Page 16 - November report 2023

AISES CONFERENCE REPORT
2023 AISES National Conference Spokane, Washington – October 18 - 21, 2023
JSF attendees: Bobby Krause, Sherry Salway Black, Sharon Wood, Lady Hereford
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) welcomed a higher-than-expected number of attendees at this year’s national conference. There were 3,439 people in attendance, including professionals, college students, high school students (and their chaperones), exhibitors, sponsors, advisors and elders. A portion of JSF’s 2-year, $200,000 matching grant to AISES supported a STEM and Business Session Track of the conference as well as an Indigenous Entrepreneurship Panel Session. The conference sessions took place in multiple venues, including the Davenport Grand Hotel and the nearby Spokane Convention Center.
The Grand Ballroom of the hotel was filled to capacity as the opening ceremony began. There were several special moments, including a presentation of the colors that included an Indigenous flag song and victory song. The audience was treated to some inspiring video presentations, including a message from astronaut Nicole Mann, the first Indigenous woman to travel to space. Later, comic book author Dr. Lee Francis IV, better known as “Dr. Indiginerd,” gave an in- person talk about how he turned his interest in science fiction into a career. The AISES Council of Elders offered words of welcome, and the Council led a memorial tribute to a few prominent leaders who passed away in recent months. Another highlight of the opening ceremony was a panel discussion about the impact of climate change moderated AISES President Sarah EchoHawk. The ceremony concluded with a pep rally of sorts for students representing AISES
chapters from the 7 regions in the United States and Canada.
Afterward, the attendees dispersed to take in educational sessions, participate in STEM Activities Day, brush up on study and interview skills, or visit the Native artisan marketplace. The conference offered 26 different tracks, including the STEM and Business Track. Within that track, one of the sessions was on
Innovation and Intellectual property led by Thomas Marquis, Senior Corporate
Counsel with Microsoft. This informative session was geared toward those who consider themselves innovators. Thomas explained how and when someone’s inventions, designs, software or other original creations can be protected under intellectual property rights. Judging by the completely full room, this issue seems relevant for many in the scientific, academic and business communities. Though schedule conflicts prevented us from attending other sessions in the track, we were pleased to see the variety of sessions offered. One of them focused on tribal gaming, and another explained how an actuarial career is a blend of mathematics and business.
The conference is billed as having the largest College and Career Fair in Indian Country, and it truly lived up to that reputation. Hundreds of colleges, universities, companies and governmental agencies set up booths in a vast exhibit hall. There were also interview rooms where students could speak with recruiters. It was clear that these students are in high demand, and AISES is doing a good job of facilitating these connections.
Page 14 November Report