Indigenous Psychologists Return to Utah State for Annual Convention
The 32nd annual American Indian Psychologists & Psychology Graduate Student Convention was held in Cache Valley from June 21-25, 2019. Each year, individuals come together from across the United States for a week of fellowship, learning, and connection. The convention has been held in Cache Valley at Utah State University (USU) from its conception in 1987.
“The best part is to be able to come together as a community to build life-long relationships and share the work we are doing with our professional family,” said Dr. Melissa Tehee, Director of the American Indian Support Projection and co-coordinator of the convention.
Attendees are invited to a three-day retreat prior to the convention. Held in Garden City, Utah at the Bear Lake Training Center & Horse Camp, the retreat offers casual networking and opportunities to connect with participants from a variety of tribal affiliations and backgrounds.
“The retreat is a place where we are able to conceptualize psychology more holistically,” said Tehee. “We have time to refuel for the work still to come.”
After the retreat, convention attendees gathered at the USU Taggart Student Services center for a two-day convention on recent research on the treatment of Indigenous peoples. The convention is funded and supported through the Department of Psychology at USU and the Society of Indian Psychologists (SIP). SIP is an organization for Native American Indigenous people to advocate for the mental well-being of Native peoples by increasing the knowledge and awareness of issues impacting Native mental health. Attendees from all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome to attend and share ideas and information.
Learn more about the Society of Indian Psychologists at sipconvention.org. The 33rd Annual Convention will be held in 2020 from June 26-30.