Meet the committee for NAIEANY
Hugh Burnam, Ph. D.,
CHAIR
(MOHAWK)
Dr. Hugh Burnam, Hode’nhyahä:dye’, is Mohawk, Wolf Clan from the Onondaga Nation. Hugh serves as assistant professor of oncology in the Department for Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he researches health disparities related to cancer in Indigenous communities. In his role, Dr. Burnam works to support the ARCH program (Akwesasne Research Center for Health), including supporting Mohawk youth internship programs for high school and college students, and conducts independent research on health disparities and cancer in Indigenous communities. Dr. Burnam serves as the Chair of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York State (NAIEA/NY), and he also serves on the board of directors with the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). Hugh works alongside Native communities to support and advocate for Indigenous education and Indigenous rights locally and nationally. Hugh received his doctorate from the Cultural Foundations of Education program at Syracuse University, his master’s degree in Adult Education from Buffalo State University, and his bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies (Ethnic and Minority Studies) from Buffalo State University. Hugh loves spending time with his family, especially his two sons, the inspiration for his work.
Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy
VICE CHAIR
(ONEIDA)
Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy, a member of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, serves as Assistant Director of Partnership Programs and Indigenous Recruitment, Native American Liaison, Indigenous Graduate Student Advisor, and Chair of the Native Faculty and Staff Association at Syracuse University. She develops and improves programs for Indigenous students and provides guidance for first-year and transfer students. A Syracuse University alumna with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, Tammy has worked in the Admissions Office for nearly 14 years.
One of her most rewarding roles is working with Haudenosaunee communities, connecting with Indigenous youth, and guiding them through the college application process. Her vision is to recruit and graduate Indigenous scholars who will return to their communities to foster the next generation of leadership. Tammy was one of the first recipients of the NAIEA scholarship and currently serves as NAIEA Vice-Chair.
Monica Antone-Watson
Treasurer
(MOHAWK)
Monica, a Mohawk member of the Wolf Clan, earned her G.E.D. in 1983 and Associates degrees in Restaurant Management (1996) and Elementary Education (2000) from Mohawk Valley Community College. From 1997 to 2010, she was a Native American Mentor at Stockbridge Valley Central School’s Title VII program, supporting Native American students and teaching cultural traditions to boost their self-esteem and awareness.
Active in Indian education statewide, Monica has served as Treasurer of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York since 2001 and participated in numerous conferences and cultural festivals. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Fiber Arts/Material Studies and a minor in Native American Studies.
Monica is deeply involved in her Oneida Indian Community, organizing events for children and families, and teaching traditional arts and dances. Her leadership includes planning community activities such as egg hunts, Mother’s Day picnics, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas parties.
Currently, Monica works as an Assistant Manager at a restaurant, Head of Wardrobe at the Stanley Theater, and continues creating Traditional Clothing.
Tianna Porter
Secretary
(MOHAWK)
Tianna is Mohawk, Wolf Clan. She serves as the current Secretary of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York (NAIEA/NY). In addition to her role as secretary, Tianna serves as the Economic Empowerment Director at Native American Community Services. With over 15 years of workforce development experience, she has worked at various Buffalo and New York City nonprofits.
Tianna has developed and overseen programs, classes, and career counseling techniques providing clients with essential resources to secure jobs and build careers. Her firsthand experience with helping participants deal with barriers to self-sufficiency has underscored the importance of mentorship and skill development for empowerment. Tianna feels honored to do the impactful work that she does within the community.