Author Gyasi Ross is celebrating “modern-day warriors” in his new series for Indian Country Today Media Network, and this week he introduces readers to a man who is “a proxy for ALL great Native fathers.”

In his usually humorous-but-poignant way, Ross explains just how Albert Pooley’s Fatherhood/Motherhood Is Sacred program is helping share just how important parenting is to the future generations.

(Pooley) took away the romance and misperception that Native people always think about and plan for the next seven generations; instead, he understood that the lack of fatherhood training is a genuine problem within Indian Country and will hurt all future generations. Without making excuses or judgments, Mr. Pooley decided to do something about this very real problem. Therefore, using non-religiously-specific curriculum and teaching methods, the Fatherhood/Motherhood is Sacred program teaches exactly that—that being a father/mother is a blessing from the Creator. And like most of our cultures require, we must sacrifice in exchange for our blessings—there is a corresponding obligation and steps that we must take to make sure we do it right!

Pooley’s program lays out the following principles:

- It is important that real and lasting change comes from within.
- The program inspires and ignites self motivation through natural techniques in bringing change to a person.
- Understanding ones self worth and the value they bring to their family will change their very nature, drawing them closer to loved ones.
- Native people must be a forward thinking, forward looking and forward moving people.
- When Native people truly understand the past it should inspire and motivate us to work toward a richer better future this is accomplished through strong fathers and mothers who are devoted to strengthening their families.

Pooley is a modern-day warrior, Ross says, because “We need more examples like Albert Pooley and the many Native men that champion fatherhood; there are a lot of them that do. However, there is also a lot that do not—we need programs and training like Mr. Pooley’s to assist those amongst us that do not.”

Read more of Ross’ “The Thing about Skins” columns here.

Jenna Cederberg