The following statement on Ethnic Fraud was developed by
the Association of American Indian and Alaskan Native Professors: The
statement went out as a press release, but never appeared in the
Chronicle of Higher Education or any other paper for that matter. I
did follow up on the Chronicle, but couldn't get in touch with the person
who could answer questions. I will post the statement below, but if you want
a paper copy also, let me know.
Several issues facing the professoriate were discussed at the third annual meet
ing of the Association of American Indian and Alaska Native Professors at the
Phoenix Airport Hilton, February 5-7, 1993.
Since 1991, approximately 45 people per year have gathered in a meeting
hosted by the Center for Indian Education at Arizona State University. This nu
mber is representative of a growing database which includes more than 350
professors in more than 100 colleges and universities who have identified them
selves as American Indian and/or Alaska Native.
The purpose of the annual meeting is to continue the process of communica
tion between and among members of the American Indian and Alaska Native profess
oriate in order to
1. stimulate research in Indian issues in all disciplines,
2. develop a communication network with other American Indian/Alaska Native or
ganizations,
3. take a stand on issues such as Indian identity in terms of
higher education as it impacts students, faculty, staff, and
administration,
4. develop a position statement on Indian Studies programs in terms
of models, certification/accreditation, and evaluation, 5.) assist
colleges and universities in recruiting efforts by providing
information about the available pool of American Indian/Alaska
Native professors, and 6. promote American Indian/Alaska Native
intellectualism.
The meeting agenda included topics which address these issues,
however, the topic of Indian identity generated extensive and intense
discussion. At the end of the conference, the group submitted the
following statement to be dis tributed for publication:
"We the Association of American Indian and Alaska Native Professors, hereby
establish and present our position on ethnic fraud and offer recommendations
to ensure the accuracy of American Indian/Alaska Native identification in Ameri
can colleges and universities. This statement is developed over concern about
the racial exploitation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in American coll
eges and universities.
We think it is necessary to establish our position on ethnic fraud because of d
ocumented incidents of abuse. This statement is intended to assist universitie
s in their effortsto develop culturally diverse campus communities. The implic
ations of this statement are threefold:
1) to assist in the selection process that encourages diversity among
students, staff, faculty, and administration, 2) to uphold the
integrity of institutions and enhance the credibility with American
Indian/Alaska Native Nations/Tribes, and 3) to recognize the
importance of American Indian/Alaska Native Nations/Tribes in
upholding their sovereign and legal right as nations to determine
membership.
Therefore, the following prioritized recommendations are intended to
affirm and ensure American Indian/Alaska Native identity in the
hiring process. We are asking that colleges and universities:
* Require documentation of enrollment in a state or federally
recognized nation/tribe with preference given to those who meet this
criterion;
* Establish a case-by-case review process for those
unable to meet the first criterion;
* Include American Indian/Alaska Native faculty in the selection process;
* Require a statement from the applicant that demonstrates past and futur
e commitment to American Indian/Alaska Native concerns;
* Require higher education administrators to attend workshops on tribal
sovereignty and meet with local tribal officials; and
* Advertise vacancies at all levels on a broad scale and in tribal produc
aitons."
More information about the association and the annual meeting is available
by writing or calling the Center for Indian Education, Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-1311, 602-965-6292. The President of our
organization is Dr. Karen Swisher. ###
George D. Baldwin, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
Dept. of Sociology and Human Services
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Office: 501- 246- 5511 x3292
Director of INDIANnet
Americans for Indian for Opportunity
681 Juniper Hill Road
Bernalillo, NM 87004
INDIANnet: 605-393-0468 8N1 INTERNET: Baldwin@holly.hsu.edu