Passion for Our People and Business Principles Make Successful Partnership

September 25, 2012 – 9:03 pm

 

Bruce DeBoskey, a Colorado-based philanthropic adviser for the DeBoskey Group, noted in a recent article in The Denver Post that although the trend in philanthropy has been to make it become more strategic and effective. The Fund has rigorously employed systems to help our donors to transparently see how we invest their dollars in our communities, and how those dollars help our students, tribal colleges, and our Native communities.

DeBoskey, however, says business and scientific methodologies to measure outcomes alone are not enough. He says people give–and causes are founded–because of the emotional component of philanthropy–in short, because they like helping others and derive satisfaction from that. The do so because of the compassion they have for others and their desire to alleviate suffering; respect for the people or causes they wish to help (rather than imposing their will on a cause); trust in the goodwill of others (and the ability of the donee to wisely use their gift); passion for their cause of choice; and integrity–incorporating virtue, honesty and sincerity into giving.

The Fund employes sound accounting and auditing principles so that our donors have the metrics they need to see how together we are improving the lives of others. But that isn’t enough. Without our shared compassion, passion, respect, trust, and integrity, the American Indian College Fund would not be where it is today. So thank you for sharing so much of yourself with our communities, and sharing our passion for Native education and changing Indian Country–one person at a time!

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Meet Dwight, Our Student Speaker for the Flame of Hope Gala!

September 21, 2012 – 5:31 pm

Every year the American Indian College Fund’s Flame of Hope Gala affords our supporters a chance to meet our students and hear how you help make a difference in their lives. We’d like to introduce you to this year’s student speaker, Dwight Carlson (Navajo), an environmental science major, two-time U.S. Forest Service student intern, firefighter, All-American cross country runner, and bull rider. Dwight is an amazing young man whose potential might not have been met without the chance to earn a college education.

You can read Dwight’s story here. Of course we hope you have the chance to meet Dwight in person at our Flame of Hope Gala! If you haven’t already registered, do so today!

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It’s Not Too Late, Join Us for the Flame of Hope Gala

September 21, 2012 – 5:26 pm

Bunky is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts. He is a fine artist, graphic designer, photographer, writer and a non-profit professional as well as a traditional singer and dancer. His work spans both media and lifestyle and has been featured in exhibitions throughout the United States as well as internationally. Bunky Echo-Hawk did a live painting on this full sized tipi in the gallery at Wieden + Kennedy in 2011 . The tipi was used as his canvas to create new work for the exhibit.

You still have time to register and attend the American Indian College Fund Flame of Hope Gala at The Pavilion, at The Depot Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, October 11, 2012. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to annual Flame of Hope Gala to raise funds for scholarships for needy American Indian college students, helping them to earn a degree and end the poverty cycle.

The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to 3,500 Native students every year, giving them a chance at a better future. Please help us celebrate our scholarship recipients’ successes and pave the way for more to come at this first-rate cultural event featuring Native entertainment, fine dining, and a silent auction of Native art, including the work of nationally renowned artist Bunky Echo-Hawk, who will be creating a piece for auction on-site.

Auction item, only available at the Flame of Hope Gala. Totem Sea Wolf Argillite reproduction piece in high density resin and molded from casts of the original carving from the Canadian Museums of Civilization’s Collection.

Auction item, only available at the Flame of Hope Gala. “Words Like Weapons” Water design single weave basket made of paper, including the Indian Removal Act of 1930 and Captain Richard H. Pratt boarding school address.

By admin | Posted in American Indian college graduates, American Indians, first-generation students, Indian reservations, indigenous knowledge, Native American Art, Native American Heritage Month, Native American Students, Native culture, Powwow | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Tribal College Hosts Early Childhood Teacher Education Kick-Off

September 14, 2012 – 11:05 pm

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), one of the four grantees of the Wakanyeja “Sacred Little Ones” grant initiative funded by the American Indian College Fund and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, held the first Early Childhood Teacher Education Kick-Off on September 5, 2012.  The historic event drew more than 60 participants from early childhood Head Start Centers, including Youth Development Incorporated (YDI), Santo Domingo Head Start and San Ildefonso Head Start; community supporters and elders; parents of children in early learning centers; and SIPI faculty and students.

