Immigration, Identity & Cross‑Border Mobility
Event Details
When:
Thu, May 14, 2026, 12pm - 1pm
Location:
Online: Zoom
In-Person at WWU:
Arntzen Hall 319
Price:
Free
Brought to you by:
Anthropology Department, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Description
The Annual WWU Anthropology Scholars Week Conference provides undergraduate students in the department with the opportunity to present their research and hard work to their peers, faculty, and alumni. Students gather to share their anthropological interests and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Join us for a dynamic two‑day event featuring research, conversation, and community.
Thursday, May 14
Keynote Address by Heather Fathali
We’re pleased to invite you to an upcoming talk featuring Heather Fathali, WWU Anthropology alum, U.S. immigration attorney, and co‑owner of Cascadia Cross‑Border Law here in Bellingham.
Heather’s work focuses on employment‑based U.S. immigration, advising professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals of extraordinary ability—particularly those navigating U.S.–Canada cross‑border mobility. Her practice sits at the intersection of law, culture, identity, and economic systems, bringing an applied, anthropological lens to complex immigration questions.
In this talk, Heather will draw on her experience working with Canadian business owners expanding into the U.S., dual citizens navigating nationality and identity, and Indigenous clients exercising rights under the Jay Treaty. She will also reflect on how legal systems shape—and are shaped by—broader cultural and economic forces.
We hope you’ll join us for this timely and thought‑provoking conversation.
Thursday activities:
- 9:30-10:15 a.m. - Alyson Rollins, Western's NAGPRA Program and Collections Manager
- 10:30-11:45 a.m. - Poster Session
- 12:00-1:00 p.m. - Keynote Speaker
- 1:15-2:30 p.m. - Poster Session
Friday, May 15
Friday continues with three paper presentation sessions, highlighting in‑depth scholarship and discussion, followed by the awards presentation. The day will also include a couple of additional events designed to encourage connection and reflection as we bring the program to a close. Whether you’re presenting, attending, or simply curious, we hope you’ll join us for two engaging days of ideas, exchange, and community. In-Person at Arntzen Hall room 319. Registration not required.
Friday activities:
- 9:30-10:15 a.m. - Getting a Job with your Anthropology Degree
- 10:30-11:45 a.m. - Panels
- 12:00-1:15 p.m. - Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards
- 1:15-2:30 p.m. - Panels
Whether you’re presenting, attending, or simply curious, we hope you’ll join us for two engaging days of ideas, exchange, and community.
Heather Fathali
Heather Fathali is a U.S. immigration attorney and co-owner of Cascadia Cross-Border Law in Bellingham, Washington. Since 2014, she has primarily focused on employment-based U.S. immigration for professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals of extraordinary ability, with a strong emphasis on U.S.–Canada cross-border mobility.
Questions and Accommodations
- Your point of contact for this event is The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. Call (360) 650-3353 or email Alumni@wwu.edu.
- Advance notice for disability accommodations and special needs is appreciated. Please mention your needs when registering.
- There will be auto-captions for the Zoom webinar.
Visitor Parking at WWU on Weekdays
- Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: limited paid parking is available at the south C lots and north 6V and 7G lots.
- Purchase your permit at the lot pay stations or use the Parkmobile app.
- More parking details for campus visitors are available online.
Parking at WWU on Weekdays for Visitors with Disabilities
- Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: both a WWU permit and state disability placard are needed.
- Purchase your permit at the pay stations in lot C or 6V or use the Parkmobile app (use Zone 1200). This allows parking in any disability space. If these are full, you can use a non-reserved space nearby.
- More parking details for campus visitors with disabilities are available online.
The views expressed by our speakers do not necessarily reflect those of Western Washington University.