Northeastern State University to host 53rd Annual Symposium on the American Indian April 9-10

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) will host the 53rd Annual Symposium on the American Indian April 9–10 in the University Center Ballroom, continuing a more than five-decade tradition of elevating Indigenous scholarship, community and cultural knowledge.

This year’s theme, Culture as Medicine: Guiding Education into the Future, reflects the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in sustaining communities and shaping the future of education.

The symposium will open April 9 with a keynote from Dr. Clint Carroll, associate professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His presentation, “Indigenous Optimism and Cherokee Land-based Resurgence,” will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

A 2024 NSU Sequoyah Fellow, Carroll’s work focuses on community-based conservation, land stewardship and Indigenous education. His keynote will draw on decades of collaboration with Cherokee Elders and youth, exploring how land-based knowledge supports cultural continuity, community well-being and sovereignty.

Elizabeth Bird, director of NSU’s Center for Tribal Studies, said the symposium continues to create space for meaningful dialogue and connection.

“This symposium reflects how knowledge continues within our communities,” Bird said. “The theme recognizes that our languages, our stories and our ways of living guide the path ahead.”

Throughout April 9, the symposium will feature a full schedule of sessions highlighting Indigenous perspectives in education, language revitalization, environmental stewardship and emerging technologies. Presentations include Cherokee language media projects, culturally centered STEM learning, historical examinations of Indigenous education systems and student-led research on Cherokee lifeways.

NSU President Rodney Hanley emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education and community engagement.

“This symposium reflects who we are as an institution,” Hanley said. “It’s a place where scholarship and community come together—where we listen, learn and carry forward knowledge that has always been here. We’re honored to host conversations that not only examine the past, but help shape a stronger future for the communities we serve.”

On April 10, the symposium transitions into a community celebration, beginning with morning programming and a poster session before culminating in the annual NSU Powwow.

The powwow will take place in the University Center Ballroom, beginning with Gourd Dancing at 3 p.m., followed by a dinner break and Grand Entry at 7 p.m. The evening will continue with intertribal dancing and celebration.

This year’s powwow will be led by head staff representing multiple Tribal Nations, including Head Man Skylar Vann (Cherokee, Pawnee), Head Lady Audree Stehno (Osage, Kickapoo, Muscogee, Otoe), Head Singer Dr. Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche), Arena Director Stanley John (Navajo), Head Gourd Chris Cote (Osage) and MC Mark Bolin (Cherokee).

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit nsuok.edu/symposium or contact the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350 or tribalstudies@nsuok.edu

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