Hello Folks:
Yes, it’s been a busy summer and now we’re already getting close to October, pretty soon the snow will be falling. OK, I’m getting a little ahead of myself. It’s still September. I’m thrilled to be wrapping up this month as a presenter at the 7th Annual Native Women’s Leadership Forum & Enduring Spirit Honoring Luncheon, sponsored by Native Action Network.
This year, the network is focusing on creating positive change in our communities and doing it on our own terms. On Sept. 28, the group is honoring four women who exemplify good change for the people.
On Tuesday, four outstanding women will be honored at the Enduring Spirit Honoring Luncheon, including Marlene Simla, Yakama; Gloria Simpson, Confederated Tribes of the Colville, Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce; Ilene Sylvester, Yupik, Athabascan and Aleut; Deborah Parker, Tulalip. So far, I’ve been enjoying my time here at the Tulalip Resort Casino and Spa. I love the rooms. I’d post a picture, but check out this Tulalip Resort link instead for more details.
A special thank you to organizers and NAT co-founders Iris Friday and Claudia Kauffman for having the drive and vision to bring everyone together.
Here’s more information about the two-day event:
Native women from across the region will join together at the Tulalip Resort on September 27-28, 2010 to engage in an intergenerational exchange of knowledge that features positive role models and leadership development. This year’s theme, “Creating the Change We Want- Our Agenda, Our Way” focuses on the individual and collective power that women have to create positive change in their communities and through the local, state, and national legislative process. Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee for both days. This exciting two day gathering features a combination of keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions addressing agendas for change, personal development, current issues, and topics relevant to our work to strengthen our communities. This year we’ve designed a youth track for students in attendance to give them the opportunity to interact with strong role models during workshops focused on career development, selecting a college, public speaking, journaling and safe relationships. More details are available in the agenda which can be downloaded at www.enduringspirit.org. On September 28th during a special awards luncheon presentation, four Native women will be honored for their lifetime achievements in serving their people and communities. These amazing women have shared their talents, cultural knowledge, and expertise to positively impact: tribal self-determination, community health and wellness, the educational needs of youth, and the retention and preservation of culture. All participants will receive CEU credits from Northwest Indian College.
Jodi Rave
