--Gary (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us - NativeNet co-facilitator) ]
The Native American Traditions, Ideals, and Values Educational Society
(The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society) proposes to be a moderate voice in modern
society in support of Native America. Our mission is three-fold:
1. To Educate Modern Society
We will provide opportunities for modern society to learn the truth
about Native American culture and traditions and to respect their
sacredness. We will seek to promote understanding and respect for
Mother Earth, Native America, and all who walk this great Land.
2. To Educate Native America
We will provide opportunities to learn about modern society and
understand that she can integrate with modern society without
forfeiting her heritage. We will seek to uplift and inspire Native
America by informing her about the dangers of illiteracy, alcoholism,
drug abuse, and spouse and child abuse.
3. To Preserve and Promote Native America
We will study, record, and promote the cultures, histories and pure
traditions of Native America. In so doing, we seek the engender
awareness of Native America, rekindle Native American pride, and
encourage Native Americans to band together as a people.
Although our focus will be to educate the children of the world, we
welcome people of all ages, races, creeds and tongues. Working together, we
will witness Native America realize the visions of her forefathers and
rise again like the fiery Phoenix, a brave and noble people capable of
prominence and influence in modern society.
"Where We Are Now"
The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society began in January 1993 and is currently in the
process of filing with the Internal Revenue Service as a full-fledged,
bonafide public charity. Its founder, Betty "Red Ant" LaFontaine, is a
Navajo Indian whose childhood on the reservation gave her a firm
foundation in her Navajo culture. A mother of five, Betty knows that the
children of America are our future, and aided by her husband, Mike (a
Chippewa Indian), she routinely visits schools, clubs, scout groups,
YMCA's, libraries and other public functions in Northeast Florida and
Southeast Georgia to give children a taste of her culture and to teach
them to respect the sacredness of her Navajo traditions. In addition,
Betty is a practiced craftsman, preserving Native America by teaching
others her skills and promoting awareness of Native America by selling her
crafts.
"Where Are We Going"
The N.A.T.I.V.E Society is an extension of Betty Red Ant's efforts to
educate her fellowmen. Membership in The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society is open to
all walks of life and is obtained by submitting a membership application
and fee. Members receive a newsletter every two months. Each newsletters
includes a schedule of Native American events being held nation wide,
recounts of Native American histories, stories of Betty Red Ant of her
experiences on the reservation, poems and Native American news. One
important aspect of The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society is volunteerism. All of
those who work with The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society are volunteers, so rest
assured that the charitable impact of you membership fee and donations
will be maximized. Members of The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society may also
become more involved by becoming a volunteer and assisting in The
N.A.T.I.V.E. Society's exciting upcoming events. Some of these
events include attending the "International World of Nations" in May of
1993, collecting Christmas gifts for children on Indian reservations in
late 1993, creating a pen pal program between schools on Indian
reservations and schools throughout the United States, and organizing a
national event- the first ever Annual Indian Summer Festival of
Jacksonville, Florida, at Metropolitan Park in beautiful downtown
Jacksonville in March of 1994, attracting dancers, traders and craftsmen
from all over North America. The Christmas program alone is expected to
involve over fifty schools and thousands of children. Betty Red Ant's
school activities have already attracted media attention in Northeast
Florida and touched the lives of tens of thousands of children. The
N.A.T.I.V.E. Society is also planning to participate in many other events
throughout the country. You are needed in this new and exciting
organization, so please join us today, and thank you for your interest.
The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society
The Native American Traditions, Ideals, and Values Educational Society
P.O. Box 411, Orange Park, Florida 32067-0411; PH: (904) 269-8865
_ _ _ _ _ _ MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION _ _ _ _ _ _ _
/ Membership Fee: $25/year $100/5 years $600/Lifetime /
Corporate Sponsors Welcome!
/ /
Name __________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
/ /
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________
/ Phone _________________________________________________________ /
If you are of Native American descent, please indicate:
/ /
Tribe ________________________________ Percent ________________
Mail fee and application to:
/ /
The N.A.T.I.V.E. Society
P.O. Box 411
/ Orange Park, FL 32067-0411 /
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