AISES CEO Sarah EchoHawk and AISES Story Tracker David Cournoyer opened the event with a greeting from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, N.M. They spoke about the importance of a centering place — a home — that provides the grounding to explore our talents and gifts. EchoHawk emphasized that AISES strives to be that home for its members. “We are a circle,” she said. “We are a family and a network of relationships, and the conference is a kind of homecoming.” She thanked everyone for being flexible and for being at the conference.
Like all inspiring Opening Ceremonies, this one began with a moving Posting of the Colors, but unlike every other National Conference, all AISES veterans present were not able to take part. Instead, the virtual Opening Ceremony began with a video of a past presentation of the national and tribal flags by a procession of veterans.
The AISES Council of Elders offered blessings, wisdom, and guidance, such as the reminder from Dr. Bret Benally Thompson to keep close those who have gone before and left us instructions on how to live our own good lives. All other elders spoke, including Cecelia Lucero, who expressed her hope that we will all be together next year. “Pray for it,” she said. Phil Lane Jr. told attendees to be thankful and know that “the past 500 years is over and the sequel has begun… We shall move forward and help uplift the entire human family.” Rose Darden encouraged listeners to “take care of yourselves culturally, spiritually, and traditionally in the ways you have been taught. That is what’s going to keep you strong.” Council of Elders charter member Dr. Henrietta Mann urged attendees to “remember that you are the first people of this sacred land who hold the knowledge of science, technology, and philosophy.”
Former AISES Region One Representative Cody Kapotak spoke about the ceremonial importance of the AISES eagle staff to the Posting of the Colors. AISES elder Dr. Bret Benally Thompson explained the elements of the staff and their meaning, noting that “this is the AISES flag.”
EchoHawk and Cournoyer spoke about changes and challenges that 2020 has brought. Their comments were followed by videos of members describing how the pandemic has affected them personally. The new Regional Student Representatives introduced themselves via video.
Acknowledging AISES sponsors with a prominent place in the Opening Ceremony is an important part of every conference, and in 2020 the Gemstone Sponsors virtually explained their mission and the priority they place on support for AISES. In addition, all sponsors were recognized and thanked.
Board Chair Emeritus Rick Stephens remembered people the AISES family has lost since the 2019 conference in Milwaukee: Thomas F. Dawson Sr., founding member and former board chair; Dr. Iona Black, two-term board member and valued teacher and mentor; and three longtime members of the Council of Elders: Andrea Axtell, who so generously shared her traditions; Mary Kahn, who was known for her warmth and welcoming smile; and Stan Lucero, who encouraged everyone to value the community of family AISES has created.
Sarah EchoHawk, Rick Stephens, and David Cournoyer welcomed Cherokee actor Wes Studi to the keynote panel discussion. Studi, who has appeared in many films, including Dances with Wolves, Avatar, Street Fighter, and Heat, is the first Native American to win an Oscar. Of the honor, Studi said, “It’s a symbol of recognition.” Cournoyer pointed out that the Academy Awards ceremony was watched all over Indian Country, and that the land acknowledgment statement in the beginning was especially meaningful. “We’ve been subject matter for the industry since the beginning,” said Studi, who pointed out that there have been many other notable Native actors over the years, like Jay Silverheels and Chief Dan George. Studi said that what he remembers hearing about George’s role in Little Big Man was people asking if he was actually acting or “just being an Indian.” Studi emphatically said that he was acting and the fact that people thought he was just being himself is a tribute to his talent.
▸ HEARD AT THE CONFERENCE
Talent is a wonderful thing to have, but what you need to survive is stamina. You will run into a lot of rejection. You need stamina.
— Wes Studi, keynote speaker
EchoHawk spoke of a similar challenge she faces when she is promoting the AISES mission and is told by a prospective supporter that the Native community is “too small.” An achievement like the Academy Award uplifts all Native people because it counters that level of pervasive invisibility. “It says, ‘We are still here. We still count. We still matter,’” said EchoHawk. Hearing people be surprised at that fact gets tiresome, said Studi, who expressed his readiness to see “fresher faces” who are ambitious and motivated to challenge invisibility. Stephens explained that the thousands of young people in AISES are stepping up to do just that because “that’s what AISES is all about.” He asked Studi if he had any advice for students on the subject of perseverance. “I heard some advice from someone who had been in the business a lot longer than I had,” Studi said. “We were shooting Geronimo and I met the director, Walter Hill. He said, ‘Talent is a wonderful thing to have, but to survive in this business, what you really need is stamina — stamina to stay focused and continue to chase the gold.’” You’ll run into a lot of rejection, said Studi, and you have to thicken your skin and not take it personally.
Cournoyer asked Studi if he enjoys playing bad guys like the “toughest Pawnee” in Dances with Wolves. “I have never played a villain,” he said. “The toughest Pawnee was doing what was right as far as he was concerned.” The panel agreed that film was an important moment in mainstream perceptions of Native Americans. “People came out of the theater and they were emotionally touched,” said Studi. “They saw us and connected with us for the first time in their lives. Invisibility was affected by that film.” Studi said he is looking forward to doing films on contemporary subjects where “we strike a harder blow on invisibility.”
Following the keynote discussion, conference emcee Lillian Sparks Robinson reviewed the event logistics, the AISES Safe Camp protocol, and the AISES Code of Conduct.
