Mr. Gentile: I read your message of concern regarding the American Indian
Relief Council, and I share your concern regarding the activities of Christian
missionaries which disrupt and undermine Indian culture and communities. Your
concern became suspect, however, as I read your appeal for participation in the
Circle of Children organization. As a non-Indian, I am involved (appropriately,
I would hope) in some activity and research regarding American Indian self-
determination and autonomy. Based on what I have learned about and seen of
organizations designed to "help" Indian people, I wonder about the purpose and
goals of the Circle of Children. Is the Circle of Children and Indian-run
organization, or is it run by self-appointed white friends of the Indian? Does
the organization respect the culture and autonomy of Indian people? Does it
support the education of Indian children according to their own language and
culture? More information about the organization would be most helpful. The
way your message is presented, it seems that Circle of Children may be the
same kind of organization as the very organization you had concerns about.
Loring Bush, Denver, Colorado