Roberta Conner

Roberta "Bobbie" Conner, also known as Sísaawipam, is a tribal historian, activist, and indigenous leader who traces her ancestry to the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Nez Perce tribes. Conner is known for her work as the Director of the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Oregon, which seeks to protect, preserve, and promote the culture of the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla peoples. In her role at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute Conner has worked to educate the public on and preserve Indigenous culture through the "We Are," "We Were," and "We Will Be" series of exhibits, and has mentored young scholars interested in tribal cultural preservation.

Early life and education Born on May 31, 1955, in Pendleton Oregon, Conner spent her early life living on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Eastern Oregon. When Conner was thirteen she was given her Indian name "Sísaawipam" by her grandmother. After completing High School Conner attended the University of Oregon's School of Journalism, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1977. Conner also served as the vice chair of the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Board of Directors, the co-chair of the Circle of Tribal Advisors, Conner also contributed the introduction to the book The Cayuse Indians: Imperial Tribesmen of Old Oregon, written by Robert H. Ruby and John Arthur Brown, which tells the history of the Cayuse people.