Taos Pueblo Fashionista Receives AIO Award
for the NM Department of Natural Resources and President of the Institute of American Indian Arts. AIO is lucky to have Kathryn’s vast experience and expertise continue to shape the Ambassadors Program
AIO Welcomes Ambassador Alumni as New Staff Members
Fashion designer Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo) was awarded the AIO Oyate Pipe Award in July 2013 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In honor of the late Gene Crawford (Sisseton Sioux) AIO’s former Vice President, the award honors individuals who have created positive change and made everlasting contributions to Indigenous peoples and communities. Patricia was presented the award at the Ambassadors Community Reception.
AIO Advisor Named Influential Educator AIO’s own Kathryn Harris Tijerina (Ambassador Program Advisor) was named one of twenty-one educators who have had the most influence in Indian education. The University of Iowa published a research study in the spring of 2013 that listed individuals and organizations as having been most influential in Native American education policy. Among those recognized, five are Comanche, like Kathryn. The study stated that part of Kathryn’s contribution was in addressing cultural relevancy and identity as key to a child’s education. The AIO Family has been the recipient of Kathryn’s audible hugs and good advice for years as she was among the original group of advisors who established the Ambassadors Program. Kathryn’s resume includes the Indian Policy Review Commission, Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Deputy Secretary
AIO Ambassadors always find a way to connect back to the AIO gang. Brittany Simmons (Waccamaw Siouan, 2010/11) picked up and moved from North Carolina to New Mexico to join our team as the Director for Leadership Initiatives. Brittany directed the first 2013/14 Class Gathering and continues to get the job done! Shawna Sunrise (Diné/Kewa Pueblo, 2003/04) joined TEAM AIO as Social Media and Public Relations Specialist. Shawna has already improved AIO’s presence online and is documenting many AIO events and projects! Welcome to these two extraordinary individuals.
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