We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also many our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.
   Traditional Learning
   Traditional Learning

    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception bein Traditional Learning
 
    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception being the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.
   Traditional Learning

     .            Traditional Learning
 
    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception being the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.
   Traditional Learning

     .            g the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.
    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception being the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.              Traditional Learning

    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception being the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that s   Traditional Learning

    Among my people, many of our Grandfathers never asked if we wanted to learn something.  (The only exception being the Medicine People, who were chosen.) They waited until we approached them, with respect, and usually a gift of some sort.  Often they made us wait or assigned us some menial chores to perform before finally allowing us to "watch".  Often they did not explain what they were doing or what we were to do- they just did it in a manner that we could observe clearly.  We copied their actions, memorized the songs or prayers or accompanying words and they corrected us until we did it right.  Neither did they always explain "why" we were doing something, what it meant, or why we were doing it just that way.  If we asked , they'd just say, "that's just how we do it", or "that is how it's done."  And it didn't do any good to ask further.  If they wanted to tell you, they did, if and when they were ready.

          We accepted this because we had respect for them and we wanted to learn "our" Way, not "my" way.  One of the great problems we face today in the education of our children is that, for generations, many have abandoned these traditional teaching methods.  Also our children, having grown up in a fast food world, with instant media, and constant sensory gratification, are simply unprepared to take the time to learn in this manner.  In the absence of patience , respect, and a burning desire or circumstantial necessity to learn, they lose interest and motivation quickly.  They do not see the value of the long run, prefering the short sprint.
          Do we wait for them to mature, hoping they will eventually come to us?  Do we write it down so it will be available to whomever looks for it?
          How do we encourage them to identify with values and beliefs not familiar to them or instilled in them since birth?
         Should ancient knowledge be allowed to pass away as obsolete if no one steps up to learn it in a traditional way?
         Different peoples have become assimilated at different rates.  Some have lost touch with almost all their heritage while others still maintain a good part of their values and beliefs.
              We all face the similar danger that so much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.           o much will be lost that, in the future, we will become just like the Irish, Italian, Chinese--all great cultures who have lost what makes them special- who have assimilated and become just racially different Americans.
         What we represent as Indins, our viewpoint and heritage, is important to the future of this land.   The "superior" american culture is finding out daily that it is not so superior.  The reason we have so many wanabi's and people copying our culture is because they have lost theirs or are unfilled.
          I was fearful for awhile that too much might be lost.  Today I am more hopeful.  But the temptation to write it down will not preserve the power of oral tradition, will not preserve language.  It takes discipline and sacrifice by each of us- to hold what we cherish for generations to come.