The Kick-Off was envisioned by Project Director and Coordinator of the Early Childhood Program, Danielle Lansing, Ed.D., to launch a “new era in early childhood education at SIPI.”  Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute has provided professional development and service to numerous Head Start centers across the pueblo and other Native communities in New Mexico and Northeastern Arizona. This includes a partnership with YDI Head Start for practicum placement of pre-service teachers; transformation of the YDI curriculum for young children that engages Native culture and language; a new special topics course focused on indigenizing early childhood educational thought; parental partnerships to engage them in their child’s cognitive development; and curriculum development, implementation and assessment.
Project Director Lansing states, “parents can help teachers identify what parts of culture can be a part of curriculum.”  Innovation in curriculum design draws information from parents using Photovoice (a research methodology which is built upon participatory inquiry) to capture visual concepts of Native culture and knowledge.

Parents have a valued voice in SIPI’s work to revitalize and strengthen their early childhood education program. Within Native communities, parents are often left out of curriculum development and educational design; the innovative approach at SIPI is a starting point for processes which may address the historic disconnections between Native families and educational institutions.

SIPI President Dr. Sherry Allison opened the Kick-Off, saying, “We are where we should be…we need to always remember the investment in our children.” Dr. Allison recalled a recent family celebration commemorating a great-grandchild’s first laugh.  The story served as an example that Native people have “beautiful ways of welcoming babies into the world” and with that come lessons shared with the child about topics such as generosity, responsibility, and relationships.  President Allison’s story placed front and center the notion that Native communities, parents, and elders can inform theories about young Native children and the milestones by which we measure child development and readiness for engaging the world.

The YDI Head Start Director Anna Marie Garcia shared news of SIPI’s grant partner center, YDI Head Start, receiving acknowledgement of their National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.  This accreditation is a rigorous process and, when earned, signals quality early childhood education (to learn more about NAEYC accreditation see: http://www.naeyc.org/academy/interested/whyaccreditation). A National Head Start Center of Excellence, the program opened its doors in 2009 on SIPI’s campus. Approximately 70% of its current teachers are either SIPI graduates or are students currently enrolled in the SIPI Early Childhood Program. The center serves approximately 85% American Indian children, and the other proportion of the children is from diverse racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds represented in the Albuquerque area.  The “Sacred Little Ones” grant initiative at SIPI has solidified a new thread of the partnership between YDI and SIPI: to develop quality teacher education practicum experiences for Native pre-service teachers serving tribal nations located in New Mexico and Northeastern Arizona.

The launch celebrated an alumna of the Early Childhood Program, Verna Calabaza, and the power and lasting impact a SIPI education had on her as successful Native educator. Calabaza, a SIPI graduate, has worked as an early childhood teacher in her community for nearly13 years. She draws strength from her experience as a mother, an Army veteran, and program volunteer. Calabaza, who will soon earn her master’s degree, said, “I encourage [SIPI] students to continue on the road you’re on…. It takes special people to have those qualities of a strong early childhood teacher.” Calabaza paid special tribute to SIPI early childhood faculty member, Gail Goldstein, saying, “You’re the reason I am up here.”

After a pizza dinner, the new special topics course had its first meeting. Project Director Danielle Lansing stated, “There are only 22 spots in the course. We have over 46 individuals who want to take the course!”  The course will engage students in a guided inquiry and process for theorizing and developing indigenized early childhood education. There is great interest in collaborative intellectual inquiry focused on early childhood theory, curriculum, and assessment. The special topics course would not have been created without the support of the Wakanyeja grant. Before, SIPI early childhood program courses were primarily offered by adjunct faculty. Dr. Lansing is the first full-time early childhood education faculty with a doctorate in education to lead the way to strengthening the program.

The Kick-Off event sought to showcase the culturally based learning opportunities for Native children. The Wakanyeja “Sacred Little Ones” grant initiative is credited with bringing back to the forefront educational discussions that place Native knowledge, culture, and language back in the center of the work with young children and the teachers preparing to serve Native communities and families.

Tarajean Yazzie-Mintz is the Program Officer for the Wakanyeja “Sacred Little Ones” ECE Initiative

Images courtesy of Duane Allen Humeyestewa

 

By admin | Posted in American Indian college graduates, American Indian discrimination, American Indian drop-out rate, American Indians, College of Menominee Nation, first-generation students, IIlisagvik College, Indian reservations, indigenous knowledge, Native American Heritage Month, Native culture, Native languages, Navajo, Navajo, Northwest Indian College, Science and Technology, SIPI, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Tribal College, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments (0)

‘Champions’ earn honors at United Tribes Technical College

September 13, 2012 – 3:20 pm

Photo by Thomas Hatzenbuehler<>United Tribes News

BISMARCK (UTN) – Champion dancers were crowned and an indigenous group from the Pacific lit up the night during the United Tribes International Powwow. The 43rd annual cultural gathering was held September 6-9 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck.

