DURANGO, Colo. — Tribal leaders, student representatives and campus partners met to discuss efforts related to student success, reconciliation and shared priorities during the third annual Tribal Leaders’ Convening hosted by Fort Lewis College.
The gathering, held at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ on Friday Oct. 3, opened with breakfast and a blessing, setting a tone of both seriousness and familiarity as leaders greeted each other as old friends while also welcoming new voices.
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ President Heather Shotton offered a land acknowledgment and remarks on federal budget cuts before updating leaders on efforts to protect and strengthen Native-serving programs. 
"These conversations are about shared responsibility, the understanding that Fort Lewis College and our Tribal nations carry this work together," Shotton said. "We share a responsibility to our students, to truth and reconciliation, and to the generations who will follow. That’s what it means to build a future together."
Tribal leaders in attendance included Jemez Pueblo 2nd Lt. Gov. Matthew Gachupin Jr. and Tenisha Gachupin; Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker and the Tribal Council; and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Chairman Manuel Heart.
During the event, several student leaders had the opportunity to introduce themselves, underscoring the importance of students in shaping the college's future. Each participant introduced themselves in their Native language, including Associated Students of Fort Lewis College President Asa Worthington, who noted the significance of the convening.
“It’s an honor to be here and to share in this moment with all of you,” Worthington said.
Program highlights included updates on
• Village Aid Project Solar Initiative update by Laurie Williams, professor of physics and engineering
• Native American Center update by Larenz Esplain, assistant director
• Reconciliation update by Rosalinda Linares-Gray, director of reconciliation
• Strategic plan update by Kendra Gallegos-Reichle, interim vice president of diversity affairs
Following the presentations, leaders engaged in a roundtable discussion.
In a special moment, Shotton presented Chairman Heart with a Pendleton blanket in recognition of his service and in honor of his final convening as tribal chairman. Heart, who has served since 1994, is stepping down after more than 30 years of leadership.
The convening is part of a larger effort by ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ to strengthen tribal partnerships. In recent months, Shotton has met with additional leaders across the region to ensure sustained dialogue and collaboration beyond the annual gathering.