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Native Americans in Illinois - Attend Virtually

Menominee Indian Tribe member Pamala Silas explores public perceptions and misconceptions, demographic data, and issues prioritized by the community, and opportunities to engage. Signup required.

Vibrant, Resilient, Still Here: Contemporary Native Americans in Illinois

Learn about the lives of contemporary Native Americans in Illinois in this exciting presentation. Pamala Silas, a member of Menominee Indian Tribe and an Oneida descendant, will explore issues about how the public learns about and sees Native Americans and some of the misconceptions, demographic data, and topical issues that the community has prioritized. Together we will discuss provoking questions in smaller groups and end in an informal circle, similar to a talking circle, to connect some of the themes with participants own family and community experiences.

Speaker Bio:  Pamala M. Silas, CAE 
Over the past 30 years, Pam has been a recognized Native American leader.  She has successfully led regional and national Native American and other non-profit organizations. She currently serves as Associate Director, outreach, and engagement for Northwestern University, Center for Native American and Indigenous Research. Pam has a BS, Economics from DePaul University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).  She is an enrolled member of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin and descendant of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin.

Pam has provided executive management and consulting services with groups throughout the U.S. She has served as Executive Director for the National American Indian Housing Council and Native American Journalists Association.  Prior to forming her own Association Management & Consulting Company, Pam served 8 years as CEO of American Indian Science & Engineering Society’s national operation in New Mexico and AISES Publishing Inc./Winds of Change Magazine.  In Chicago, she served as Executive Director for Metropolitan Tenants Organization, leading housing campaigns and aggressive direct organizing efforts with low-income tenants. In 2020, Pam was appointed by Governor Pritzker to serve on the first ever Statewide Native focused council, Illinois, Native American Employment Plan Advisory Council.  She is an active member of the Chicago urban Native American community and continues to serve in various leadership roles in the nonprofit sector Nationally. 

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