AISES CEO Sarah EchoHawk welcomed everyone, thanked attendees, and explained the event agenda. Emcee Lillian Sparks Robinson spoke from outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., about the importance of relationships and how AISES is a circle encompassing its members. She introduced videos of some AISES students, staff, and board members, followed by a video of past in-person conference activities.
Robinson thanked the sponsors, then explained that acknowledgments of the winners of the Professional Awards would be interspersed throughout the Closing Ceremony. (For more on the Professional Award winners, see the Fall 2020 issue of Winds of Change.)
Canadian Senior Representative Jacob Calderone spoke about what AISES has meant for him, namely providing the certainty of knowing that people in the AISES family are there for him and will be there for him. “What’s important,” he said, “is the connections people make.” Nikki Tully, a doctoral student in hydroscience at the University of Arizona, expressed her gratitude to the organization, especially her experience with mentoring. Now, she said, she has the opportunity to be a mentor herself as an Indigenous scientist and continue the cycle.
EchoHawk introduced the winners of the AISES Partner Service Awards and the Community Service Awards. (For more on these winners, be sure to read “Meet the Winners.” )
Rick Stephens, AISES board chair emeritus, recognized and honored the contributions of two departing board members, Barney “BJ” Enos and Shaun Tsabetsaye. Also recognized was outgoing Senior National Student Representative Jayne Sandoval.
Robinson introduced Dr. Cara Cowan Watts, the winner of the Ely S. Parker Award, the highest AISES honor. (For more on Dr. Cowan Watts and the Ely S. Parker Award, go to “Meet the Winners.”
Sarah EchoHawk introduced professional violinist Sage Cornelius, an Indigenous solo artist who plays the fiddle and seven-string violin. He urged students in attendance to stay consistent with their platform and bring it online because out on the internet “you never know who is watching.”
▸ HEARD AT THE CONFERENCE
As Indigenous people we’ve always had to learn to adapt. With all this calamity, there is opportunity out there to be seized. If you want to build a platform and get out there, now is the time to do it.
— Sage Cornelius, musician
After the spirited entertainment, AISES Board of Directors Chair Gary Burnette offered closing remarks, describing his own history with AISES and how inspired he has been by the members. “AISES is an organization like no other. What makes AISES different is that feeling of family and the support from our elders that makes this a truly special place.”
While he expressed regret that the conference in Spokane did not happen, he pointed out that some things don’t change. “This virtual conference is indeed different, but you know what is not different?” he asked. “One word: resilience. The amazing resilience of all our community. No community is more marked by the historical need to bounce back simply to survive, all the while staying true to who we are.”
Burnette acknowledged the creativity of AISES staff in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances to produce this high-value event, and the resilience of students in adapting to studying remotely and all that has entailed. “You will shape your future by the resilience you carry from your ancestors,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot in this crazy year. We’ve figured it out and we will keep on figuring it out. I hope we all leave the conference with the energy that comes from being recharged by being with family.” Then in a Closing Ceremony tradition, AISES elder Cecelia Lucero gave the final blessing.
To the AISES family, students, professionals, leadership, and staff. In the 43 years of AISES existence you have climbed the mountain and met the challenge. We have more mountains, but I see our persistence and endurance as Native peoples. Indeed, we all, AISES, have a very bright future! My love to all and all those I’ve had a close relationship with over the years. My love and prayers in the critical times. I’ll see you in Phoenix!
— Al “Q” Qöyawayma, AISES founding member
