Weaving Our Stories Conference Inspires, Empowers Participants

BLANDING, Utah — Utah State University Blanding hosted the second annual Weaving Our Stories Conference on Sept. 23-25. The goal of the conference was to bring together students, faculty, staff and community members to support, celebrate and productively engage with Native American students and communities throughout the USU system and beyond.

"The Weaving Our Stories Conference brings together students, faculty, community members and statewide campuses to share knowledge, build relationships and develop culturally responsive teaching and supporting practices,” said Donna Blake, interim associate vice president at USU Blanding. “This event enhances the visibility of Blanding campus, strengthens ties with local tribal communities and supports student success through workshops and performances on wellness, mental health, storytelling and Indigenous pedagogy. It also fosters cross-campus collaboration and helps USU Blanding fulfill its role as a Native American Serving Nontribal Institution."

During the conference, students were treated to multiple workshops, activities, cultural entertainment and presentations, all centered on the theme “Building Community During Turbulent Times.” The keynote speaker was Heather J. Shotton, president of Fort Lewis College. Other highlights included a mental health forum and the Utah Arts & Museum Traveling Exhibition Navajo Children: Weaving the Future.

“A crucial indicator of real impact was the tangible nature of the commitments that were made through calls to action. The conference successfully moved beyond theoretical discussion by challenging attendees to implement specific, positive changes in their roles — whether in the classroom, in student services or within their communities,” said Joao Bueno, NASNTI II grant director and member of the executive committee. These commitments, inspired by keynote speakers, forum panelists and breakout session presenters, aimed to transform institutional wisdom into active hope and reinforced the idea that community-building extends beyond conference days, marking the beginning of a lasting effort.”

For more information on the Weaving Our Stories Conference, visit statewide.usu.edu/blanding/nasnti/conference.