Archive for February 8th, 2011

8
Feb

Prof: Native lawmakers under-researched, underappreciated

   Posted by: admin    in Native politics

From Cindy Yurth, Tséyi’ Bureau, Navajo Times:

Native American state legislators have made significant contributions toward the status of Natives in this country – yet their work has largely gone unrecognized and unappreciated, said a Minnesota university professor who is co-authoring a book on them.

David E. Wilkins (Lumbee), a former Diné College professor who currently teaches law, political science and American Indian studies at the University of Minnesota, has been researching the nation’s Native legislators since 2002.

Wilkins says he has become convinced that Native nations would not be where they are today, in terms of sovereignty and civil rights, without the presence of Natives in the statehouses.

“Native lawmakers have been proactive in drafting legislation that benefits not only their own tribes, but other (Indian) nations,” Wilkins said in a telephone interview from his Minneapolis office. “At the same time, I’m finding that they take seriously their responsibility to the non-Natives in their districts.”

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8
Feb

Elders on Par with Teachers in Nunavut Schools

   Posted by: admin    in First Nations, Inuit

The Nunavut Department of Education in Canada recently certified five Inuit elders as Innait Inuksiutilirijiit, or teachers.

The distinction gives the elders the ability to become active instructors in the schools, connecting their knowledge to the formal education, ICTMN reports.

The Education Act passed in 2008 allows the certification. Elders are incorporated into the system to help preserve the culture and values of the Inuit.

    “Today is a great day for learning in Nunavut,” said Premier Eva Aariak in a statement after the February 2 ceremony. “The certification and recognition of Elders and their expertise is an important step in creating a Nunavut education system that is founded in Inuit culture, language and traditions.”

    Mary Akumalik, Sinea Kownirk, Serapio Ittusardjuat, Letia Tikivik and Sheepa Ishulutaq, all from Iqaluit, were the first Elders to be awarded this certification under the new Education Act, which stipulates in Section 102 that District Education Authorities (DEAs) may employ Elders to assist in teaching about Inuit culture, tradition and knowledge, the release said.

    On a par with faculty as well as the principal, guidance counselors and student support assistants, certified elders may participate in instruction of school programs, in concert with teachers and other school personnel.

Jenna Cederberg

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