Pueblo Convocation

Leadership Institute at Santa Fe Indian School Convenes Historic Gathering

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – The Leadership Institute at Santa Fe Indian School, an organization dedicated to driving discussion around critical policy issues impacting American Indian tribes in New Mexico, Sunday initiated a three-day Pueblo Convocation that will bring together Pueblo people, experts and leaders to reflect on 100 years of challenges and articulate a forward vision for the future.

The Pre-Convocation Opening Reception was held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The historic event Pueblo Convocation will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo with an Opening Session on today.

The event, which features broad participation from New Mexico pueblos and tribal policy experts, will focus on 11 critical areas identified by New Mexico's Pueblo communities: Language, Health, Land and Cultural Resources, Environment, Governance, Art, Law, Family, Education, Youth, Economic and Community Development.

“ The Pueblo Convocation is a unique convening of tribal policy advocates, Pueblo leadership, tribal youth, community elders, spiritual and cultural representatives and scholars,”

said Leadership Institute's Co-Founder and Co-Director Carnell Chosa, Jemez Pueblo.

“The event celebrates Pueblo people, history, survival and resilience – all important components in shaping and articulating a vision for the future of our Pueblo communities in New Mexico.”

Throughout the event, representatives from Pueblo communities will gather together to review the last 100 years in federal policy and discuss building Pueblo capacity toward social transformation. Notable activities include:

Regis Pecos-Cochiti Pueblo

“This event celebrates the resiliency of our forefathers and all they did to retain our Pueblo core values tied to land, language, way of life, customary traditional laws, spirit of community and protecting the resources, and family – all things that have sustained us throughout our time and journey.”

Said Leadership Institute's Co-Founder and Co-Director Regis Pecos, Cochiti Pueblo.

“ We will evaluate where the Pueblo people have been, where we are presently, and identify where we want to go - as a people - into the future.”

Established in 1997, the Leadership Institute was created to provide opportunities for dialogue regarding public policy and issues affecting New Mexico's tribal communities. Community Institutes, one of the staple Leadership Institute programs, bring together tribal leaders, community members, youth and elders, subject-matter experts and policy makers. Under a major capacity-building initiative with Pueblo communities, the Leadership Institute has expanded to include additional programs like the Summer Policy Academy for tribal students and Brave Girls, a girl's empowerment program. The Leadership Institute was recognized in 2011 as one of the top five programs contributing to the governance of American Indian nations by Harvard University Honoring Nations.

The Pueblo Convocation is made possible by funding through the WK Kellogg Foundation.

posted April 2, 2012 6:20 am edt