Social Anthropology of Oceania Conference in Aotearoa (New Zealand)
With the help of the LEAD fellowship I was able to afford the [trip to attend the Social Anthropology of Oceania Conference in] Aotearoa (New Zealand) and find representation in other Indigenous scholars pursuing similar interests. As an undergraduate who has completed nearly two years of anthropological research on Kanaka Maoli tattooing practices, this conference provided me with a space to have discussions about my research with Ph.D. students and accomplished academics. I engaged in intellectually stimulating discussions surrounding use of language, presentation of concepts, and overcoming colonial constructs–all helping me raise the standard at which I represent my community through research.