The Center for Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross State University will hold its 30th Annual Conference Nov. 8-9 at the Vic and Mary Jane Morgan University Center on the Alpine campus.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Dr. Severin Fowles, a distinguished archaeologist and Associate Professor of Anthropology at Barnard College.

Dr. Fowles will present his innovative research on Indigenous cultures in New Mexico and Colorado and deliver his address, titled “The Athapaskan Image: Seven Centuries of Innovation in the American Southwest,” highlighting his insights into Southern Athapaskan image production and cultural traditions across the American Southwest.

His focus is specifically centered on interpreting rock art to significantly refine our understanding of the Athapaskan tradition as a regional phenomenon. His talk emphasizes the Northern Rio Grande Valley while also aiming to identify broader patterns across the Pueblo region and Southern Plains.

Dr. Fowles will speak at the Saturday night banquet Emmett & Miriam McCoy Building at the Museum of the Big Bend.

The cost to attend the conference is $55 for members, $60 for members and free for lifetime members and SRSU students, staff and faculty.

The cost for the banquet and keynote address is $50 for members, students, staff and faculty and $55 for the general public.

More information, including tickets and registration, can be found at https://cbbs.sulross.edu/conference/.

Email cbbs@sulross.edu or call 432-837-8179 for more information.