About AIANEA

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AIANEA

• American Indian
• Alaska Native
• Employees
• Association
• For NRCS

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AIANEA LOGO MEANING

• The symbol represents the interconnectedness of
  Mother Earth and the relationship of all of the
  living things.
• The wheel signifies the stages of life.
• The feathers show respect for Mother Earth,
  Father Sky, and all of the sacred directions.

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AIANEA LOGO MEANING (cont.d)

• RED represents East, where the morning sun rises.
  To the east are the plants of the Earth.
• YELLOW represents South, the direction of warmth
  and energy. Here are the four-legged that dwell
  on Mother Earth.

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AIANEA LOGO MEANING (cont.d)

• BLACK represents West, where the winds bring the
  water spirits to cleanse and purify the Earth. In
  the West are the ones with fins.
• WHITE represents North, the direction of rest,
  regeneration, and wisdom. Here are the ones with
  wings, our messengers that soar above the Earth.

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PURPOSE OF AIANEA

• To strengthen the NRCS mission by fostering the
  recruitment, retention, professional development,
  and career advancement of American Indians and
  Alaska Natives within NRCS and other federal
  agencies
• To provide training opportunities to improve NRCS
  services and outreach to American Indians and
  Alaska Natives and to promote higher educational
  opportunities by sponsoring a sustaining
  scholarship program

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PURPOSE OF AIANEA (cont.d)

• Advocate for service to reservations and Indian
  Lands, and for the meeting of trust
  responsibilities
• Increase the recognition of American Indians and
  Alaska Natives as a viable part of NRCS workforce
• Promote a greater sense of pride, professionalism
  and unity among American Indian and Alaska Native
  employees
• Increase awareness of American Indian and Alaska
  Native cultures to the leadership of the NRCS,
  other federal agencies, and fellow employees

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PURPOSE OF AIANEA (cont.d)

• Develop a network that fosters a productive
  working relationship between NRCS and Advisors at
  colleges and universities and other American
  Indian and Alaska Native organizations which will
  enhance recruitment of American Indians and
  Alaska Natives into NRCS
• Serve as a liaison between NRCS and the American
  Indian and Alaska Native community and tribal
  units in promoting the conservation of natural
  resources

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KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF AIANEA

• NATIONAL COUNCIL
• ELDERS
• MEMBERS
• VISION

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NATIONAL COUNCIL

• Composed of these offices
• President Secretary
• 1st Vice President Treasurer
• 2nd Vice President
• With representatives from these regions
• West South Central
• Midwest Southeast
• Northern Plains East

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ELDERS - FOUNDATION OF AIANEA

• Leland Debe, MN
• Louie Dick, OR
• Ted Herrera, TX
• Joseph Joe Joaquin, AZ
• Norman Lopez, CO
• Marie Meade, AK
• Loretta V. Metoxen, WI
• James "Billy Smith, AL
• Jerry Wolfe, NC

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MEMBERS

• Career Development Breakout Session-2009

• Members Round Dance

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Seven Generations Vision

• Build on AIANEA strengths
• Set goals based on priorities
• Develop Action Plan
• Measure accomplishments

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3 Visioning Committees

• Relationships among AIANEA, NRCS and Tribes
• Elder Involvement and Knowledge Sharing
• Leadership, Growth and Membership

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NRCS best management practices may utilize
traditional ecological knowledge
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Elders are resources of traditional, cultural
and conservation knowledge and wisdom
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AIANEA develops its members through leadership
training
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Why Join AIANEA?

• For career development and leadership
  opportunities
• Program and technical training
• Network with other NRCS employees working with
  native people
• Cultural enrichment
• For all NRCS employees, not only American Indians
  and Alaska Natives

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AIANEA MOTTO

• RESPECT, HARMONY AND BEAUTY

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Be part of the AIANEA Family

• Visit our website www.aianea.org