2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellows Convene in Washington, DC

written by CNAY consultant Alyssa Mosley (Nanticoke Lenni Lenape)

Last week – from September 24-26, 2025 – the 2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellows convened in Washington, DC to close out their cohort’s programming. Together, they engaged in powerful learning, connection and reflection, rooted in sisterhood, healing and advocacy for those impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) epidemic.

Grounded in Tradition, United in Purpose

As with all our convenings, we began with a grounding. Gathered on the terrace of the Aspen Institute headquarters, surrounded by the beautiful views of Piscataway land, the Fellows were welcomed with cleansing and smudging by CNAY Program Coordinator Neely Bardwell. Everyone entered the room with good intentions and positive energy, setting the tone for the days to come.

Following our grounding, CNAY’s Executive Director Tracy Canard Goodluck led a roundtable discussion with two remarkable leaders who have throughout their careers worked towards solutions and awareness with the MMIP crisis: attorney/policy expert Heidi Todacheene (Navajo) and attorney/playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle (Cherokee). Heidi and Mary Kathryn spoke candidly about their paths, the challenges of working within systems of power and the importance of staying grounded in community. The Fellows listened, shared and asked enlightening questions, feeling encouraged to continue building on their work and to think expansively about the impact they could create across governments and generations.

After the discussion, the Fellows explored DC, enjoying lunch together with laughter, joy and the proud beauty of their ribbon skirts on full display. With full bellies and warm spirits, we returned to the office for a special meeting with U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS) (Ho-Chunk). She listened with excitement to each fellow’s work and offered words of encouragement. The meeting concluded with a powerful question posed by Fellow Carrie Johnson: “What do you need from us?” This question served as both a gesture of solidarity and a reminder of the power the Fellows hold to influence change.

After the meeting, the room buzzed with hope and joy—an energy rooted in the deep desire to bring justice to our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. What better way to transition into presenting the projects that Fellows have been working on for the past six months? Ranging from documentaries and art installations to advocacy campaigns and community events, these presentations were a reflection of true dedication, passion and the unique perspectives that each Fellow brings to her work.

A Journey to Piscataway Park

The next day, we traveled to Piscataway Park, which – while federally recognized as a National Park – is sacred to the Piscataway people and cared for by the Accokeek Foundation. We were greeted and toured by Piscataway citizen and artist Mario Harley and Accokeek Executive Director Anjela Barnes. 

Walking out onto a wooden pier, we gazed across the water to Mt. Vernon – emblematic of the Piscataway’s people’s resilience amidst the colonizers who sought to erase them. Mario highlighted these stories of resilience when sharing how his ancestors lived—and continue to live—in harmony with the land and wildlife along the Potomac River, sustaining themselves through a deep connection to the fish and natural environment. As we admired the river’s beauty, we were greeted by a bald eagle soaring above. Our tour continued through a historic tenant house and into a vibrant garden filled with labeled vegetables ready to be harvested. 

The experience culminated in a cattail basket-making workshop, led by Mario. In community, Mario pairs elders with youth to teach the craft—highlighting the value of intergenerational learning and teamwork. Each CNAY staff member was paired with a fellow to complete a functional basket. Woven into each basket were family stories, laughter, determination and new ideas for the future. 

Closing in Ceremony

Just as we began, we ended with a grounding. It was an honor to witness the sisterhood that blossomed during this convening. The memories created here will live on in the work and achievements of each Fellow as they carry forward in Indian Country.

Thank you to Mario Harley, Anjela Barnes, Mary Kathryn Nagle, Heidi Todacheene, JoAnn Kintz, Representative Sharice Davids and Connie Tsosie de Haro for making this convening so meaningful. We are grateful for your time, support, and the knowledge you shared with us.

This convening served as a powerful reminder of why this fellowship exists: to advocate for our relatives, uplift Indigenous voices and care for one another.