The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

March 24, 2008

Sipapu Secular Set at UNM
Indigenous Graduate Students’ Conference, April 3 and 4

Indigenous graduate students from various international institutions will share their research in “Planting Seeds of Our Research,” a conference on indigenous/American Indian/Native American methodologies and interdisciplinary work at UNM, Thursday and Friday, April 3-4.

Among discussion topics is the Buffalo as a System of Knowledge and Creativity, Kenya-Africa Indigenous Science in Curriculum, Nanishagi Ruins and Jemez Pueblo, the Degradation of Okanagan Water Systems, Xicana Indigena, Northwest Coast Long QT Syndrome and the Power of Stories in Tribal Archives.  

In addition, indigenous undergraduate students at UNM present their research projects in a poster session and hold a silent auction at the dinner on Thursday evening. Gerald Vizenor (Anishinaabe), a prolific author and American Studies professor at UNM, will deliver the keynote address Thursday evening.

“The conference is expected to draw indigenous students from across North America including Canada, many of whom are likely interested in applying to graduate programs or in teaching at UNM,” said Beverly Singer, UNM anthropology professor and event organizer.

Sipapu Secular is a conference jointly sponsored by the Institute for American Indian Research (IfAIR) under the UNM College of Arts and Sciences, Native American Studies, Society of Native American Graduate Students, Native American Studies 

Indigenous Research Group and the Indigenous Nations Library Program.

The conference is free and open to the public.  Registration is required for the Thursday dinner and Friday luncheon. Registration forms are available on the IFAIR website: www.unm.edu/ ~ifair

For more information, contact Beverly Singer (505) 277-3027; or e-mail to mesa@unm.edu.

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