ADA, Okla. – The NASNTI REACHE Program at East Central University (ECU) has announced a current agenda for the upcoming Tribal Summit, taking place Nov. 19–20 inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center on the ECU campus.

This year’s Tribal Summit, themed “Rooted & Rising: Cultivating Connection, Culture, and College Success,” aims to gather and connect tribal leaders, educators, researchers and students to explore strategies that support Native American student success from enrollment to graduation.

The 2025 Tribal Summit will feature prominent keynote speakers and breakout session presenters from a variety of tribal nations and professions to ensure a diversity of educational opportunities.

Wednesday will feature keynote speakers:

  • Dr. Amanda Tachine of the University of Oregon, Navajo Nation.
  • Lewis Johnson, Seminole Nation.
  • Dr. Brandon Postoak of Integris Southwest Medical Center, Chickasaw Nation.

Thursday will feature keynote speakers:

  • Governor Bill Anoatubby, the Chickasaw Nation.
  • Jerod Tate, classical composer and pianist, Chickasaw Nation.

A series of breakout session presentations are also scheduled throughout the two-day event including:

Wednesday:

  • The Chickasaw Nation’s Unconquered Life presenting “Unconquered Life Holistic Healthcare: Transforming Wellness from the Inside Out.”
  • Dr. Kelly Berry presenting “Leveraging Educational Sovereignty Starts with Us: Exploring eSports Education within Indian Country.”
  • Janelle Whipple, Santee Taria Wolfe, Raquel Grimaldo, Bridgette Hoshont’omba presenting “Creating Community at NICC.”
  • And more!

Thursday:

  • Mary Ruth Barnes presenting “Indigenous Research of Culture.”
  • Haley Monroe, Shawna Bishop and Janeen Canfield presenting “From Ideas to Implementation: Transforming Student Learning Through Library Technology.”
  • Alicia Bailey, Ben Little and Kay Wallace presenting “Student Wellness, Mental Health, and Belonging.”
  • And more!

The 2025 Tribal Summit will also feature a number of roundtable discussions hosted by professional moderators, a “Regalia Making Relatives” hands-on activity for the audience with Sonya Frazier and a series of vendors and booths to be visited throughout the two-day Summit.

To register for the event, visit www.ecok.edu/tribalsummit.  

For more information on the annual Tribal Summit or the NASNTI REACHE Program, contact Director of NASNTI REACHE, Traci Crossland at 580-559-5321 or tcrossland@ecok.edu.

-ECU-