Women unite at Native American Women’s conference

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

“Women embracing women,” the Native American Women’s Conference (NAWC) was held on Nov. 8, at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. This is the conference’s fourth year.

Katreena Hayes-Wood, co-chairperson of NAWC discussed how the conference came together. “Let’s bring women together and give them a platform of joy,” said Hayes-Wood, hoping that women come away with “good vibes and information.”

Lt. Gov. Robert Stone a prayer during the lunch session.

The all-day event is intended to give women a space where they can come together. This year’s attendance reached 200, which only seems to be growing compared to last year. “We anticipate around 300 next year,” said Hayes-Woods, as the conference includes breakout sessions, exercise, lunch, shopping and even a fashion show. Local artists and informational booths were onsite as well. 

Panelists for the conference included Gila River Indian Community, Salt River Pima-Maricopa and Tohono O’odham. Some of the topics covered self-defense, workplace bullying, surviving abuse, culture, work and life balance, nutrition and more. “We make sure a lot of the things we highlight can be oriented toward their career or health and wellness,” said Hayes-Wood.