An estimated crowd of 6,000 jammed into and around the darkened dance arena to see fire-lit knives spun-about and tossed into the night sky by members of the powwow’s featured cultural group. The Tafiti Samoan Fire Knife Dancers wowed the audience with their flaming machetes. The group was led by cultural ambassador Kap Te’O Tafti, of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii.

CONTEST ACTION

Photo by Dennis J. Neumann<>United Tribes News

In the dancing and singing competition, the drum group Young Bear, Mandaree, ND, won the singing contest, followed in order by: Battle River, Redby, MN; Ft. Peck Sioux, Poplar, MT; Badlands, Brockton, MT; and Bad Nation, Ft. Thompson, SD. Young Bear earned the special honor of claiming the Tanner Albers Sr. Memorial Singing Championship.

Twenty-nine drums rendered their best songs for 569 dancers, who participated in seven grand entries, intertribal dances and dance competitions. A hint of fall was in the air with one overnight temp dropping into the upper 30s. But sunny skies prevailed, warming to upper 70s and low 80s during all four days of the event.

PARADE OF CHAMPIONS

Dancers and singers took part in the annual United Tribes “Parade of Champions” through downtown Bismarck, and were joined by tribal groups, tribal leaders, and public officials and candidates hoping to win election in November. Parade Grand Marshals George and Marilyn Keepseagle (Standing Rock) were honored as the lead plaintiffs in a successful class-action lawsuit against the federal government. They ranch near Cannonball, ND and are much-admired for their commitment to justice for Native farmers and ranchers who experienced decades of discrimination in USDA programs.

MISS INDIAN NATIONS

Shannon C. Hooper, 25, Fallon, Nevada, was selected as the 20th Miss Indian Nations. Miss Hooper is Shoshone-Paiute  and a student at Western Nevada College in northwest Nevada. Miss Hooper has a strong interest and knowledge of her culture as a member of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe. She is a powwow dancer, community leader and volunteer. Over the coming year she will represent United Tribes as an ambassador of tribal culture before a wide variety of audiences in the region and around the country. Outgoing Miss Indian Nations Shanoa Pinkham at right.
Photo by Dennis J. Neumann<>United Tribes News

 

POWWOW GATHERING

Photo by Thomas Hatzenbuehler<>United Tribes News

Fifty-six volunteers, college staff members and students served a free roast buffalo meal on powwow’s closing day for over 3,000 visitors, singers and dancers. Upwards of 10,000 people attended the powwow over the four-days.

The powwow head staff were: Announcers Jerry Dearly, MN and Dale Old Horn, MT; Arena Director Rusty Gillette, VA; Head Singing Judge Rueben Crow Feather, MN; Head Men’s Dance Avery Thompson, SD: and Head Women’s Dance Judge Cody High Elk, SD. Jerry Dearly provided the ground blessing for Lone Star Arena at the outset of the event. Powwow sound was coordinated by Frank K. Jamerson, Wi Coni Wa Ste Productions, McLaughlin, SD.

All first place dance category and singing contest winners received a jacket adorned with the powwow logo, showing the artwork of the late Alden Archambault, a medal and cash. Second through fourth place winners received cash and medals inscribed with the “Home of the Champions” slogan.

The United Tribes International Powwow Committee thanked all powwow participants and spectators for making the 43rd annual event a success. The committee also expressed appreciation to companies and individuals in the Bismarck-Mandan community for sponsoring competitive categories and supporting the powwow and associated events.

