retreat community. 

All applications will be reviewed and judged by In-Na-Po Board members. 

Eligible applicants must be an emerging writer (publication history is not required); be 21 or older; be able to attend the full duration of the 6-day retreat; and be members of tribal nations within the United States and its trust territories (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Chamorros, and American Samoans). The application does not need to include documentation, but we ask for honesty and integrity in your application. 

The work of In-Na-Po supports the sovereignty of Native Nations determining their citizenship, with knowledge that Native identity and citizenship is a complex and evolving matter. In-Na-Po is inclusive of Native writers who are citizens of their Native Nation or community, as well as those who may not be enrolled but are actively participating and working towards the survival and continuance of their Nation(s) and who can demonstrate a familial connection, or descent through lineage. 

Poets should be able to provide proof through documentation or via a narrative of membership that is supported by their family lineage and by their Native community. 

For more information, click here.