New on the NMAI blog: An interview with Judi M. Gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. Excerpt: What message would you like to share with Native youth? I would like to encourage our youth to take the time to listen to their elders and learn their stories. Our tribal identity is under attack in America, and one of the best ways to maintain that identity is to know the stories from the past. These stories teach lessons and cultural values that will help lead us forward. We don’t have to look to Hollywood for our heroes or to the NBA. They are around us in our own families. Over the past six years, I have enjoyed teaching in the Native Daughters Project at the University of Nebraka–Lincoln . Our first publication had the words of a Northern Cheyenne proverb on the back cover. I believe they are still true: A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women lay on the ground. We are all ambassadors for our people, and it is important that we show up each day for duty and live by these traditional principals. I would close with this inspirational quote for our people from the another Native Daughters publication on the women of Oklahoma. Its by Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller: The secret of our success is that we never, never give up. Photo: Judi Gaiashkibos (right) with Cynthia and Frank LaMere (Winnebago) at a fundraiser to support the St.Augustine Indian Mission, Winnebago, Nebraska. Photo by Lauren Justice. Used with permission.
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 20:47:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015