Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

april 17, 2004 - Issue 111

School News

gathered by Vicki Lockard

The information here will include items of interest for and about Native American schools.
If you have news to share, please let us know!
I can be reached by emailing: Vlockard@aol.com

Chief Joseph honored

Over 50 students, faculty members and guests attended the opening ceremony of Indian Awareness Week April 12 in the EWU campus mall.

Audrey Bincint, president of the Native American Student Association, opened the ceremony, thanking the audience for their support and welcomed guest speakers which included representatives from the Nez Perce tribe, Frank Halfmoon, Albert Redstar and EWU Board of Trustees member Joanne Kaufman.

Halfmoon and Redstar each shared stories memorializing Chief Joseph (1804-1904), recounting numerous legends of bravery and courage. One sentiment was emphasized by Halfmoon, quoting Chief Joseph, "We can endure. We can live through it. We have lived through it."

Both Halfmoon and Redstar also gave the audience a traditional prayer of welcome.

Justin Grant, NASA member, said that the week of awareness will bring to light some important issues for students regarding ethnic diversity.

Kaufman, after reading a letter from Gov. Gary Locke, said that the students at EWU are part of a "cultural crossroads, meeting up with one another as we find direction and significance for our future lives."

Kaufman said, "The more awareness, the better."