Advancing Indigenous People in STEM Students Attended Prestigious National Conference

CNM’s Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES) Chapter, in partnership with CNM’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the School of Math, Science, and Engineering recently sent four students and their advisor to the annual AISES National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The conference focuses on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples and Pacific Islanders in STEM studies and careers while also highlighting Indigenous culture and traditional practices.

We caught up with three of the students—Jay Tsotsie, Paisleigh Ornelas, and Holly Chee—and chatted about their experience and the impact the AISES Conference has had on their educational journeys.

Q: What was your overall experience at the AISES National Conference?

• A (Jay): It was so much bigger than I imagined. There were tribes from across the Unites States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and from Canada which was exciting. I also learned so much and got a more well-rounded picture of the opportunities available to me. I came home with an entirely new vision for my future because of the things that we discussed and the people we met at the conference.
• A (Paisleigh): For me it was a really emotional experience. We got there and it was so refreshing to be around other Indigenous people who have the same goals as me. It was also incredibly special to attend sessions with elders and hear about their experiences and hardships as Indigenous STEM professionals. The conference helped me understand that there are people all over the world just like me and that when you have a community standing behind you, we will all be more successful in the long run.
• A (Holly): As an older and returning student, attending the conference was really eye-opening for me. At first, I was intimidated about going because I thought there would only be young students there. But once we got there, there were so many other non-traditional students in attendance. I also heard from so many of the speakers about how they got into STEM as a second career and became successful, which was empowering and encouraging.

Q: What was your favorite part of the conference?

• A (Jay): I enjoyed the career fair because I was exposed to the countless opportunities that are out there. I also loved that the conference incorporated sessions that helped us reconnect with our Indigenous roots, like the Morning Blessing Ceremony, Talking Circles, and the Traditional Native Social Powwow. It was a beautiful way to connect with our traditional ways of life.
• A (Paisleigh): My favorite part was being there representing CNM and community colleges because community colleges are often overlooked. It was also powerful to have our elders remind us that no matter what degree or STEM field we pursue, we should always bring that knowledge and wisdom back home to our communities.
• A (Holly): One of the panels was specifically about Indigenous people in government agencies like the FBI and the CIA. I’ve always been interested in working for an agency like that but had no idea how to get there. The panelists shared such helpful information about how to get internships with these agencies and the importance of Indigenous folks working in these fields, which was inspiring.

Q: Why is it important for Indigenous students to attend a conference like this?

• A (Jay): Attending a conference like this is so important because when I decided to pursue a STEM degree, I wasn’t sure I was capable of completing the program. But after coming back from the conference, I felt so much more confident knowing there were other Indigenous people taking on the same challenges as me, and that as Indigenous people we have always taken on challenges. Now, I am proud to set an example for younger Indigenous people and want to continue to pave the way for the next generation.
• A (Paisleigh): Conferences like the AISES National Conference highlight that there is always a place for Indigenous people in STEM, whether it’s in mechanical engineering, biotechnology, or mathematics. These fields are always evolving and there’s always room for Indigenous people in these spaces.
• A (Holly): It was so reassuring to hear from all the presenters that STEM is something that is already in our DNA as Indigenous people. We have always been scientists, mathematicians, and healers and we can use those innate teachings and practices to excel in STEM fields. It’s important that we continue to send Indigenous students from across the country to conferences like these, so they know just how many opportunities there are to honor their culture in STEM fields.

Interested in joining ASIES? Check out their Instagram page for information about upcoming meetings and events!

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