University of Washington

STUDENT INTERNS Attendees included five AIAN student interns. As visible conference contributors, AIAN students worked with Summit organizers to document and report conversations throughout the Summit, while learning valuable research skills and networking with local tribal/RAIO health program leaders. Intern coordination and leadership was facilitated by Drs. Robbie Paul (WSU) and Rose James (UW), with support and guidance from Dr. Thomas and the planning committee. Goals for intern participation were to introduce these emerging tribal leaders to health priority issues, network them with diverse stakeholders and decision-makers involved in tribal health, and engage interns in discussions relevant to addressing these issues. The interns played a critical role in supporting conference activities while actively participating in the dialogue and contributing to Summit ideas. Intern selection: •Travel funds allowed the WTRHPS planning committee to invite up to five AIAN college students to attend the Summit. Eligibility criteria included (1) tribal affiliation, preferably with one of the 29 Washington State tribes, (2) enrollment in a college or university, and (3) being on a health science career track, or interested in learning about tribal health priorities. The fourth criteria mandated students attend the entire Summit and participate in group discussion and agenda activities. •Interns were initially suggested by the summit planning committee with the goal of including tribal members representing five different tribes throughout the State. All nominations were approved by the planning committee. Of the original intern potentials, three nominees were not able to accept the offer, due to conflicts with child care, work or cultural obligations that conflicted with the Summit schedule. •After a second round of nominations, the final intern list included two members of Colville, two from Lummi, and one Yakama tribal community member. Washington Tribes and RAIOs Health Priorities Summit Interns Danica Parkin (Colville), Washington State University, Masters in Nursing Kevin Walker (Yakama), Washington State University, Pharmacy Stephanie Williams (Lummi), Evergreen State College, Masters in Public Administration Alvina Cawston (Colville), Oklahoma State University, Clinical Psychology Erin Jefferson (Lummi), Northwest Indian College, Associate of Arts and Sciences Interns volunteered time away from family, school and work obligations to attend the Summit. With the meeting falling on the week of spring break, one intern's daughter accompanied her to all of the meeting sessions and participated in reflections. Overall, each intern expressed a deep interest in developing career pathways in tribal health, networking with tribal and state leaders, and the opportunity to engage in critical dialogue around tribal priorities and programs for addressing the health needs of AIANs. In addition to contributing their experiences and ideas as tribal members, interns played a significant role in the small group discussions as facilitators and scribes. They also reported discussion summaries for the large group. At the close of the second day, summit participants shared some of the following reflections on their experiences with, and expectations of, the interns: "My hands are up to you…You are no good to anyone, if you can't take care of yourself. Otherwise, you could be putting those things on them … and it will weigh you down. It will make you tired. It will make you mean. You'll lose track. So, always do something to rejuvenate yourself, to care for yourself, spirituality, physically and mentally, so that you can stay strong to care for our children because that's what your goal is now. " "I would like to compliment the interns and tell them that I sat today with future leaders." "I just want to say how I just really like Kevin. It's been just such a pleasure to get to know him. You'll be somebody that I'll be watching out for, for a long time." Interns also shared personal reflections of challenges they overcame while participating in these discussions, skills that were honed and inspiration for the future of tribal leadership in health: "Well, at first I was really nervous to come here. And when I got here, I wasn't sure what to talk about or who to talk to or what anybody was talking about, most of the time. But I took a lot away from this." "I've learned that there are numerous ways to give a presentation… Colleen helped guide me through some key points and how to do it and how to collaborate on everybody's ideas without having to say everything. The third time, I kind of tried building off of Colleen and trying to integrate it in a way that I felt comfortable speaking. I know speaking takes a while to get used to and I know it's not something that I've never been comfortable doing…There's lots of things that I've taken away from this." Summary Report: April 4-5, 2012 5

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