I agree with your belief in a commonality of interest shared by "native"
peoples and other groups. There is no denying the fact that cooperative
political strategies may lead to the acheivement of mutuals objectives. In
this sense I completely support the type of social and political action you
advocate.
Also, please do not interpret my criteria of "having a connection to the
community" as being a racialist distinction. Many non-Indian individuals are
valuable to native communities in whatever roles they may be playing. Con-
versly, many genuine Indians contribute nothing to their own peoples' struggle.
My criteria for "connection" is, of course, primarily a racial one. But not
exclusively so. Along with membership in the Indian nation, I see commitment,
experience and respect as important. So in a sense, the color of the heart is
important in determining the value of an individual as an agent of change in
Indian communities. But we should also recognize that for Indians, the color
of the skin (membership in the nation) is a priviledged factor that takes
precedence over all others.
Skennen,
Gerald Alfred
Cornell University