Conference scheduled July 31 – August 2
The Association for Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) will hold its annual conference at La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in Monument, Colo., beginning Friday, July 31.
Conference registration is now open at https://nastap.org/. The registration fee is $90 until May 15 when it increases to $150. Fees for registered tribal members are waived, but registration is required so that plans can be made for meals and occupancy.
NASTaP’s president, Dr. James Jefferson, walked on to the Spirit World last July and his life was celebrated by attendees at last year’s conference at the Ute Mountain Casino. “The conference is an opportunity for the tribes and people to come together and work toward our common benefit and interests,” he said at the time. With a doctorate in education from Arizona State University, Dr. Jefferson planned the conference in great detail. At La Foret, the Grandfather Tree has been dedicated to him with a bronze plaque.
Presenters at the conference will include Farley Ketchum, biologist, and Donald Whyte, retired National Park Service director, both members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Additional presenters have been invited from the Southern and Northern Ute tribes. We have also invited members of the Comanche Tribe to tell about the campaign and book devoted to preserving Indian Marker Trees in Texas.
A special rate of $70 per night has been arranged for lodging in cabins at the center. Meals will be offered in the dining hall for $64, including three meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast. On Friday, a potluck barbecue, fireside storytelling and music will be free for all attendees.
Indicate your lodging and meals preferences while registering. There is limited cabin space, which may not be available after May 27.
NASTaP’s mission is to inspire discovery, acknowledgment and conservation of Native American sacred places and culturally modified trees. We envision widespread respect, understanding and appreciation of Native American sacred trees and places.
Our purpose embraces:
- Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs).
- Modified stones, stacked rocks, rock art and rock writing.
- Ceremonial landmarks and landscapes.
- Native American natural science and western science.
- Stewardship of the earth, land, water and sky.
We value:
- Cultural appreciation
- Experiential learning
- Multidisciplinary research
- Inclusivity
- Mentorship
- Stewardship
There are more ways to participate by sponsoring a tribal elder or youth to come to the conference, donating school supplies to be distributed at the reservations and underwriting our presenters’ expenses and honoraria.
For more information, please contact Lee Recca, volunteer coordinator, at 303-834-0320 or lee.recca@gmail.com.