SIP Executive Council Meeting Minutes, 2021 May 21

Society of Indian Psychologists Executive Council Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2021
A conference call for the Society of Indian Psychologists Executive Council meeting was held on Friday, 
May 21, 2021. The meeting convened at approximately 3:03 pm (CST). 
Members in attendance: Iva GreyWolf, BJ Boyd, Gayle Morse, Jill Fish, Melissa Tehee, John Peregoy, 
Carolyn Morris, Dan Foster, Becky Foster, Melinda Garcia, Erica Ficklin, Denise Newman, Joanna 
Shadlow, Alberta Arviso, and Royleen Ross
*Opening prayer conducted by John Peregoy
*Update by Melinda Garcia
o
Her APA Div 35, Sec 6 presidency ending; Teresa LaFromboise coming in
o
Announced symposium at APA on decolonizing therapy (Amanda Young, Micah Prairie Chicken, 
Emily Sargent); seeking interactive way to present
o
Special issue of Women & Therapy Journal; trying to organize a writing retreat in person and 
identified a foundation for financial support; proposed 07.2022/5 days &4 nights
o
Working with Div 35; race issues are not just black & white; uphill slog
o
Denise inquired about membership and loss of members, reapplication every year; Lose people 
periodically for renewal and has been an issue for several years; section small (~30); APA is no 
longer going to serve the sections; figure out how to go forward
*Elder Council – Bylaws committee
o
Becky Foster reported they addressed the Good Relative issue; they provided a historical 
context to Gene Hightower who related he appreciated the group; the Committee is going to 
put on hold, take some time to address the issue, and pose to the larger elder’s council for 
consideration; the matter will not be sent out to SIP membership.  The Committee proposed to 
work on it through the year and will address it next year after gathering perspectives from 
everyone.  The Committee needs to take a look at the bylaws and adjust to reflect a more 
traditional cultural core indicating that sets us apart from other groups.  The present bylaws 
were put together because of non-profit status; Elder Committee will advise how things will be 
directed in the future.  The process will start with the elders, then to the EC, then to 
membership.
o
Carolyn Morris related that in spirit, it is a good idea but does not need to be a pledge. The 
pledge was already happening in Native American communities.  The concepts and ideas need 
to be teased apart and not step on toes. It was a reminder to all of us why SIP was established 
and focusing on the problems and issues community members are facing; the was a disconnect 
between academia and those in the field; there is a need to bring these together, as there is a 
lack of mental health providers and interventions in community.  Carolyn said she is a traditional
Native, comes from the community, speaks her language, knows the culture based in respect for
each other.
o
Dan Foster supported the work the Good Relative group did as aspirational.  He did not support 
it as a directive; there are too many different nations and perspectives. He indicated SIP needs 
to modify the bylaws to protect plurality and not majority rules.  The consensus is we all pull 
together, conceding to the elder’s decision, protect the voice of those of the voiceless. He 
discussed ICWA cases and struggles, Lakota people came together to articulate a cultural 
perspective of healing in contemporary times, that EBPs must be established for own 
communities, and inadequacies of tribes in MT, SD, ND, WY
o
Questions and issues were addressed

Iva asked about decolonizing bylaws; pledge and mediators

Convention – names being suggested/ mediator or listener?

Becky was opposed to having it as a directive and formal; topic is distressing; 
suggestion for Gene’s group to identify a mediator for people to talk to and set 
aside space

Carolyn indicated we are all learners and at times we may not get voices heard, 
it’s not intentional. She suggested to have individuals talk to the person that 
rubbed them the wrong way; talk to people to clarify; sit down and discuss it

Dan affirmed the pledge was agreed as aspirational; we have compassion, 
healing, among ourselves.  He suggested a safe room and provided an example 
of Ft. Belknap managing things within the community and meeting the need 
ourselves. He also celebrated a event where people were talking in Indian and 
whatever happens at SIP, the future is secured because of adversity; 
decolonizing

Gayle confronted Carolyn’s position about academia.  She indicated it was a 
“false dichotomy,” academia versus in the trenches; division hurts people

Carolyn asked, “What are we going to do about our community members?” 
Suggested meeting in middle ground; not participate in APA by choice; work 
together

Becky indicated the Elder’s Council should be brought back together; send a 
letter out to elders to come back to SIP; strike balance and not exclusion.  She 
emphasized having balance again with input, as it’s a model for youth
*Gayle Morse – election; “Vote!”
*Iva GreyWolf– updates on members and groups
o
Congrats to Erica on webinar with other EMPAs
o
Melissa got tenure
o
Dan’s theology pursuit
o
Proud of group as issues have not been brushed under rug; during retreat – conflict resolution
o
SIP is similar to other EMPAs in issues, we share a lot of the same struggles and we’re facing it
o
Announcement for APA webinar for EMPA presidents; discussions on challenges and how we 
stand in solidarity
*Melissa Tehee - Convention
o
Modeled after a tribal opioid convention, suggested could have a “process room” on Zoom 
(things look a little different) and a break out room “hallway” could be established.  It does not 
have to be formal and if the topic is triggering, ask if there’s a volunteer for processing
o
It should be left up to presenter if they feel a person needs it.  The responsibility should not be 
left to one person
o
Discussion on organization of room: 

Dan suggested “buddy up”

Denise – how would we know? Two open windows at the same time; take what 
we know spatially; reach out & support & care for each other; social connection 
piece

BJ inquired about people being routinely triggered by presentations at SIP

Iva indicated it was more about people being offended, feelings of not being 
heard or ignored; interpersonal thing
o
Programming will be broken down into:

Day 1: research & methodologies, leadership, business meeting

Day 2 related to Native students; info taken into practice

CE investment options for Day 1, Day 2, or both

Webinar format, panels, and ability to interact; helps to eliminate Zoom fatigue;
lunch discussions – open room based vs. all presentations; capability of lower 
technology; 
o
Carolyn suggested presenters provide their phone numbers on presentations so they can make 
personal contact
o
John indicated he elected not to conduct his portion over Zoom this year and preferred keynote 
in person; recording presentations – ask speakers for permission; people feel supported in 
learning experience; Gayle invited him for next year’s convention
o
Joanna – for CEs, must be live and not recorded; retreat & conference schedule
Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:04 pm (ESDT).