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43rd Annual United Tribes International Powwow Winners

JUNIOR GIRL FANCY

1  Regan Dunn (Standing Rock) Ft. Yates, ND

2  Allison Bearstail (Hidatsa) Bismarck, ND

3  Emaree Jayne Iron Hawk (Lakota) Eagle Butte, SD

4  Cami Guggole (Standing Rock) McLaughlin, SD

 

JUNIOR GIRL JINGLE

1  Kaygan Bearcomesout (Northern Cheyenne) Lamedeer, MT

2  Jonna Brady (Hidatsa/Sac & Fox) New Town, ND

3  Danielle Morsette (Arikara) Twin Buttes, ND

4  Teyah Uses Arrow (Standing Rock) Cannonball, ND

 

JUNIOR GIRL TRADITIONAL

1  Tessa Holds the Enemy (Three Affiliated) Mandaree, ND

2  Salena Iron Cloud (Oglala) Rapid City, SD

3  Ashlynn Abbey (Caushafta/Sioux) Bismarck, ND

4  Shondeen Evelyn Long (Winnebago) Winnebago, NE

 

JUNIOR BOY FANCY

1  Dreamer White (Dakota/Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) Four Bears Village, ND

2  Max Sevier (Rosebud) Pierre, SD

3  Caelen J. Lohnes (Spirit Lake) Ft. Totten, ND

4  Mabahi Baker (Mandan/Hidatsa) New Town, ND

 

JUNIOR BOY GRASS

1  Jai Knight (Oglala Lakota) Thunder Valley, SD

2  George Gillette (Arikara/Lakota)Falls Church, VA

3  Hunter Street (Mesquakie) St. Michael, ND

4  Quintin Abbey (Cayshatta/Sioux) Dickinson, ND

 

JUNIOR BOY TRADITIONAL

1  T. J. Good Nature (Standing Rock) Bismarck, ND

2  Jonah Jackson (Sioux) Bismarck, ND

3  Brendan “P-Nut” Young (Standing Rock) Bismarck, ND

4  Chase Lozano (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) Mandan, ND

 

TEEN WOMEN FANCY

1  Sandi Phillips (Standing Rock) Fort Yates, ND

2  Shanna Robertson (Sioux/Assiniboine) Poplar, MT

3  Caitlin Plenty Chief (Standing Rock) Wakpala, SD

4  Coral Gillette (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara/Lakota) Falls Church, VA

 

TEEN WOMEN JINGLE

1  Mariah Antell (Standing Rock/Cheyenne River) New Town, ND

2  Shadee Pretends Eagle (Spirit Lake) Bismarck, ND

3  Shaundeen Smith (Navajo/Arikara) El Dorado, KS

4  Eartha Good Striker (Cree/Blackfoot) Edmonton, AB, CAN

 

TEEN WOMEN TRADITIONAL

1  Kelsey Tortalita (Lakota/Dakota) Bismarck ,ND

2  Tayla Blaine (Crow Agency) Bismarck ,ND

3  Briann Ramsey (Standing Rock) Fort Yates, ND

4  Kayjah Twinn (Standing Rock/Crow) Hardin, MT

 

TEEN MEN FANCY

1  Jonny Means (Cheyenne River Lakota) Eagle Butte, SD

2  Jessup Yazzie (Cheyenne River Lakota) Eagle Butte, SD

3  Kasen Street (Meskauakie Sioux) St. Michael, ND

4  Koy Bearstail (Hidatsa/Sioux) Sioux Falls, SD

 

TEEN MEN GRASS

1  Cameron Grady (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) New Town, ND

2  Saunders Young Bird (Arikara) Ft. Yates, ND

3  Tommy Red Tomahawk (Cheyenne River Lakota) Dupree, SD

4  Tyson Kills Spotted (Lakota) Rapid City, SD

 

TEEN MEN TRADITIONAL

1  Ryan Longie (Spirit Lake) Fort Totten, ND

2  Cameron Chaske (Spirit Lake) Spirit Lake, ND

3  Zacriel Charbonnew (Anishinaabe) Belcourt, ND

4  Jason Hill (Standing Rock) Mobridge, SD

 

WOMEN FANCY

1  Amber Cleveland (Ho-Chunk) Bismarck, ND

2  Kellie LeBeau (Lakota) Eagle Butte, SD

3  Kyla Bearheels (Hunkpapa Lakota) Aberdeen, SD

4  Mayci Morin (Turtle Mountain) Belcourt ND

 

WOMEN JINGLE

1  Tonia Hall (Lakota/Hidatsa) Ft. Yates, ND

2  Jessie Spotted Tail (Sicangu Lakota) Rosebud, SD

3  Anika Topsky (Chippewa/Cree) Rocky Boy, MT

4  Reva Hayes (Standing Rock Lakota) Rapid City, SD

 

WOMEN TRADITIONAL

1  Cheyenne Brady (Sac & Fox/Cheyenne) New Town, ND

2  Tosha Goodwill (Dakota/Lakota) Sioux Falls, SD

3  Amber Buffalo (Cree) Shakopee, MN

4  Lonna Jackson-Street (Dakota) St. Michael, ND

 

