Greetings to our honored educators,

Thank you for attending the diversity seminar shared by The National Association for Multicultural Education on June 26, 2007 at the NEA conference in Baltimore, Maryland.  We five NAME members  -- Keith Fellers, William Howe, Teresa Montano, Taquan Stewart, and myself -- appreciate the opportunity to celebrate multicultural education with you. A special "megwich" (thank you) to Harris Knight-Moore for his generosity in offering sage and playing his Native flute.

As promised, resources used during my session about Modern Day Native American Lesson Plans is being shared here at the Native Village website.

The America's Indigenous Peoples are known by many terms: First Nations (Canada; Alaska Native; American Indian; Native American; Native Hawaiian, and Indians (Mexico-South America).  "American Indian" and "Native American" are the preferred terms in the mainland U.S.  Remember, however, that native people prefer being recognized by their tribal nation, eg: Cherokee, Lakota, Mayan, etc. 

We are all of the human race, and we are all connected in more ways than we think. Latinos, Mexican, African-Americans, and many of us with European and Asian heritage also have Native Heritage. A few years ago, I discovered my Seneca roots by simply researching my family tree. Having "Indian" blood does not make us "Indian," but it does make us better appreciate the connections among people of all races and nations.

When learning about native cultures with your students, reach out to the tribal people themselves for information.  Their generosity is amazing.

Gina Boltz
Director, Native Village Publications
Director, Youth Forum for The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers
http://www.nativevillage.org
Secretary, Link Center Foundation
www.linkcenterfoundation.org

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