I've been attending a workshop at Lame Deer this week and I brought my laptop to take notes. I bought it last year and I haven't used it enough to get really comfortable with it. Now I'm at my desktop computer and I'm having trouble with this keyboard.....yesh who woudda thought it would happen like that?
Anyway, this workshop is about developing a curriculum to teach the history and culture of the Northern Cheyenne to our students and students around the state. In 1972 the Montana Constitution was revised and contained a provision to have all students educated about the native people of the state, Indian Education for All, and now in 2006, the money has been budgeted and the schools are actually expected to implement the law. Of course it took a few years of litigation to make it happen but it is necessary if people are going to stop being ignorant of special nature of the tribes in Montana. I have been working on or near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation for 26 years now and I have learned a few things about the history and culture, but sadly, no language. I do encounter racist attitudes from people when I mention that I work at Lame Deer. When I read comments in the Billings Gazette, I realize that most people really don't understand the special nature of treaty rights and sovereignty; I barely understand them myself and I've been trying for a few years now. Anyway, I think that if the study of Montana tribes will help educate the general populace and help the bad feelings between the tribes and the "white" population.
I'm not sure why I was invited to participate since all the other members are Northern Cheyenne. I guess I'm the "token." Kind of a new feeling for me, but not a bad feeling, I don't think anyone resents my presence, at least I hope not.
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