Welcome to the special Regional Conference Issue of Winds of Change! In this edition we are focusing on the amazing things that happen when we bring the AISES mission to our members. When we gather in the “neighborhoods” of our seven regions and in Canada, local concerns can be addressed, chapters can connect and learn from each other, and individual students and professionals are able to network, attend inspiring sessions, and create long-lasting mentorships.
No matter the conference, I’m confident that attendees came away with fresh inspiration and reassurance about their place as an Indigenous scientist.
In this edition you’ll find snapshots of five of the conferences and a close-up look at highlights of two of them: Region 2 in Pasadena, Calif., and Region 4 in Stillwater, Okla. You can also read about NAISEF (the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair) held at Oklahoma State University and the AISES in Canada National Gathering in Vancouver, British Columbia.
No matter the conference, I’m confident that attendees came away with fresh inspiration and reassurance about their place as an Indigenous scientist. As Georgia Sandoval, the keynote speaker at Region 2, told attendees that while everyone has self-doubts, coming to the conference shows that you are on the right path: “Just sitting here, you have taken a step toward your goal.”
Sandoval went on to pinpoint another important objective of the Regional Conferences: engaging members in supporting each other throughout their careers. She said, “As you go on to other conferences, you will meet many people who want to help you, and at some point you need to give back.” Dr. Jessica Hernandez, the keynote speaker at the Region 4 Conference, cited Indigenous unity as another good reason to come to a conference. “We need to build bridges with each other across the globe, and spaces like AISES allow us to meet each other,” she said. “We are stronger and louder when we are united.”
I hope you will enjoy this look at the 2024 Regional Conferences and, like me, you will come away agreeing wholeheartedly with what language teacher Akeshia Trudeau told attendees at the AISES in Canada National Gathering: “It’s important to highlight how beautifully diverse and how amazing Indigenous people are.”
Thank you for helping AISES support our diverse and amazing membership of Indigenous people in STEM across all seven regions.
Ta’ Tura Tsiksu (With Much Respect),
Sarah EchoHawkPawnee Nation of OklahomaAISES President