NSU accepting proposals for 52nd Annual Symposium on the American Indian

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Northeastern State University American Indian Heritage Committee is now accepting proposals for the 52nd annual Symposium on the American Indian, which will be held on April 7-12, 2025 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Proposals are being accepted until Jan. 24, 2025. The 52nd Annual Symposium theme focuses on “Reclamation for an Indigenous Future.”

The Symposium on the American Indian has been held annually at Northeastern State University since the conference’s inception a little over half a century ago as of 2024. According to Elizabeth Bird, Interim Director of the Center for Tribal Studies, NSU and CTS share a "commitment to excellence in academic quality, scholarly engagement, leadership, cultural enrichment, and service".

“This symposium provides a scholarly space where Indigenous people discuss challenges of maintaining traditions, customs and culture while encountering developments or trends affecting them,” Bird said. “The Center for Tribal Studies, which was established in 1990 has led the American Indian Heritage Committee in planning this event since that date. The symposium upholds Indigenous scholar voices in educating our world about the Indigenous landscape and future.”

Keynote Speakers include Dr. Donald Fixico who is an enrolled member of the Sac & Fox Nation and descendant of the Shawnee, Mvskoke and Semvnole people and Dr. Cornel Pewewardy who is Comanche and Kiowa.

Fixico holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Oklahoma and is a Regents’ and Distinguished Foundation Professor of History from Arizona State University. His scholarly research has explored the creation of American Indian identity, Indigenous sovereignty and American Indian history.

Dr. Cornel Pewewardy holds a doctorate degree in Education in educational administration from Pennsylvania State University, is a Professor Emeritus Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University and is a former Comanche Nation Vice Chairman. Pewewardy’s scholarly research explores the formation of American Indian identity, socioeconomic and political factors that affect American Indians today. He is also a recent inductee to the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame.

“This symposium has always had a large variety of presenters with differing specialties,” Randilyn Rose, retention specialist of the Center for Tribal Studies, said. “The concurrent sessions allow for more intimate settings and a greater opportunity for meaningful and engaging conversations. Our goal is for this to be a professional development opportunity for all.”

There are four proposal categories: Student research posters, student presentations, academic/professional presentations and community member/tribal nation presentations. Proposals may cover a variety of topics including Student research, Indigenous leadership, language revitalization, tribal sovereignty and environmental justice. Those who submit a proposal are highly encouraged to submit proposals relevant to the theme.

Submit your proposal today at https://tinyurl.com/NSUSymposium2025.

For additional information, please contact the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350 or tribalstudies@nsuok.edu.

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