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We featured this MBK Indigenous Education Program Spotlight in our .

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The My Brother’s Keeper Indigenous Education College and Career Fair was held on May 31, 2024. The event was sponsored by É«ÖÐɫ’s Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services and hosted by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

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125 Indigenous students from Akron CSD, Center Moriches UFSD, Gowanda CSD, LaFayette CSD, Lakeshore CSD, Massena CSD, Niagara Wheatfield CSD, Salamanca CSD, Salmon River CSD, Silver Creek CSD, and Southampton UFSD were in attendance. Also in attendance were project staff, chaperones, school board members, and É«ÖÐÉ« staff.

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Students were able to hear about college financial assistance for NYS Indigenous students from Clarissa Jacobs, Coordinator of the É«ÖÐÉ« Indigenous Education Unit. They also had tours of SUNY ESF and Syracuse University.ÌýDuring lunch, students were greeted by SUNY ESF President Joanie Mahoney and heard an inspirational and historical keynote address provided by Dr. Lori Quigley, recent past President of Medaille University. Students in grades 7-12 enjoyed the afternoon as they first heard from a panel of Indigenous college students about their experiences and then participated in the College and Career Fair where there were representatives from 30 NYS colleges and universities and a number of building trades. Students in grades 4-6 had a separate afternoon program that featured dancers and singers from the Onondaga nation followed by a STEM hands-on workshop.

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It was a full day as students and staff traveled from as far away as the most western parts of the State to Long Island. Nevertheless, all who participated thought the day was a powerful experience as students from at least nine NYS Indigenous tribes were able to come together to share culture, post-secondary educational opportunities, and a day filled with many positive memories.