American Indian Institute virtual MicroConference – The Indigenous Way: Planting Seeds of Wellness for Future Generations

November 17 at 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Central

About the virtual series

Register for Early Bird Rates until October 19:
$145 for MicroConference Attendees
$300 for Virtual Exhibitors

After October 19:
$175 for MicroConference Attendees
$500 for Virtual Exhibitors

Attendees Register

Exhibitors Register

Agenda

9 – 9:15 AM
Dr. Nina Barbee, Aii Director Choctaw
Opening, Land Acknowledgement, and Prayer

9:15 – 10 AM
Keynote: Chef Dr. Lois Ellen Frank Kiowa, Northern European,
Sephardic, and Ashkenazi
“The History of Ancestral Native American Cuisine: Reconnecting to Culture as a Key to Health and Wellness in Native Communities”

10 – 10:15 AM
Questions and Answers (Q&A)
For our Professional Native Chefs

10:15 – 10:20 AM
Chair Exercises/Stretching – Optional
Led by Allison Harper, MS, NETA-CPT
Fitness and Recreation, The University of Oklahoma

10:20 – 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 – 11:30 AM
Cooking Demonstration with Chef Dr. Frank and Chef Walter Whitewater

11:30 – 11:45 AM
Q & A with our renowned Chefs

11:45 AM – Noon
Chef Whitewater
Diné (Navajo)
“Life on the Rez”

12 – 12:30 PM
Indigenous Potluck Lunch
Prepare some of the chefs’ tasty recipes found here

12:30 – 12:45 PM
Welcome back!: Dr. Nina Barbee
Introduction of Dr. Belinda Biscoe
Senior Associate Vice President for OU Outreach/College of Continuing Education
Introduction of the afternoon Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Cornel Pewewardy
Comanche-Kiowa
Vice Chairman, Comanche Nation
Professor Emeritus, Indigenous Nations Studies, Portland State University, NCORE Suzan Shown Harjo Systemic Social Justice Award 2021

12:45 – 1:15 PM
Keynote: Dr. Cornel Pewewardy
“Remaining Indigenous during COVID-19: Infusing Neurodecolonization Energy through Music and Memory”

Abstract: For many Indigenous peoples, we are descendants from a long line of musicians and spiritual healers who have always helped us survive through multiple pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across Indian Country, and again our musicians and healers are putting their positive energy work to use by reconstructing lost esoteric wisdom in modern times. Using neurodecolonization strategies, this presentation integrates nonlinear messages from cultural images, music therapy, and interpretations of meditation and mindfulness to assist in our internal healing—a potent alchemy that strengthens and transports our tribal memory into the future.
This presentation is about slowing down time to match your natural rhythms to be fully present for your life by returning to traditional Indigenous practices through drum, flute, song, prayer, etc.

1:15 – 1:30 PM
Questions and Answers for Dr. Pewewardy

1:30 1:50 PM
Healing Circle
with Chefs Whitewater and Dr. Frank and Dr. Pewewardy

1:50 PM
Closing remarks
Yakoke! Thank you to our phenomenal keynote speakers and each of you!

2 PM
Aii Family – Let’s stay in touch!
We love to hear from YOU!