The Lumbee Tribe hosts 2010 Mid-Year CANAR Conference
(May 2010) The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Program hosted the Mid-Year Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation, Inc. (CANAR) Conference at the Hilton in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from Monday, May 24, 2010 until Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
“I am honored that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina was chosen, for the very first time, to serve as the host for this year’s conference,” stated Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. CANAR stems from a long line of history, beginning with the Rehabilitation Act Amendment of 1992. From this a strategic plan was born call the Rehabilitation Cultural Diversity Initiative (RCDI) but because State VR services and administrative plans often conflicted with tribal norms, resulting in a high rate of unsuccessful rates in closures among American Indians; CANAR was established in 1993.
Attendees of the conference were able to participate in over 20 workshops ranging from “Placing Vocational Rehabilitation Associates in a Recovering Economy” and “Getting the Most Out of Your Tribal Resources” to “Services for Native American Veteran” and “All Wounds are not Visible”. “I’m just so excited, this has been a real success,” commented Lumbee Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program Director Celeste Hunt. “Everyone has been able to come together and feed off of one another; identifying opportunities and celebrating successes.”
According to Treva Roanhorse the president of CANAR, it serves as the official voice of Native American rehabilitation programs, which provide vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities who reside on or near Federal or State reservations. CANAR helps to its consumers to prepare for and engage in gainful employment, including self-employment, telecommuting and business ownership.
The conference closed out with a banquet and reception where Lumbee Tribe Youth Services Coordinator John Oxendine gave a cultural enrichment presentation on the Lumbee people, traditions and dance origins. The presentation was accompanied by all four Miss Lumbee Ambassadors giving their words of inspiration and encouragement through entertainment. For more information on the Lumbee Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation Program please call 910-521-4220.
Conference Videos
Interview by Kendra Chavis,Public Affairs of Tribal Chairman Mr. Purnell Swett(below)