SENIOR WOMEN TRADITIONAL

1  Madelynn Goodwill (Lakota/Dakota) Sioux Falls, SD

2  Lillian Little Shield (Cheyenne River) Wakpala, SD

3  Darlene Situran (Standing Rock) Ft. Yates, ND

4  Vera J. Kingbird (Ho Chunk) Bemidji, MN

 

MEN FANCY

1  War Shield White (Dakotah) New Town, ND

2  Spike Dapper (Native) Kirften, MD

3  Brandan St. John (Dakota) Shakopee, MN

4  Jasten Jazz Bears Tail (Hidatsa/Sioux) Bismarck, ND

 

MEN GRASS

1  Buck Spotted Tail (Sicangu Lakota) Rosebud, SD

2  Wylee Bears Tail (Mandan/ Hidatsa/ Arikara) Bismarck, ND

3  Julius Not Afraid (Crow/Lakota) Boxelder, MT

4  AJ Redman (Dakota/Lakota) Ft. QuAppelle, SK, CAN

 

MEN TRADITIONAL

1  Chaske LaBlanc (Lower Sioux/Dakota) Morton, MN

2  Novi Runsabove (Shinnecock/Oglala/Cheyenne) Thunder Valley, SD

3  Richard Street (Mesquakie) St Michael, ND

4  Donovan Abbey (Coushatta/Hidatsa) Mandaree, ND

 

SENIOR MEN TRADITIONAL

1  Kip White Cloud (Dakota) Flandreau, SD

2  John Merrill (Yakama) Lapwai, ID

3  Roy Morsette (Three Affiliated) Twin Buttes, ND

4  Walter LaBatte, Jr. (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) Granite Falls, MN

 

CHICKEN DANCE

1  Rooster Top Sky (Chippewa/Cree) Rocky Boy, MT

2  Jordan Yazzie (Yakama) Goldendale, WA

3  Derek Howell (Pawnee/Flaudreaux Santee) Denver, CO

4  Theodore Waskahat (Cree) Hobbema, Alberta, CAN

 

TEAM DANCE

1  Team 605

2  Three Amigos

3  The Other Guys

4  Those 1 Chicks

 

SINGING CONTEST (DRUMS)

1  Young Bear, Mandaree, ND

2  Battle River, Redby, MN

3  Fort Peck Sioux, Poplar, MT

4  Badlands, Brockton, MT

5  Bad Nation, Ft Thompson, SD

 

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MISS INDIAN NATIONS PAGEANT

Miss Indian Nations XX: Shannon C. Hooper (Shoshone/Paiute) Fallon, NV

1st Runner Up: Alexandria B. Alvarez (Shoshone/Bannock) Fort Hall, ID

2nd Runner Up: Cecily B. St. Syr (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) Bismarck, ND

Miss Congeniality: Adrienne Hardy (Navajo) Tohatchi, NM

Children’s Choice: Nadean J. Ivins (White Mt. Apache) White River, AZ

Talent Award: Cecily B. St. Syr (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) Bismarck, ND

Tribal Chairman’s Award: Sherry A. Pimms (Yakima Nation) Wapato, WA

President’s Award: Vivienne R. Tateyuskanskan (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) Waubay, SD

 

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UNITED TRIBES SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

WOMEN

1 Sivall’s, Bismarck, ND

2 Leech Lake Stars, Cass Lake, MN

3 Lady T-Hawks, Cannonball, ND

4 Softball 406, Lame Deer, MT

MVP: Cassie Smith, Bismarck, ND

MEN

1 Sioux Nation, Red Wing, MN

2 SWST, Sisseton, SD

3 TM Traditional Fire, Dunseith, SD

4 War Party, Mobridge, SD

MVP: Gino Buck, MN

 

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GOLF TOURNAMENT – Teeing Off for Academic Excellence

Net Score

1 Wilber Red Tomahawk, Wyatt Red Tomahawk, Don Two Bears, Cody Two Bears

2 Fred Baker, Lewis LeBeau, Tim Grant, Damon Williams

3 Jerome DeCoteau, Derek DeCoteau, Anthony Bauer, Chris Gillis

Gross Score

1 Pat Thomas, Curt Keplin, John Lohnes, Rick Smith

2 Kirt Laducer, Loren Balkowitsch, Rob Gayton, Ryan House

3 Luke Spotted Bear, Max Spotted Bear, Carson Hood Sr., Carson Hood Jr.

 

