2024 National Tribal TANF Institute Celebrates the Rich Diversity of Native Communities
Over 200 attendees from nearly 50 tribes explored ways to honor traditional values while looking ahead at the future of native communities.
From July 15-18, 2024, UC Davis Human Services hosted its 19th annual National Tribal TANF Institute, welcoming over 200 Tribal TANF representatives from case managers, administrators, supervisors, managers, executive directors and elders to share knowledge and celebrate their diverse cultures. The event brought together 203 participants from 47 different tribes across 12 states, as well as Canada, Guam, Mexico and Samoa. In addition to gaining culturally appropriate professional development skills, participants had the opportunity to collaborate with different tribal communities and learn about different cultures.
Preserving Culture and Promoting Growth
The theme of this year’s event, Forever Native: Preserving Our Culture for the Next Generation, highlighted the value in both tradition and innovation. Our speakers and workshops emphasized the importance of honoring tribal traditions while also embracing new practices to make native communities stronger for coming generations.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive all the knowledge and skills presented by the facilitators! Thank you."
- Christine Moliere, Shingle Springs Tribal TANF Program
The institute featured nearly 30 workshops that explored a range of topics including generational diversity, burnout, cultural humility and food sovereignty. Participants also enjoyed a panel discussion about collaboration between Tribal TANF organizations, a campus scavenger hunt and a wellness activity. Several participants expressed their appreciation for the networking opportunities provided by the event, which encouraged them to share ideas and learn new practices from each other.
From Leadership Insights to Cultural Exchange
The event opened with an opening keynote address from Dr. Crystal Martinez-Alire, enrolled member of Ione Band of Miwok and former chairwoman of the tribe, entitled Stronger Families through Transformative Leadership and Career Readiness for Tribal TANF Participants. She explored leadership strategies that serve TANF participants and shared some inspirational success stories from her many years working in education. "I appreciated Dr. Martinez’s passion she let shine through during her presentation,” said one participant. “It was very encouraging."
The event also had a special appearance from UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May, who gave a heartfelt welcome address, Embracing Culture and Innovation for Vibrant Communities. He discussed the importance of cultural diversity to the success of innovative thinking, and spoke on the programs, opportunities and resources that the UC Davis Native American Studies department and the Native American Academic Student Success Center have to offer.
Another highlight of the event was the Cultural Exchange night, where participants exchanged cultural traditions and values such as crafts, stories, songs, dances, beadwork, food and other creative expressions. Pictures of the event can be found in the photo gallery here or to the right.
The event closed with a keynote address by UC Davis Human Services instructor Tiffany Salcido, who guided participants through a creative demonstration symbolizing the interconnectedness of the community, and a closing prayer by Matt Franklin, a Tribal TANF leader of Miwok Nisenan descent.
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, Human Services extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together from around the world to create a shared understanding and a united purpose at the 2024 National Tribal TANF Institute.