Rooted in the Mountains

Save the date Graphic for Rooted in the Mountians

This Year's Topic: Hope as we Focus on Environment and Health

Save the Date for Rooted in the Mountains 2026

- Thursday, September 24th & Friday, September 25th

 

Portrait photograph of Dr. Kyle Whyte
Meet Our Keynote Speaker - Dr. Kyle Whyte

Kyle is a professor at the University of Michigan whose work focuses on environmental justice, climate change, and Indigenous knowledge, with appointments across environmental studies, diversity initiatives, philosophy, and Native American Studies. An enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, he teaches and leads major interdisciplinary programs and research centers addressing climate justice, conservation, and equitable relationships between Indigenous communities and scientific institutions.

He is widely published and has served on prominent national and international scientific and policy bodies including IPBES, the National Academy of Sciences, and U.S. federal advisory councils, and has contributed to major climate and environmental assessments. His work is supported by extensive public and philanthropic funding, grounded in long term partnerships with Indigenous organizations worldwide, and recognized through numerous teaching, research, and community engagement awards, as well as hundreds of invited lectures and visiting professorships globally.

Tentative Schedule:

Day 1 (September 24): 

8:30-9:00 鈥� Check-In

9:00-9:30 鈥� Rooted in the Mountains Video, Welcome and Announcements 
- Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, Provost Richard Starnes, Dr. Lisa Lefler (Culturally-Based Native Health, WCU), Dr. Mae Claxton (English Professor, WCU) 

9:30-10:30 鈥� Introduction of Theme: HOPE 
- Cherokee Elders Dr. Tom Belt (Cherokee Nation), Mary Thompson, Chair of the EarthKeepers (EBCI)

10:30-10:45 鈥� Break  

10:45-12:00 鈥� Keynote: Dr. Kyle Whyte (Potawatomi; George Willis Pack Professor, University of Michigan)

12:00-1:00 鈥�&苍产蝉辫;尝耻苍肠丑 

1:00-2:00 鈥� Panel 1: EarthKeepers 鈥淗ope鈥� in action 
- Moderator: Tommy Cabe (EBCI) 

2:00-3:00 鈥� Panel 2: Integrated Health Systems of EBCI 
- Casey Cooper (EBCI; CEO, Cherokee Indian Hospital) & Dr. Frieda Saylor (EBCI; Director, Behavioral Health) 
- Moderator: Vickie Bradley (EBCI) 

3:00-3:15 鈥� Break  

3:15-4:15 鈥� Panel 3: Health/Wellbeing 
- Yolanda Saunooke (EBCI), Mothertown reps, Out of Darkness rep 

4:15-4:30 鈥� Closing 

4:30-6:00 鈥� Dinner on your own 

6:00 鈥� Film and Discussion 
- Laura Waters 

 

Day 2 (September 25):

8:30-9:00 鈥� Check-In

9:00-9:30 鈥� Welcome and Introductions 
- Dr. Lisa Lefler (Culturally-Based Native Health, WCU), Dr. Lori Anderson (Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences, WCU), Peter Koch (Interim Director, WCU Mountain Heritage Center) 
- Honoring of elder Mary Thompson (EBCI) 

9:30-10:30 鈥� TBA

10:30-10:45 鈥� Break  

10:45-11:45 鈥� Panel 4: Teaching Intergenerational Stewardship 
- Katie Tiger (Choctaw) & Yolanda Saunooke (EBCI) 

11:45-1:00 鈥� Lunch (on your own)

1:00-2:00 鈥� Hope of Upcoming Generations Judaculla鈥檚 Kids 
- Katie Tiger (Choctaw; Program Director, Center for Native Health) & Malia Crowe-Skulski (EBCI) 

2:00-3:00 鈥� Panel 5: Hope of Upcoming Generations: Daughters of NIAWA and the Longperson Resolution 

3:00-3:15 鈥� Break  

3:15-4:00 鈥� Closing: Reflection on Theme  
- Dr. Trey Adcock (Cherokee Nation; Executive Director, Center for Native Health), Bonnie Claxton Adcock (Chickasaw Nation; Executive Director, Center for Native Health), Dr. Lisa Lefler (Culturally-Based Native Health, WCU)