Pac Rim 2009 Info
Noted Speakers: Joseph Ray
Polly Arango | Fernando Cruz | Frank De Lima | Frank DeRuyter | Katharina Heyer | Cinda and Linea Johnson | David Johnson | Robert Mcruer | Leolinda Parlin | Tanya and Michelle Ponich | Joseph Ray | Suzanne Robinson | Loretta Ross | Dr. Neil Scott | Howard C. Shane | Charlotte Smith | Bethany Stevens | Damon Terzaghi | Amy Wilson
Monday May 4th, 2009: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM in Room 308B,
on topic of New Voices: Independent Living and Indigenous/ Native Issues
“Native American Independent Living Initiative”
This presentation will focus on the ongoing efforts by Native American Independent Living,(NAIL), to bring the core IL services to ten pueblos in New Mexico. Through Leadership Development, Legislative Advocacy, Outreach to Tribal Leaders, we are being recognized like never before! NAIL is the catalyst to bring the parties together, and to facilitate a discussion. As we grow, we see the suffering of others , are brothers ,and sisters, and all the people who are denied access, full inclusion. We began the project called the Native American Independent Living Initiative, to bring the needs, the loss of dignity, and self esteem into the light. We call ourselves “Native Americans”, only because that is the current fad. We are the people of the land, the people of many journeys, and long migrations, came to this land called New Mexico, thousands of years ago! This is our home among the rocks, and desert, mesas, and mountains, blue skies, the flora, and the fauna. We love this land! People with disabilities love this land , and we will stay part of it!
Biography: Joseph Ray
Joseph Ray has been an advocate for Disability rights for twenty years. He is of Zuni descent and is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, Village of Paraje, New Mexico. He is the Founder, Executive Director and Board President of Native American Independent Living and serves on the Board of Directors at the Pueblo of Laguna Housing Authority. He has been a systems change advocate for disability for twenty-two New Mexico tribes and is very active in outdoor, and wheelchair sports and recreation. He attended the University of New Mexico.
Joseph Ray, Native American disability rights advocate, believes that the Native American people with disabilities will lead the way for change. Because they have suffered so much, due to lack of services and a lack of understanding that is prevalent in the systems that serve them, leaders will emerge. The time for leadership is now.