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PARADE OF CHAMPIONS WINNERS

BEST OVERALL FLOAT/THEME: Three Affiliated Tribes Head Start Program

YOUTH/CULTURAL GROUP: Three Affiliated Tribes Boys & Girls Club

BEST HORSE GROUP: White Shield Spirit Riders

DRUM GROUP: Bad Nation

By admin | Posted in American Indian college graduates, American Indians, Indian reservations, indigenous knowledge, Native American Student Internships, Native American Students, Native culture, Powwow, Tribal College, tribal colleges, United Tribes International Powwow, United Tribes Techical College | Tagged | Comments (0)

President Crazy Bull Reflects On Her First Week at the Fund

September 12, 2012 – 10:30 pm

American Indian College Fund President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull writes a blog titled The Native Ways. Check out her reflections about her first week at the American Indian College Fund, the role of tribal colleges, Indians in urban settings, and much more!

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Education as a Tool to Eliminate Poverty

September 6, 2012 – 4:04 pm

An interesting article about how education helps eradicate poverty, and why the federal government should make it a priority.

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Woksape Oyate Projects Draws to a Close

August 29, 2012 – 10:41 pm

After five years of building intellectual capital across Indian Country, the American Indian College Fund’s Woksape Oyate $17.5 million dollar project, meaning Wisdom of the People and funded by the Lilly Endowment, is drawing to a close.

From developing staff and faculty development to new program implementation to language preservation projects, the Woksape Oyate program rekindled Native ways of knowing in Indian Country. Tribal colleges across the country are ablaze with the knowledge that they have the power to transform their people through indigenous knowledge paired with action. Although the project has concluded, the changes are just beginning, and the momentum will continue to build.

Descriptions of each tribal college’s Woksape Oyate project are available on our website at http://www.collegefund.org/content/woksape_oyate

 

 

We are thankful for Jackie Holder and Deborah Esquibel Hunt, Ph.D. for their work in administering the  Woksape Oyate project.We wish you both the best.

 

 

 

 

By admin | Posted in American Indian college graduates, American Indian discrimination, American Indian drop-out rate, American Indians, Chief Dull Knife, College of Menominee Nation, Diné College, Donors, first-generation students, IIlisagvik College, Indian reservations, indigenous knowledge, literature, Little Big Horn College, Montana, Native American Heritage Month, Native American Students, Native culture, Native languages, Navajo, Navajo, Northwest Indian College, Tribal College, tribal colleges | Comments (0)

Student Blogger, Therese: Gratitude

August 21, 2012 – 10:59 pm

Expressing gratitude is a sometimes daily, sometimes bi-weekly ritual I practice. I am mindful to do this, especially when I am feeling rant-rant-rant.

Rant-rant-rant is an expression of my developmentally- disabled- half- sister that she coined when she witnessed me feeling extremely stressed over challenges concerning getting her the care she needed. She calmly stated to me, “Therese, no rant-rant-rant.”

I admit, I feel more enthusiastic and in tune to being grateful when life is skippity-yippity-joy. My gratitude ritual is initiated when watching the sun is setting, which always inspires gratitude.

My favorite experiences and things make my heart smile and feel gratitude, and also inspire me to nurture and care for myself. They include my favorite orange- smart-wool-cushy socks; my red shawl; and watching the flame of fire in a candle, an open fire pit, the fire in a fireplace, or pretty much any flame, as long as it is not someone’s home burning. These things make me feel pretty serene.

My list of favorites continues: cold-crisp-lime-brine-cucumbers; the scent, knowingness and anticipation of a pot of soup cooking; pillows that I can hug; picking fresh tomatoes, wiping them clean with the cleanest part of my shirt, adding a dash of sea salt, then biting into them as juice rolls down my chin; logging onto Blackboard and seeing I received an A in the course I was climbing the walls over; getting a surprise e-mail or even better, a phone call, from one of my favorite friends from the south and enjoying listening to their accent; not getting a call from a telemarketer; lying in the sun and feeling the heat rays gently penetrating my skin; lying in the shade looking up at the branches of a tree as they sway in the wind; listening to the Native flute while someone else is playing it; and creating anything with my hands, but especially recycled jewelry.

