AESP pays tribute to the original inhabitants of the land on which we host our 2023 Annual Conference. The land currently known as New Orleans is physically situated in the region known as "Bulbancha," a Choctaw term meaning "place of many tongues." This place was originally inhabited by the Chitimacha nation, and prior to 1718 served as an important port and trading hub on the Mississippi River for more than 40 diverse peoples, including Atakapa, Caddo, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez, and Tunica nations. Native peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial, and the resilient voices of Native Americans remain an inseparable part of this local culture. With gratitude and honor, we acknowledge the Indigenous nations that have lived and continue to thrive here. We pay respect to these communities, and look forward to gathering in Bulbancha for the 2023 AESP Annual Conference. Let this acknowledgement serve as a reminder of our ongoing efforts to honor, reconcile, and partner with the diverse native peoples that called and still call this place home. 
 

AESP is dedicated to seeking out and amplifying Indigenous voices at both live events and in online webinars and trainings, as well as increasing Indigenous representation on Topic Committees, in Chapters, and in the Women in Energy program. AESP encourages attendees to donate time or money to support Indigenous-led organizations both in the New Orleans area and closer to their own homes.