The Roots of Strength conferences are annual gatherings of Native cancer survivors, their family members, caregivers and medical providers. While the focus is on native cancer issues, everyone is invited to attend the conferences. The site of the conferences is moved around the United States to provide everyone an opportunity to participate.

They are held in a series of three: Survivor/Scientist year, Training year, and Recognition Year.

The Survivor/Scientist year is an opportunity for the survivors to learn from the scientists and the scientists to learn from the survivors. The theme of this conference is "Building Trust through Meaningful Dialogue."

The Training year is the year when attendees learn how to help themselves and others through their cancer experience. Training modules change each year.

The Recognition year is when the good works of cancer survivors and their support groups are recognized. Presentations are made on what is being done in their community. The NPCOH Board and conference participants vote for three winners in the categories of

• Service to Newly Diagnosed Cancer Survivors
• Ability to Place Cancer "High" on tribal government or urban Indian organizational board health agendas.
• Ability to Develop Cancer Awareness and Reduction of Risk programs for Native Communities

Financial awards are made to the winning presentations. 

Each year the agenda also include two important events:

• "Wiping Away the Tears" ceremony where people who have lost their battle with cancer are honored and the sorrow of those remaining is lifted.
• "Celebration of Life" dinner where "every new day" is celebrated. Children are included in the evening's events as a way to help all remember why we struggle to keep hope alive.