Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

February 21, 2004 - Issue 107

Tribal College Journal honors Native warriors

MANCOS, Colo. — The Tribal College Journal is seeking American Indians currently serving in the armed forces who want to continue their ties with their culture and with education while away from home.

Tribal College Journal is a quarterly magazine published by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, an organization of 35 tribal colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. It focuses upon new models for Native American higher education, according to a news release.

In its current issue, TCJ appeals to its readers to honor the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and their families by donating subscriptions. There is a long history of Indian people serving in all branches of the armed forces, starting with the American Revolution. Recent publicity has honored the work of the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II, but during both world wars, American Indian Code Talkers helped bring victory by using various languages, including Choctaw, Comanche, Lakota, Crow, or Navajo words.

"Americans hold differing viewpoints about war in general and the degree of U.S. involvement, but each of us appreciates the dedicated men and women willing to give their lives, the sacrifices they are willing to make, and the impact their decision has on their families," says Dr. Gerald E. Gipp, a Hunkpapa Lakota. Gipp is the executive director AIHEC.

The current issue of Tribal College Journal discusses the importance of Native languages and the controversy over English Only laws. TCJ points out that Native code talkers have saved hundreds of lives. Dr. Richard Littlebear discusses more subtle benefits of being bilingual.

In his essay, "Confessions of a freedom-loving bilingual," Littlebear says, "I like reading and hearing the soaring words of Martin Luther King, Jr., the solemn phraseology of the Lake Poets, the majesty and wit of Shakespeare, the whimsicality of Ogden Nash, and the inspiring obscurity of Dylan Thomas. I enjoy hearing the Cheyenne lyrics and vocatives of our honor and flag songs. I like hearing the rhythmic, precise terminology of Cheyenne prayers. For me, both languages have equal weight and influence in all that I do."

The current issue features a new design by Walt Pourier of Nakota Designs, which shows off the writing by some of Native America's most respected scholars.

The "English Only?" issues will be available March 1. TCJ would like to receive the names and mailing addresses of the American Indian soldiers by that time. Subscriptions will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Send the information by e-mail to eleanor@tribalcollegejournal.org or write to TCJ-Native Warriors, P.O. Box 720, Mancos, CO 81328.

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