Fluttering through Spring at WCA

Somehow, it’s spring again, and the team at WCA is swinging into high gear to greet the arrival of the year’s first conference season, prepare for summertime programming, and even welcome a new core team member! 

Attending the Michigan Native American Critical Issues Conference

In early March, Brenda, Zoe, and Monica attended the Michigan Indian Education Council (MIEC)’s annual Native American Critical Issues Conference. This gathering is an opportunity for teachers, policy makers, and leaders in tribal education departments to learn about issues impacting Anishinaabe people and tribes in Michigan. It includes programming for professionals and youth. This year’s theme was Ogimaawiwin, “Fostering Intergenerational Leadership through Creative Expression.”  We updated MIEC’s website with a digital agenda and the registration portal; supported the associated fundraising campaign; designed the program booklet; and drove the event branding. When all the work was done, it was an absolute joy to witness the impact of MIEC’s work: rich conversation about critical topics, learning in community, and intergenerational relationship building, all while celebrating the legacy and future of Anishinaabe arts and creativity.  

Pre-Law Summer Institute Application Launch

We’re celebrating another annual milestone with our long-time client, the American Indian Law Center (AILC). Each year, AILC hosts the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI), and we are responsible for standing up their application portal. From its inception in 1967 until 2023, prospective participants submitted paper applications to this competitive program. This year, we made minor adjustments to ease the user experience. We also created social media and newsletter graphics for AILC to spread the word about PLSI’s key application deadlines and required documents. PLSI serves as a launchpad for aspiring Native American and Alaska Native legal professionals, preparing them for the rigors of law school. We always celebrate the launch of an application that supports accessibility and increases the visibility of such an important program.

Indigenous History in Michigan’s Spring Gathering

Monica, Zoe, and Brenda also attended a spring gathering hosted by Indigenous History in Michigan. This organization is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Education’s Indigenous Education Initiative (IEI) and the Confederation of Michigan Tribal Education Departments (CMTED), and works to design, implement, and evaluate learning experiences and curricular materials that infuse Indigenous history and contemporary contributions into K-12 public school narratives. The April gathering brought together over 50 educators, policymakers, and tribal leaders to present and further discuss the implementation of curricula and practices that support the greater mission. We managed registration and print orders for this highly impactful event.

Two Clients, One Event: AILC and TICA Host their Spring Reception

In late April, AILC and the Tribal In-House Counsel Association (TICA) convened at “Fed Bar,” the annual Indian Law Conference hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the conference’s 50th anniversary, and AILC and TICA hosted their annual spring reception, which strengthens connections among their members, alumni, and the greater Indian law community.  

Our Web of Talent Has Grown

We are especially excited to share that our team has included some new faces in the past few months. Drew DeMotta joined us as a contracted bookkeeper. Kelly Watson and Frank Lepkowski signed on as data specialist contractors, and we’ve been totally wowed by their work in brainstorming, mapping, and early implementation of websites and CRM systems for our clients. Tia Beliso and Jamie Torres of The Wonder Brew have been indispensable in our project management system transition. Huge thanks to all of these top-shelf professionals for being a part of our ongoing evolution!

Keep an eye on our blog for more seasonal updates from WCA.