Tribal Nations Advisory Council

The TNAC of AISES consists of representatives from Tribal Nations in the United States and Canada. The primary role of the TNAC is to advise AISES on issues of relevance and importance to Tribal Nations. In addition, the TNAC also works to assist AISES in creating opportunities for Tribal Nations and their citizens, and to support the AISES’ mission of substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous Peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering, and math.

"It's an honor to join the AISES team. I look forward to contributing towards and preparing our native students for the always evolving world we live in. STEM education is an important part of our native youths' development and will help prepare them for challenges to come."

Isaiah Vivanco, proud Tribal Member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, was recently re-elected to a second term as Chairman for the Soboba Tribal Council. This is his seventh Council term overall, having served as Vice-Chairman for four terms and one term as Treasurer. He is a former Executive Board member for the Compact Tribes Steering Committee and was elected to serve on the CNIGA Executive Committee as treasurer to assist with its efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and gaming. In 2021, Isaiah was elected to the California Fee-to-Trust Consortium Board of Directors, which assists tribes in reclaiming lands and placing them into trust status . For eight years Isaiah served on the Soboba Foundation and was Tournament Chair for the annual Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament. He looks forward to his newest role as Chairman of the Tribal Nations Advisory Council for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). Isaiah enjoys playing Peon and watching his children sing and dance at Bird Singing gatherings. He also likes golfing and fastpitch softball. Isaiah works hard to deliver strong leadership for his Tribe. It is very important to him to provide for the current membership as well as future generations to come.

The Tribal Nations Advisory Council:

• Advises AISES on issues important to tribal AISES chapters and their members.
• Participates in and supports AISES events through sponsorships, presentations, and providing career information and resources.
• Assists in the formation and development of Tribal AISES Chapters.
• Encourages K-12 Tribal educator and student participation in AISES programming.
• Provides scholarships, internship programs, and/or employment opportunities.
• Provides expertise and guidance related to current/projected employment trends and needs in Tribal communities.
• Develops tribal support for AISES including financial contributions, in-kind gifts, and human resources.
• Assists AISES in fundraising efforts through networking and participation.
• Serves as a liaison between Tribal Nations and AISES.
• Provides networking opportunities for tribal AISES chapters and members.
• Serves as an advocate to publicize content in Winds of Change Magazine and on the AISES website to represent Tribal Nations.
• Represents the TNAC at regularly scheduled AISES Board meetings by sending at least one co-chair.
• Provides input to AISES National Conference proceedings to increase relevance for Tribal Nations.
• Promotes, assists, and supports AISES in hosting a gathering of Tribal Nations’ representatives at the AISES National Conference and other Native-focused events.

If you are interested in joining the Tribal Nations Advisory Council, please contact Alicia Mitchell, Director of Tribal and Government Relations at amitchell@aises.org or 602-837-4815