Submitted by Alicia Sanford, VR Counselor, Training & Employment Resource Center (TERC)
The 2023 Annual CANAR Conference was held December 12-14, 2023, in Costa Mesa, California. It was a vibrant gathering that focused on the theme of TVR: Where Dreams Come True. TVR stands as a safe space for Native participants seeking support and encouragement to pursue their dream job or career. Throughout the three days, attendees engaged in a multitude of presentations and talking circles aimed at equipping TVR staff with valuable knowledge.
In addition to the enriching training sessions, the conference provided an excellent opportunity to network and connect with other TVR staff from different tribes, as well as with our partners such as Northwest Indian College and AIVRTTAC. I attended the conference with my co-workers, Jackie John, and Cindy Sanford. We were honored to have the opportunity to represent the Seneca Nation at the conference. It was my first time attending such an event, and I gained valuable knowledge and insights into Vocational Rehabilitation and building connections with other indigenous people.
The TVR world has opened my eye to the many resources available that can be incredibly beneficial for our community members with disabilities. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I am excited about the next one.
