Timothy Ecklund and Lloyd Elm Receive "Bundled Arrows" Award

Timothy Ecklund, associate vice president for campus life, and Lloyd Elm, associate professor of elementary education, received recognition at the Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties (NACS) first annual Bundled Arrows Awards. Ecklund received the Individual Partner award, and Elm received the Community Leader award.

Buffalo State alumnus Michael Martin, ’95, executive director of NACS, created the awards based on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s Great Law of Peace. According to this law, a warrior was given one arrow to break, which he was able to do with ease. Next, the warrior was asked to break a bundle of five arrows, which he could not. This act symbolized that we are stronger working together then we are separate. NACS presented awards to individuals and groups for being a part of the “bundle” that gives their organization strength.

The mission of the NACS is to provide quality human services that meet the needs of the off-reservation Native American community in Erie and Niagara Counties. Ecklund has worked for many years developing and maintaining a relationship between Buffalo State and NACS. The college cosponsors events and programs with the organization including Native American socials with traditional song, food, and dance.

“Higher education is very important facet of life in the Native American communities.” Ecklund said, “Our relationship with NACS allows us to work with current and future Native American students in the area.” Buffalo State’s ties with NACS help to foster diversity on campus.

Elm has been involved with the organization for the past 15 years. Throughout that time, he has assisted NACS in utilizing existing programs and developing new ones. He works with Native Americans in the area to resolve a wide range of issues in their communities.   

Ecklund and Elm accepted their awards on September 22 at the 2011 NACS gala. Peter Jemison, ’67, was the guest speaker.