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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