Participating Leaders

Roberta (Bobbie) Conner, Cayuse

Bobbie Conner was raised in Cayuse Country and spent most of her formative years on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. A descendant of the peoples of the Columbia River drainage area, Conner identifies her community broadly as all the relatives of the region, including the plants and animals. A degree in Journalism and a Master of Management helped prepare Conner for a diverse career path that has taken her from coast to coast. In 1997 she returned to her homeland to work for the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. She has served as Director of the Institute since 1998, helping to advance its mission and pursue her primary interest in family histories—an interest based on recognition that everyone is a part of a tribe, and every tribal history is a compilation of family histories. Her work at Tamástslikt, including efforts as an author, speaker, local and national leader, and as a representative of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation earned her recognition as the recipient of the 2007 Buffett Award.

Read the transcript of Bobbie Conner's interview on sustainability: Bobbie_Conner_interview.pdf