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The Society of Indian Psychologists

Native American and Alaska Native professionals advocating for Native mental health

by bringing attention to issues influencing Native mental health and psychology today.

Psychology Symbol In Western psychology, the symbol for the discipline is the Greek letter "psi" (Ψ), representing the study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes. The Medicine Wheel The Medicine Wheel, also called the Sacred Hoop, has been a vital symbol of health and healing for generations across various Native American tribes. It represents the Four Directions—East, South, West, and North—along with Father Sky, Mother Earth, and the Spirit Tree, symbolizing different dimensions of health and the cycles of life. Each direction is often associated with distinct colors, such as black, red, yellow, and white, which some interpret as representing the diversity of humanity. While the meanings and practices surrounding the Medicine Wheel vary among tribes, its core message is universal: balance and harmony in life.  The circle itself embodies the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and highlights our unity with the natural world.

Register for our 38th Annual Retreat & Convention!!

June 21-24, 2025

Shé:kon Ohiaríha! 

Welcome to June, a month of renewal, reflection, and resilience. As we embrace the warmth of summer, we honor the strength and spirit of our communities, particularly Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. Here's a look at the meaningful events and observances shaping this month:

​🍓 Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Strawberry Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community will be celebrating their annual Strawberry Festival. This event honors the sacred strawberry, a symbol of life and health in Haudenosaunee culture. The festival fosters community togetherness through traditional and contemporary music, social dancing, and storytelling. It's a time to reconnect with heritage and each other, strengthening bonds and celebrating resilience.

🟦 Turquoise Alert: Arizona's Commitment to Missing Indigenous Persons
In a significant legislative move, Arizona has passed House Bill 2281, establishing the "Turquoise Alert" system for missing Indigenous persons. This alert system, named in honor of 14-year-old Emily Pike, aims to raise awareness and expedite responses to cases involving Indigenous individuals. It's a step toward healing and justice for families and communities affected by such tragedies.

🧠 June Mental Health and Awareness Observances
 

National PTSD Awareness Month: A time to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and its effects on individuals and communities. National PTSD Awareness Day (June 27). 

Federal Regulations updates for 2025

With the introduction of new legislation limiting EDI programs, experts are shifting toward inclusion-focused approaches to ensure support while balancing diverse needs. Leaders like Tabbye Chavous, PhD, emphasize the ongoing importance of EDI in promoting equitable access and success. Ella F. Washington, PhD, notes that EDI initiatives have faced fluctuations in support over the years, encouraging organizations to stay consistent in their commitment.

To explore more about how EDI efforts are evolving, visit the APA website.

Updates: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule on July 10, 2024. Find more info: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/cms-federal-rule 
 

Medicare changes in 2025. The final rule on the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule brings some good news for psychologists and aims to increase access to behavioral health services. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/2025-medicare-changes
 

Extensions of telehealth access options. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Final Rules (“Final Rules”) Are Released: Plans and Issuers Must Prepare for January 1, 2025 Effective Date (US). Find more info: https://www.triagehealthlawblog.com/hhs/mental-health-parity-and-addiction-equity-act-final-rules-final-rules-are-released-plans-and-issuers-must-prepare-for-january-1-2025-effective-date-us/ 


THE YEAR 2025

Upcoming Events

  • 38th Annual Convention American Indian Psychologists and Psychology Graduate Students
    38th Annual Convention American Indian Psychologists and Psychology Graduate Students
    Jun 21, 2025, 7:00 AM – Jun 24, 2025, 11:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    On behalf of the Department of Psychology at Utah State University and the Executive Council of the Society of Indian Psychologists, we are pleased to announce the 38th Annual Convention of American Indian Psychologists and Psychology Graduate Students (aka The SIP Convention)
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  • APA 2025 Convention
    APA 2025 Convention
    Aug 07, 2025, 7:00 AM – Aug 09, 2025, 11:00 PM
    Denver, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
    UNLOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES AT APA 2025
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  • 2025 APS Global Psychological Science Summit
    2025 APS Global Psychological Science Summit
    Oct 21, 2025, 7:00 AM – Oct 23, 2025, 11:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    The Association for Psychological Science is excited to announce the 2025 APS Global Psychological Science Summit will take place virtually October 21-23, 2025, and submissions are now OPEN!
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SIP ANNUAL CONVENTION 2024

SIP Attends the APA 2024 Convention in Seattle!!

Seattle 2024
Seattle 2024
Seattle 2024
Seattle 2024
Seattle 2024
Dr. B at APA representing BSU
Seattle 2024
Seattle 2024
President-elect of APA Dr. Debra Cowahara
Seattle 2024

For allies, agencies, organizations, and groups looking to produce a Land
Acknowledgment, we would like to share and amplify existing resources developed by
the Native Governance Center. We would like to urge interested parties to review in its
entirety the Indigenous
Land Acknowledgement Guide. 

 

This guide takes you through some steps to developing a thoughtful, respectful, and well-
researched land acknowledgment.

 
Most importantly, we urge interested folks to take time to review the
Beyond Land
Acknowledgement Guide. 

 

This resource outlines some problems with land acknowledgements, including
asking Indigenous collaborators to develop the land acknowledgment, careless or
limited research to inform the statement, and a focus on verbiage and optics rather than
steps towards tangible allyship. This guide then walks readers through developing a
meaningful action plan for Indigenous allyship that moves beyond land
acknowledgment, including a
self-assessment and action planning worksheet.

Updated March 27 2025 by Brian McNeill, Ph.D. (Nez Perce and Palouse)

ABOUT US

The mission of SIP is to advocate for the psychological well-being of American Indians and

other Indigenous peoples and to advance knowledge pertaining to Indigenous psychology. 

Nondiscrimination Policy: The Society of Indian Psychologists recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of the Society of Indian Psychologists that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans' status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, policies, membership admission policies, scholarship programs, and other organizationally administered programs.

​The Society of Indian Psychologists © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

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