Leadership Conference

The Leadership Conference aims to help AISES student members develop leadership skills and introduces them to a network of corporate mentors and professionals. The conference also prepares the students to become active, knowledgeable leaders for the Indian community and to serve as mentors for younger students.

AISES brings together 100-150 invited college chapter student officers, chapter advisors, and selected AISES scholars participate in this annual three-day conference.
 

2009 Leadership Conference

February 12-14, 2009
Taking the Leadership Path
Nativo Lodge
Albuquerque, NM 

The AISES 2009 Leadership Conference, Taking the Leadership Path, took place February 12-14, 2009 at the Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The conference was well attended by AISES college chapter officers and members, student representatives, chapter advisors, scholars and interns.

Friday’s activities also focused on environmental stewardship and included a field trip to the Jackpile Uranium Mine on the Laguna Pueblo. Before the tour, a panel comprised of local professionals, tribal leaders, and environmental advocates came together to discuss the environmental issues that our nation and tribal communities are currently facing. The “Stewards of Our Land” Panel members were presented with questions on renewable energy, natural resources, and the work each is currently involved in to sustain the environment and tribal lands. The panel consisted of the following individuals: Governor John Antonio (Laguna Pueblo), Pueblo of Laguna, Sandra Begay-Cambell (Navajo), Sandia National Laboratories, Al Waconda (Laguna Pueblo), Laguna Department of Education, Carletta Garcia (Laguna Pueblo), NMSU Environmental Science Graduate Student, and Arvin Trujillo (Navajo), Navajo Nation’s Division of Natural Resources.

The Laguna tour was an example from which to discuss how environmental issues have far-reaching implications on individuals, tribes and communities, health, economics, and policy development. The tour was guided by Marvin Sarracino (Laguna Pueblo), Jackpile Reclamation Project Technician. Mr. Sarracino guided the buses to three different sites within the reclaimed Jackpile Mine. At each site, he explained the work the tribe was involved in to reclaim the land, the effects to the community when the mine site was operational, and the road blocks the tribe is currently facing in continued testing on the sites. The students were quite moved by what they saw and heard and had many questions for Mr. Sarracino. Because of his involvement in the reclamation process and years of service to this project, he provided the students with insight and knowledge to become stewards within their tribal communities.

After leaving the mine site, the students headed to the St. Joseph Indian Mission for a tour which was led by Father Larry Bernard. The conference participants were also treated to a home cooked “Laguna Feast” style meal prepared and served by Tina Pino’s family members.

Session topics for the 2009 Leadership Conference focused once again on personal and chapter development. Solo Greene of the Nez Perce Tribe presented s session entitled “Bridging the Gap” focused on cultural integration. Marcus Huggans from the National GEM Consortium gave an overview of the GRAD Lab, which provided students with the guidance and resources when applying for graduate school. Manny Sanchez of Lockheed Martin presented a session entitled, “Get on Your Soapbox: How to Own the Room for Your Presentation” , which focused on helping students become more comfortable with presentation and public speaking in various settings. A Chapter Development session presented by AISES Student Representatives and program staff. This session covered the procedures for chapter establishment and reactivation, chapter requirements and goals and roles and responsibilities for all AISES Chapter members.

The Oglala Lakota College AISES Chapter, 2008 Chapter Award Recipient for Outreach & Community Service shared their “Best Practices”. They provided great ideas and activities that other chapters could incorporate within their campus communities and with K-12 schools in their areas. The Northern Arizona University AISES Chapter, 2008 Chapter Award Recipient for Recruitment and Retention also shared their “Best Practices” on how to recruit new chapter members and shared activities NAU is involved to retain their members. Both award winning chapters worked extremely hard last year and it was demonstrated in their presentations. Both presentations provided many ideas and activities for other chapters to build and strengthen in these two core areas.

We were extremely honored to have CAPT. Jeffrey (Cherokee Nation), 2008 AISES Excellence Executive Award recipient, in attendance throughout the entire conference. He offered conference participants words of encouragement and support during the Opening event and gave the keynote address during the Closing Banquet. His inspiring keynote address outlined types of leadership styles, the work and preparation involved in becoming a leader, and encouraged students to seize the every opportunity to become a leader. In order to be a part of the 2009 AISES Leadership Conference, CAPT. Trussler traveled all the way from Naples, Italy.

The conference ended with the “AISES American Indian Idol”. Several students displayed their talent through traditional dances, guitar playing and singing karaoke. The Idol judges include Kesha Harris, Lockheed Martin, Nancy H., CIA; and Lt. Holmes, U.S. Navy.