This year’s topic, “Indigenous Perceptions of Hope,” brings together many leaders of cultural and environmental restoration among the Eastern Band and the wider Indigenous world. Keynote speaker Dr. Kyle Whyte (Potawatomi) Kyle is a professor at the University of Michigan whose work focuses on environmental justice, climate change, climate justice, and Indigenous knowledge. His work is supported by extensive public and philanthropic funding, grounded in long-term partnerships with Indigenous organizations worldwide, and recognized through numerous teaching, research, and community engagement awards, as well as hundreds of invited lectures and visiting professorships globally.
Other participants include:
* Dr. Lisa Lefler, founder of the Center for Native Health and current director of WCU’s Culturally-Based Native Health
* Dr. Tom Belt (Cherokee Nation), co-author with Dr. Lefler of Sounds of Tohi
* Roseanna Belt (EBCI), retired WCU faculty
* Mary Thompson (EBCI), chair of EarthKeepers
* Dr. Freida Saylor (EBCI) director of Behavioral Health
* Dr. Georgia Ennis, professor of anthropology and sociology, WCU
* Dr. Lori Anderson, dean, College of Health and Human Sciences, WCU
* Peter Koch, interim director, WCU Mountain Heritage Center
* Shalana Yates (EBCI), director, WCU Cherokee Center
* Katie Tiger (Choctaw), program director, Center for Native Health
* Yolanda Saunooke (EBCI), behavior change specialist, Cherokee Choices
* Keahana Lambert (EBCI), prevention specialist, Cherokee Choices
* Kim Smith (EBCI), southeastern states conservation specialist, The Wilderness Society
* Dr. Trey Adcock (Cherokee Nation), executive director, Center for Native Health
* Bonnie Claxton (Chickasaw Nation), deputy director, Center for Native Health
More about the conference here:
Rooted in the Mountains Symposium
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