My ritual of immersing myself in things that comfort me stems from my childhood. I have carried many traditions I created through the years, while I have released others. One thing I have released is drinking warm milk. Has anyone else had the experience of someone from the older generation suggesting that you drink warm milk if you awaken in the middle of the dark-cold night? It certainly did nothing to soothe my restlessness. I have come to the conclusion this resulted from a marketing campaign from the dairy association.

Gratitude on any given summer day includes seeing a gopher snake slither away from me in the garden; taking a walk  along the plateaus to keep my moving more goal; having the discipline to refrain from sugar, wheat, or dairy while I cleanse my body for five days (yes five, the first three days I was rant, rant, rant); watching the movie “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” (It was sooo good…definitely worth dropping by the neighbors’ to watch on their mega-Blu-ray screen ma-jig); and talking to the stars in the sky (yes, talking to them.)

The awareness and peace of mind from simply being in a state of grace tops my list of gratitude.

What I realize is that emotions embodied during experiences are what create gratitude.

My gratitude list varies day to day, yet my favorites seem to remain somewhat constant.  I am grateful for my favorite experiences, such as listening to four roosters crowing in synchronicity.

By admin | Posted in American Indian college graduates, American Indians, Indian reservations, indigenous knowledge, Native American Student Internships, Native American Students, Native culture, Tribal College | Tagged | Comments (0)

Student Blogger, Therese: Friends-Angels Among Us

August 15, 2012 – 9:32 pm

During my summer season I have created some heart-fluttering, wake-up-smiling, indefinable memories with my friends, some of which have been accompanied with acquaintances.

Friendship is among life’s sacred gifts.  I have a small circle of friends, with an outer expansive ring around it that includes acquaintances, akin to the ripple effect on a pool of water.

A friend and I were discussing this situation, which led me to ponder how I acquire fewer friends than acquaintances, and what defines each. While I was reflecting on this, an angel friend guided me to Wikipedia, which states, “[…part of the] role of angels includes protecting and guiding human beings.” I started wondering: in order to grace angels with the reverence of their service, is it respectful to create an innermost circle, then a ring of friends, around their circle?

More pondering commenced as I wondered what was special and unique about friends? I once heard someone say, “Friends are your chosen family.” I recall at the time quietly agreeing. In the dictionary, the definition of a friend includes: 1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; 2. a person who gives assistance.

Angels and friends share roles of guiding and giving assistance. After all, isn’t it a friend or the angels you turn to when your heart is wide open to release sorrow, pain, joy, bliss, anger, confusion, self-doubt, or any and everything you know you won’t be judged for? But it is our friends that are present through moments when you need them to hand you a Kleenex while you mumble and hiccup through tears and to sharing your happiness during life’s many exciting moments, accomplishments, and rite of passages.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t usually call on my angel friends to tell them I just got accepted to travel to Venus, since I figure this is past news to them by the time I have received the news myself. I usually include angel friends in my gratitude prayer for assisting me with manifesting miracles, sometimes along with a mundane request (to which they understandably respond to by ignoring me). At their convenience, they blast me with the wise message that it is my will and not their role to provide me with what I am capable of choosing and doing for myself!

This kind of honesty is what we seek from a good friend; one who will remind us of our strengths and also let us know when we are doing something that is foolish.

I have never given much thought or consideration to my friendships based on “…attachment by feelings of affection or personal regard.” But this definition of friendship certainly rings a bell, otherwise how could you ever develop a bond? I have also never thought of being emotionally attached to my angel friends until now, but I certainly am. Angels are my life lines. I confess more vulnerable emotions to them than my friends. On another note, there are some things I would shrink over if I were to voice them to the angels.

Time is not always a factor in determining whether or not someone is admitted to my circle of friends. I can know someone for many moons and consider them merely an acquaintance. With others I have formed a magnetic connection of friendship before the sun has set. Friends and acquaintances come into our lives and pass with the seasons. Sometimes several seasons pass and friendships spring up like weeds and are continuous.

It seems friends are in our hearts and memories, always and forever, like angels among us. Now I’m feeling inspired to call on a friend to create a magic moment with! Thank you angels for bringing me the gift of friends!

 

By admin | Posted in adventure, American Indian college graduates, American Indian discrimination, American Indian drop-out rate, American Indians, Donors, indigenous knowledge, literature, Native American Art, Native American Student Internships, Native American Students, Native culture, Native languages, Tribal College, tribal colleges | Tagged | Comments (0)
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