NSU’s Symposium on the American Indian slated for April 8-13

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - Northeastern State University will host the 47th annual Symposium on the American Indian April 8-13 on the Tahlequah campus. The theme, Celebrating Indigenous Women, will honor both modern and legendary matriarchs, focusing on women who have contributed to the success and growth of our Indigenous communities and families.

While not all tribes are defined as matrilineal or matriarchal, the contributions of women are ever present in Indigenous families and communities. Indigenous women serve as guides, teachers, caregivers, strategists, counselors and cultural preservationists. Not only do they serve as leaders within their families, but also their communities, their tribes and professions.

Presentations will tell the stories of our past and present women leaders, from the most well-known and celebrated to those who are just beginning to be recognized. This will include those who have made significant contributions in the areas of law, literature, anthropology, history, art, language revitalization and more.

Keynote speakers will include: Tara Houska, J.D. (Couchiching First Nation), national campaigns director for Honor the Earth; Erin Griffin, M.A. (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate), director of Dakota Studies at Sisseton Wahpeton College; and Mary Jo Tippeconnic Fox, Ph.D (Comanche/Cherokee), research professor at the University of Arizona.

The committee is still accepting proposals for concurrent sessions.

For more information, visit the Center for Tribal Studies website at Center for Tribal Studies Events.

About the Symposium.

The Symposium on the American Indian is a community event welcoming individuals from all demographics including K-12 and college students, educators, professionals and community members. There is no registration fee and events are open to the public.

Funding has been provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Humanities Council and sponsors, including the Chickasaw Nation and River Spirit Casino.