In recognition of excellence in AAPA constituent organization programs, organizational development, and quality health care initiatives"
 

First AAPA caucus to win this prestigious award!

 
CONSTITUENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

We are very proud to announce that our First Nations Council of Physician Assistants was chosen to receive the 2000 AAPA Constituent Organization Award of Excellence for the Small Chapter Category.    These awards are the highest honor an AAPA constituent organization can receive, signifying the exemplary efforts and achievements of an organization. And very significantly, First Nations is the first caucus to ever win this prestigious award! The selection was made after the submission of all the requirements including a narrative and creative First Nations scrap book. This award is judged by the Constituent Relations Committee and sponsored by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, whose generous support makes this award possible. The award included $2,500 and a plaque commemorating the award.

The purpose of this award is to foster AAPA constituent organization development as well as to recognize excellence in AAPA constituent organization programs. In the words of Susan Palmer, Director of Constituent Organization Support Services, “By winning this award, it proves what an admirable job your caucus has done to strengthen and develop FNCPA as well as to promote the PA profession as a whole. Congratulations on your exemplary submission….all members should be congratulated!”

Likewise, in complementing us for the submission of our scrap book, Marilyn H. Fitzgerald, AAPA Senior Vice President said:   “Your submission is magnificent – so complete, informative, plus just plain beautiful!”

The presentation of this award took place during the CCOW Sept 19, in Washington DC. In presenting the award, Cindy Lord, Chair of the CRC stated: 

 “First Nations has the honor of being the first AAPA caucus to receive an AAPA Award of Excellence. Since their inception and recognition just a short three years ago, First Nations has a long list of major accomplishments. First Nations has increased membership from 15 to 73 members. Even with their small numbers, First Nations has had representatives at Bridges, CCOW, Regional Meetings, Leadership Summit, and the AAPA annual conference.    Without the resources of an established chapter, and having to just rely on hard work, elbow grease, and the diligence of generous leadership, First Nations has developed a logo, Web page, full color newsletter, membership brochure, corporate sponsor brochure, booth exhibit, and poster that rivals most larger chapters. First Nations has also done exemplary work with mentoring, student development, and public education. Their members have also served in leadership positions in the AAPA Caucus Congress, Committee on Diversity, Federal Service Congress, Leadership Advisory Commission, and State Chapters.”

Two of our First Nations members, Wabanang Kuczek and Elizabeth Steinle, had the honor to be present during CCOW to accept the award.   In receiving the award, Wabanang thanked all the members of First Nations and gave special thanks to the non-Indian members who have joined our caucus and have demonstrated a genuine concern for the health needs of Indian people:  “Our caucus is truly a collaborative effort by Indian and non-Indians. It would not exist were it not for all of those whose knowledge, creativity, and passion have defined its content”. In addition, a “give away” was presented to Susan Palmer for her sensitive and continuous support to FN.   In presenting an Indian shawl to Susan, Wabanang remarked: “This shawl carries some of the essence and spirit that makes us. It carries the pride with which the members of First Nations have worked for our academy and towards the cause of our Indian people.”

Needless to say, this Constituent Organization Award of Excellence is proof that when we put our good will and work hard as a team to achieve something, we succeed.

Congratulations to all!

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There are more riches in the Las Vegas area than the elusive payoffs in “sin city’s casinos”.  Once you get past the hotels, gambling, and glitter of Las Vegas, you can see that the area has a substantial American Indian population and it is highly conducive and an excellent site for many historic and cultural treasures. 

The 2004 American Academy of Physician Assistants Conference has chosen to return to the once all Paiute Indian land and we are just a few weeks away from our annual conference.  Although we look forward to the conference as practicing Physician Assistants, we all have an extra anticipation of participating in our First Nations meeting and an evening activity. As usual, our meeting and social gathering provide First Nations members with  an important, informative, and entertaining experience. 

This year our meeting schedule will be as follows: 

Saturday, June 5, 2004
1 PM to 3 PM
Conference Rooms:
11 and 12
Las Vegas Hilton Hotel

Please make sure to double check the conference program as sometimes rooms and times are changed without previous notice. 

In terms of a social gathering, we are planning an evening activity for Saturday, June 5, 2004. Depending on time limitations, one option would be to visit a basketry exhibition at the Clark County Heritage Museum which is ongoing at that time. Another option would be to get together for dinner after our First Nations meeting as in past years. We have enjoyed this activity very much.  We will continue to research other options and, during our FN meeting, we can then select an activity so that we can get together as a family and have a good time. If you are familiar with the area of Las Vegas, or have any other ideas for our gathering and outing, please e-mail us at wabanang@msn.com.