> The Native American students of the University of Idaho feel strongly
> that this class should not be offerred. Currently, the students are
> contacting and asking Native communities to write letters in support of this
> protest. Please include personal opinions of why the class should not be
> offered.
>
>> The Native American Student Association of the University of Idaho
> <nasa@uidaho.edu>
I must reply to this request. I am Cherokee, a college student, and
live very closely to my traditional ways. But, I do not dance, because my
tribe does not allow its non-enrolled members to do so -- and I respect
their decision (I am non-enrolled).
I stand around the dance circle at Pow Wows and LONG to participate in
the dance. My heart aches at just the thought. But I do not because of
this mutual respect we have for each other. If persons such as myself have
to sacrifice and not participate in the joy of the dance, why should
"outsiders" with no traditional connection be allowed to do so?
This opportunity for non-traditional persons to learn customs of others
goes strongly against my understanding of the purpose of the dance. It is
not to learn the steps, or the skills -- it is much, much deeper -- a
spiritual dance of the heart, creation, and one's total being. I can only
dance in my heart. Someone needs to tell the teacher and her intended
students they should only do the same.
PS NOTE: I am developing a Native American Student Association at my
college next fall. Do you all have a constitution? Any developmental ideas
would be helpful. I am working without help.
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Comments from NativeNet listowner, Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us):
Please send suggestions directly to Darlene (dsousley@emory-henry.emory.va.us).
If anyone wants to have a discussion of this subject, please do so on the
NATCHAT list, referring to the fact that the original two articles were
posted here on NATIVE-L. (Interested parties can read those articles via
the NATIVE-L Web archives at "http://bioc02.uthscsa.edu/~gst/nl/")