Eurocentric intelligence is restricted to rational, linear, competitive, and hierarchical thinking. Indigenous intelligence encompasses the body, mind, heart, and experience in total responsiveness and total relationship to the whole environment, which includes the seven generations past and future. Implementation of major changes to indigenous…

Native Americans must stop giving allegiance and attention to this other way (the Christian, westernized way) that has destroyed them. Native Americans have to reach their people in such a way that their traditional life is the first thing. They have to learn their traditional teachings well enough so that when they pass them on, their children…

Describes the Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program, which seeks to save endangered Native Californian languages by pairing speakers and nonspeakers and providing the pairs with materials, technical support, and personal support. Briefly discusses the history of American Indian genocide and language extinction in California. Includes…

In November 2001, elders, youth, educators, culture bearers, and community members came together to speak from within their own experiences about the critical issues and challenges facing Native people in the 21st century and to envision the positive thinking required for future generations. This proceedings documents 34 oral presentations and…

The author describes the difficulties of achieving his life-long dream of going to an Ivy League college, and how his Shawnee grandfather advised him to acquire the white man's skills and bring them back to his people. He advises young Native Americans to choose the more difficult, yet honorable path of serving their own people. (TD)

Profiles American Indian and Alaska Native leaders of the 1970s: Lucy Covington (Colville), who blocked tribal termination; Joe DeLaCruz (Quinault), Reuben Snake (Winnebago), and Peter MacDonald (Navajo), tribal presidents who enforced tribal sovereignty; Ada Deer (Menominee) and other graduates of the American Indian Law Center's summer programs;…

A member of the Oglala Lakota describes his traditional childhood; his boarding school education; and his career in the army, university, and tribal council during the American Indian Movement. In his 40s, he became aware of the spirits and changed his life. He tells the Lakota creation story and laws and advises future generations to carry the…

John Trudell, Indian activist orator and poet, discusses the "Spirit Eater," authoritarian systems that siphon off human energy to fuel a materialistic, technological reality. This illusion has dominated European cultures for thousands of years but contrasts sharply with indigenous knowledge and spirituality. He also discusses protecting…

Being a Native teacher of Native studies is an honor--non-Native students want to learn about Natives, Native students have their culture validated, and sharing Native history with non-Native neighbors builds friendships. Many Native troubles stem from colonization, but Natives should not take their frustrations out on each other but should…

Much of the disarray in Native economic systems comes from their inability to control their assets. The greatest Native asset is Native people. Youth must be engaged from preschool through tribal colleges. Off-reservation tribal members must be engaged for their knowledge and networks. Tribal governments must encourage broad participation. Native…

While rediscovering her Chippewa spirituality, the author learned that life's tests are gifts. The ways she learned in the White world had prevented her from serving her people. She had to undergo pain to learn about compassion before she could be of service. Native people need to positively reinforce children and allow them to talk about their…

Mainstream media spreads misperceptions that American Indian gaming benefits just a few, is not well regulated, and encourages criminal activity. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act mandates that gaming revenues fund tribal government programs; now that they have their own revenue, tribes are enthusiastically funding educational programs to maintain…

The Okanagan spirit is expressed through the enow'kin, a democratic process where everyone listens, engages, and gives strength to each other, and derives enjoyment from communing with each other. The Okanagan educational process teaches ways to engage in those processes, whereas mass public education dictates a type of education that is…

Traces the growth and development of higher education for American Indians during the 20th century. Discusses assimilationist educational policies (1870s-1920s), a tiny group of Indian college graduates who advanced Native higher education, early college preparatory schools and the role of the church, shift in federal policy (1930s), activism…

A 4-day conference in late 2001 examined challenges facing Native people in the 21st century and the positive thinking required for future generations. Thirty-three intergenerational participants shared indigenous wisdom specific to land and economy, education and socialization, governance and leadership, health and reproduction, and…