The University of Idaho Argonaut

The University of Idaho will be hosting the first annual American Indian Student Development Conference Nov. 19-20.
“This began as a joint meeting between Native American Network and Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community last year to develop strategies for professionals working with our native students,” said Steve Martin, director for the Native American Student Center and member of both NAN and IPKC.

Scholarship research, recruitment of native professionals into Student Affairs and professional development are other reasons for the conference, Martin said.
This conference is an opportunity for professionals and Native American student support staff to discuss current and future methods of support structures for Native American students, Martin said. The conference will demonstrate to participants how to learn and develop new culturally relevant strategies and models to support Native American students in higher education, he said.

 “The groups have found that they can accomplish more together than separate in enhancing Native American education at the college level,” Martin said.
The conference will start with an opening keynote address from Dr. Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche-Kiowa), associate professor for Native American studies at Portland State University, on Nov. 19.

Welcome addresses will be given on both days by Martin and UI Provost Doug Baker, and a dinner on Nov. 19 will be hosted by UI Interim President Steven Daley-Laursen at the president’s house.
“The provost and the president have been very supportive of this conference,” Martin said.

There will be nine presenters throughout the conference grouped into four themed workshops.
“There will be a concentration of a large amount of experience and knowledge between the speakers,” Martin said. “And each is committed to their respective positions and topics.”

Speakers include professionals from across the country.
“These are issues that all universities are encountering. We will be able to learn what other schools and people are doing and what we can do better,” said Arthur Taylor, Native American tribal liaison.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in better serving Native American students.
“We’ll share with people in this part of the country what others are doing,” Martin said. “Retention and development is key.”
Registration for the conference ends Nov. 7, and the registration fee is $50 per person. College students can register for free. For information, contact Martin at the NASC at 885-4237.