Psychologists in Indian Country

Psychologists in Indian Country is in the process of an overhaul of the Section. After some administrative issues and a review of existing by-laws, the Section discovered it was without a Chair for the 2010 year. The search for a new Chair is an active and ongoing process; no firm candidates have yet to be determined. The Section is now reviewing whether to basically wait until the next election cycle for Section/Division officers, which occurs in March 2011. The new Chair for the Psychologists in Indian Country Section would be elected in March, and would likely start their term then, but extending through August 2011, until August 2012. Many members of the Section have contributed to this discussion and the Section is confident, a new Chair will be identified. A call will go out via the Section and Division listserv sometime in February, but if anyone is interested in the Chair position, please feel free to contact myself now.

As part of this overhaul, the Section is pleased to announce the appointment of the first Student Representative to the Section. Sarah Bourland, a Native American student at Oklahoma State University, has agreed to take this role. This new position will run through August 2012. Ms. Bourland’s role will be to connect with other Native American psychology students and to expand student representation in the Section, while also assisting to promote the role of all Native American psychologists. Sarah’s taking of this position is a testament to the growth and potential of the Section.

There are many activities Section members have been involved in, ranging from presentations at APA, to research on treatment efforts for Native American populations, to the development of training presentations; plus the work of many in direct service. The Section is active and will continue to grow.

If anyone has any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact me.