Welcome Remarks from Professor Kurt Jordan, AIISP Director
Welcome to the Cornell University American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program’s 2020 Awards and Recognition website. I am Kurt Jordan, Associate Professor and director of the program.
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ (the Cayuga Nation). The Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’, past and present, are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a historic presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University, New York State, and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ dispossession, and honor their ongoing connection to these lands and waters.
As many of you know, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program typically holds an event in early May to honor graduating students and other noteworthy achievements, and to present several awards for service to the Program and community. We usually use this opportunity to physically draw the community together to eat and celebrate. But 2020 is obviously not a normal year!
Despite the restrictions that the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements have placed on our ability to convene, we at AIISP are committed to honoring those members of our community who deserve recognition. With that in mind, we have developed a website to celebrate graduating Indigenous students (both undergraduate and graduate), AIIS minors, program award recipients, student organization and Akwe:kon award winners, and recognitions for service by faculty, staff and student employees.
We hope that this resource will be a durable reminder of your accomplishments at Cornell. We offer it to you with gratitude.
Nyá:węh, miigwetch, thank you.
Awards and Recognition
