Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Hi! We are Jennie Holmes, Casierra Cruz and Taylor Holland. As Indigenous Health Ph.D. Students at the University of North Dakota, we enter the program as colleagues, but after seminar weeks, long semesters, and shared experiences, those relationships grow into something closer to family. We make an intentional effort to stay connected and show up for one another, and you will often find us traveling in packs at professional and health conferences. In August, our paths came together again in Anchorage, Alaska. As we reflected on the experience, we wanted to collectively share some of the stories, lessons, and moments we carried home with us.
In our program, learning happens in the classroom, in our communities, and through the relationships we build with one another. Opportunities to extend those relationships with Indigenous evaluators, researchers, and community knowledge holders are an important part of our success in academia, our development as professionals, and our growth as good relatives. These experiences are even more meaningful when they take place in beautiful places and are grounded in connection, generosity, and love.
The Indigenous Evaluators Gathering, held this August 2026 by the Indigenous Evaluation Collective was all of that and more. Coming from different communities and bringing our own experiences and perspectives, we traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, to learn, connect, and grow together. These are our short stories about the experiences, relationships, and lessons we carried back home.
Jennie Holmes
One of my favorite moments from the gathering was “Spilling the Tea” sessions that began with warm water and dry tea to set the tone for sharing creative evaluation methods. The shift in the room as everyone settled in with their own tea was memorable. It was a simple but meaningful reminder of how intentionally creating a space can shape connection and conversation. This is a practice I intend to carry with me into both my personal and professional life.
Casierra Cruz (CHamoru, Guam)
I enjoyed having the space to practice deep listening throughout the gathering. From listening to the opening speakers, reflecting on the prompts that guided us in arts-based methods, or hearing stories shared from across the table during the short but intentional breakout sessions, it was beautiful to listen and just be. It is a practice, intention, and space that I want to both carry with me and create in all aspects of my life.
Taylor Holland
I enjoyed the prompts that guided us through evaluation focused poetry creation. It was special to be able to process a meaningful question in such an artistic way. I chose to write a haiku in response to the prompt: imagine how you hold space for people’s stories.
Stories should be held
Like the ripples in a pond
Sharing an embrace
Gratitude
We are filled with immense gratitude for everyone who made this gathering in Alaska possible. To all those who taught, gifted, and nourished us: thank you. We are grateful for your time, love, joy, and commitment to this work and our communities.
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