Institute on American Indian Culture

FAIN: EO-10187-70

Dine College (Tsalie, AZ 86556-9998)
Ruth Roessel (Project Director: March 1970 to present)

Summer institute for 30 elementary and secondary teachers on Indian life and culture. ABSTRACT: Summer institute for 30 elementary and secondary teachers, to provide insight into Indian life and culture. Provides first-hand experience on Navajo reservation-attending community and tribal council meetings, living in Navajo home, visiting historic sites. Covers specific Indian arts and crafts, Introduction to Indian language, basic information related to modern and future Indian life. Emphasis on Navajo but visits to neighboring reservations as well. College on Navajo reservation provides unexcelled location for constant, intimate contact between students and Navajo people. Too many teachers of Indian children have little or no contact with Indian life-have never even visited an Indian home-which hinders their ability to relate to Indian children and to make school work meaningful for them. Teachers of non-Indian children can use experience gained at institute to teach respect for cultural and ethnic differences. Fund for personnel, room and board, travel, supplies, equipment, stipends.