Aloha NAISA Council,

I have had a deeply powerful exchange with some colleagues regarding the upcoming NAISA meeting, the decision by some (none of us) to boycott the meeting in the wake of the recent Arizona legislation, and the state of Native American and Indigenous Studies. Among my very small circle there is enormous support for the NAISA and its role in promoting Native studies and Native scholars. At the same time that we respect everyone’s decision as to whether or not to attend the conference, we feel that supporting NAISA is of paramount importance.

I made the decision many months ago not to attend this year’s meeting for personal reasons, but as I know several of you personally as wonderful colleagues whose dedication has brought NAISA into being for all of us, I wanted to send this brief message of support and thanks for all your work. I am sorry I will not be seeing you this month, but I wish you the best, and I hope our paths will cross soon.

Peace,

Doug Herman