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Part IV: State Native American Commission — Building a stronger community
Part IV: State Native American Commission — Building a stronger community
On July 1, the first ethnic group to live in Indiana became the last to have a funded state commission. The Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission was granted $100,000 for each of the next two fiscal years by the General Assembly earlier this year.
With the funding, the commission will be better able to pursue problems facing Indiana’s Native Americans in the areas of employment, education, civil rights, health and housing. It will also be promoting Native American awareness. Eight of the 15 voting members of the commission are Native Americans.
The commission had its origins in the administration of late Gov. Frank O’Bannon, then Gov. Joe Kernan. But early meetings became bogged down in the sometimes bitter internal Native American politics over federal recognition — who fit the definition of a Native American and who had the right to serve. After Gov. Mitch Daniels took office in 2005, the commission reorganized. Miami Chief Brian Buchanan accepted the offer to chair and established strict rules of order. It made an immediate impact.
“It’s only because of his leadership we’ve gotten some things accomplished,” said Jon Vanator of the Governor’s Office.
One issue on the commission’s agenda is recognition for Native Americans who are not part of a federally-recognized tribe. The commission has suggested the state accept a state recognition process to create equality among all of Indiana’s Native American population.
“Federal recognition is what we need,” said the Miami’s vice chief Dunnagan, “but state recognition will help preserve us.”
Education is another top priority. “We want indigenous tribes’ histories included in the Indiana curriculum,” said Thom, also a commission member. “Indiana has a rich Indian history. There are towns; there are rivers — all named after tribal people or a tribe. Many native born Indiana citizens have no clue what tribes were here, when they were here, when they left or why. And everybody needs to know their own background.”
She noted for example, “It isn’t appropriate to have teepees in the chapter with Native Americans. What … does a teepee have to do with Indiana Indians?”
Teepees were used by the Plains Indians, not Woodland Indians. Here, they lived in dome-shaped wigwams, abodes the Miami called “wikiami,” or longhouses. Yet, some Indiana history books, discussing indigenous tribes, are illustrated with teepees and include sections of text on “teepee life.”
“Our history books don’t even teach about the indigenous tribes here,” she added. “They do that out West because there are laws that have been passed to protect their culture. And their history has to be taught in the schools.
“But there’s not been a big enough Indian community here in Indiana to say you need to teach our people’s history. In that regard, this Native commission can do a tremendous benefit to the tribal people of Indiana.”
To make Indiana’s curriculum on Native Americans truly effective and have lasting impact, Thom said it needs to focus on older students, too. “If you’re ever going to get the citizenry understanding that the tribal people still exist, still function, still have needs, you’ve got to do it when you’re dealing with someone beyond the fourth grade level.”
Buchanan said the commission will be holding “town hall” meetings around the state in the coming months to hear concerns from Native Americans. “I see the commission becoming the centralized hub for all Native American communities to address concerns and needs,” he said. “We’ve got an avenue for growth.”
Vanator noted that the commission is not about creating new programs and services. It’s about getting the word out to Native Americans about the programs that already exist. He said the commission’s best days are “certainly ahead.”
“They’ve got their legs underneath them. They’ve got strong leadership. And now they’ve got funding. This absolutely is a step in the right direction,” Vanator said.
“We can make this Native American community a stronger community,” Buchanan said.
Go to Part V: Indiana’s continuing story
Go back to Part III: The way the ‘old folks’ taught
Go back to “Following the Path” index
Go back to August 2007 contents
Written By: eceditor
Date Posted: 7/19/2007
Number of Views: 1220
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