In 2015, the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosted the elected leadership of the 12 American Indian Nations of Wisconsin for the first time in the university’s history. Following that historic event, the UW-Madison Native Nations-UW Initiative co-developed a strategic plan with tribal nations that included a recommendation for a Tribal Relations Director to facilitate communication and collaboration between Native Nations and the University on areas of mutual interest. Such a position is not new to higher education as twenty other universities in the US host similar positions. UW-Madison created a Tribal Relations Director position situated in both the Office of University Relations and the Division of Extension. Importantly, the Four Rs are often promoted in the western Great Lakes for working with Native Nations and communities: Respect, Relationships, Reciprocity, and Responsibility. Long term relationships that hold collective memory are vital for accomplishing mutually beneficial relationships with Native Nations, and to encourage reciprocal and respectful relationships, educating university faculty, staff, and students to teach and learn about tribal sovereignty, Indigenous language and cultural revitalization, and reconciliation remain essential to furthering our collaborations with Native Nations.
Aaron Bird Bear (MS, UW-Madison) (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Dine’ Nations) is special assistant in the Vice Chancellor for University Relations, Strategic Partnerships Department at UW-Madison. He has worked to integrate information about the histories, cultures, and sovereignty of the eleven American Indian Nations in Wisconsin into teacher education programs.
NOTE: This presentation will not be videotaped.
If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Laurie Mayberry at laurie.mayberry@wisc.edu by Friday, April 30.
Food Pantry Contributions:
Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 30
Registration:
Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.
NOTE: The weblink and virtual call information will be included in the meeting reminders registrants receive.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
