Diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of CANVAS 2024 opening ceremony

For the first time, in November, the Societies opened an annual meeting (now known as CANVAS) by acknowledging that the land, its resources, and its communities had laid the foundation for the connections we shared in San Antonio, TX. Recognizing the history of this land and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have called it home for centuries set a meaningful tone for the CANVAS meeting. At the core of our Societies’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is the understanding that progress begins with respect for the land, its history, and the cultures that continue to shape it today.

At the opening ceremony, the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AIT-SCM), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the culture of Native American tribes in the region, delivered a powerful land acknowledgment statement and cultural performance that highlighted the beauty and resilience of local Indigenous arts and the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.

We move forward with a deeper sense of responsibility to honor and respect these roots as we engaged in meaningful discussions and worked together to shape the future of our Societies.

Support the work of AIT-SCM through donations at https://aitscm.org/.