In the heart of Utah, an event dedicated to weaving a network of support and empowerment for Native American students and communities unfolded at Utah State University Blanding. The Weaving Our Stories Conference, in its second annual iteration on Sept. 23-25, aimed to foster a sense of unity and engagement across USU campuses and beyond.
"The Weaving Our Stories Conference brings together students, faculty, community members and statewide campuses to share knowledge, build relationships and develop culturally responsive teaching and supporting practices," Donna Blake, interim associate vice president at USU Blanding, told USU Today. The conference featured workshops, cultural performances, and a mental health forum, all addressing the compelling theme “Building Community During Turbulent Times." An artifact of tangible progress, the Utah Arts & Museum Traveling Exhibition "Navajo Children: Weaving the Future," showcased a blend of culture and education within an artistic frame.
Keynote speaker Heather J. Shotton, president of Fort Lewis College, along with panelists and presenters, inspired attendees to go beyond passive participation. Through their commitments to actionable change, the conference stoked the fires of transformation in the classroom, student services, and community engagement.
"A crucial indicator of real impact was the tangible nature of the commitments that were made through calls to action," Joao Bueno, NASNTI II grant director and member of the executive committee, expressed, as per USU Today.
