On May 10th, AIT-SCM celebrated its 9th Annual Cactus Blossom Gala. We were thrilled to introduce a new vision for this year’s gala, highlighting amazing Native designers from across Turtle Island in our Indigenous fashion show.
Some of the beautiful designs included innovative ribbon pants by Elsa Mares and Mockingbird Designs, the You’re On Native Land cap from Urban Native Era, and gorgeous ribbon skirts from Aboriginal Designs. The grand finale of the show was a red quinceanera-style dress from Mandys Bridal Shop & Accessories, symbolizing the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People across our lands. We were also thankful to host Tap Pilam elder, Isaac “Papa Bear ” Cardenas for his performance illustrating the impacts of this harmful epidemic, which tugged on the heartstrings of everyone present. For more resources on the MMIWP epidemic, visit aitscm.org/mmiwp/.
Highlights of the night also included a proclamation from Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, announcing May 10th as American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions Day, and the announcement of our 30th year anniversary logo. The winning logo was designed by Jordyn Galvan and will be our official logo for the 2024-2025 fiscal year!
None of this would have been possible without our outstanding sponsors. Their generosity not only made our vision for the evening a reality, but will deeply impact the lives of those we serve, now and in the future to come. Notably, this year’s Cactus Blossom proceeds will go towards the Mission of Motherhood (M.o.M.), AIT-SCM’s newest initiative. M.o.M. aims to help facilitate healing in the lives of women living in Bexar County by establishing safe and dedicated Indigenous Women’s Healing Centers by the end of 2026. These spaces will harness indigenous and culturally-centered practices, services, and resources to address the distinctive needs of women and mothers. With this program, comes exponential growth in our communities through familial support.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Alamo Colleges District. Thank you as well to H.E. Butt Foundation, Bexar Heritage, San Antonio River Authority, the World Heritage Office of San Antonio, Brooks, CPS Energy, BCFS Human Trafficking Division, the Honorable Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, and the Esteban Romero Family.
