Historically around the world, indigenous communities have been disrupted and family members separated by the dominant populations of European origin. The effects of this history persist. The situation of Native Americans in the United States is illustrative. As a result, the conference theme assumes particular poignancy and importance in Native communities, where the re-development of community itself is often at issue and the inclusion of people of Native heritage in the communities at large is also a challenge. With consideration for indigenous cultural values, these issues will be examined with particular but not exclusive focus on the inclusion of children and families in Native populations in North America — American Indian,Inuit, and Native Hawaiian.

The one-day pre-conference will enable participating students to receive an overview of perspectives to be presented in the main conference, explore in some depth the application of the symposium theme to indigenous populations, and meet other students with similar interests from multiple countries, universities, and disciplines. Background readings will be distributed in advance.

At the end of the day, there will be a cookout, where students will be joined by board members of the sponsoring organizations and by some of the plenary speakers. Students will have opportunities for informal discussions and mentoring and, of course, relaxation and good food.

Symposium Scholarships The pre-conference is open to graduate and professional students enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs or recognized post-doctoral internships or residency programs. Any student paying the symposium registration fee is eligible to participate in the pre-conference. We welcome students from universities and internship and residency programs in all countries. Students from abroad should contact their home institution or U.S. immigration authorities in regard to visa questions related to attendance at the symposium.

The American Orthopsychiatric Association will provide Symposium Scholarships to 10 students who have been competitively selected. To apply, each
student should submit a letter of application, a résumé, and a letter of recommendation by the student’s major professor or graduate or internship/residency program director. Applications should be sent via E-mail or FAX to Dr. Bonnie Holaday (mail to: holaday@clemson.edu; FAX 1 864 656 6281). Letters of application must be received by January 11, 2010. Applicants will be informed of the results within a week thereafter. Letters of application should include: (a) personal information (i.e., name, mailing address, phone numbers, and E-mail address); (b) educational history,
including current institution and program of enrollment; (c) research experience and publications; (d) work experience, including practica, internships, and residencies; (e) career plans; (f) interest in the symposium theme; (g) interest in the pre-symposium; (h) the title of any paper or poster submitted for presentation at the symposium. Applicants are encouraged but not required to submit papers or posters for presentation. The scholarships will cover the symposium registration fee and the benefits (including some meals) that registration provides (see p. 3), four nights of shared lodging (double occupancy), and the pre-conference expenses. Students will be responsible for their own transportation. It is expected that under ordinary circumstances the student’s home institution will reimburse transportation expenses as match for the contribution from the American Orthopsychiatric Association.

Graduate Course Credit Qualified students may receive 3 credits from Clemson University for independent study in Family and Community Studies by participating in the presymposium and completion of related reading and writing assignments under supervision of a CU-IFNL faculty member. Enrollment as a non-degree student and payment of the requisite tuition are required. If interested, contact Dr. Gary Melton (gmelton@clemson.edu).

CU-IFNL offers unique interdisciplinary PhD and certificate programs in International Family and Community Studies. For information, see www.clemson.edu/ifnl, and click on “Graduate Studies.”