DENVER – Parenting philosophy fits into the “Think Indian” concept, said American Indian College Fund president and CEO Rick Williams as he prepared for AICF’s 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Oct. 28.
“Think Indian,” a campaign launched by AICF, turns the focus inward to stress Native identity, including the ways in which Indian people learn. It was unveiled at a community gathering earlier this year when AICF said it was seeking greater recognition and familiarity in Denver, where it has been based for two decades.
The 20th anniversary celebration is taking place at the AICF’s 14th annual Flame of Hope Gala, which raises funds for student scholarships. Among the luminaries will be “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight, actress and musician Irene Bedard, L.A. Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Colorado dignitaries, including Gov. Bill Ritter, Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
“If you think of what we’re trying to do, it’s the reverse of assimilation,” Williams said. “For years and years it was negative to be Indian, but today we’re saying, ‘Let’s use our internal strength and look at who we are as a people to strengthen self-identification.’
“It’s important to get people to do some introspection – what does it really mean to ‘be Indian?’ As a parent, what does that mean? Are we still burdened with the dominant society goal of fitting in?”
Or should students be encouraged to turn to their own identity – “who they see in the mirror,” he said. “It involves focusing on who we are.”
Working with Native languages can be a productive part of “Think Indian” for youth, he said, describing the enthusiasm with which his children and grandchildren participate in speaking Lakota.
“When we can have a conversation in Lakota, he is just delighted,” Williams said of a 12-year-old grandson. “He takes things he’s learned to a multi-ethnic school.” There, where some students who are Spanish-speaking, “he’s also got his language – he teaches them, and they teach him theirs.”
Parents and others can also consider the ways Indian people think and “how we can improve” in helping students in that area.
“We know that our children think differently – and by strengthening the ways they think as an Indian, we can be more successful,” Williams said.
Native children are more oral and learn best by hands-on, experiential, collaborative methods, because “peer learning is very important.”
Before western European contact, “in our communities, it was highly accepted to learn from peers.”
Williams stressed a belief transcending philosophy or learning concepts: “The most important thing is that we look at our children and we treat them as sacred little ones and that we love them.
“In all we do, that’s the foundation.”
Other notables at the Flame of Hope Gala include actor Benjamin Bratt, who is celebrity co-chair with Bedard and Jackson, and Cankdeska Cikana tribal college president Cynthia Lindquist Mala. Hattie Kauffman of CBS’ Early Show will serve as mistress of ceremonies.
Performances by Native dancers and drum groups will also be held and a fine arts auction will be conducted.
The AICF, created in 1989, is the largest national scholarship provider for American Indian students. It provides more than 6,000 scholarships annually and helps to support America’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
